• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.61-77
• /
• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the current use and investigate the clinical practice of Korean Medicine for climacteric syndrome and postmenopausal syndrome outpatients. Methods: We studied climactic syndrome and postmenopausal syndrome outpatients who visited Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 via an analysis of the medical records. Results: 130 patients were finally selected. Their average age was 51.91±4.57 years and the average number of visits was 7.51±11.40 times. Patients usually complained two or more addresses, and the most frequent symptoms were hot flushes. 126 patients took herbal medicines and 99 of them took herbal decoctions. 106 patients were treated by acupuncture. 58 patients were treated by pharmacopuncture and Hominis Placenta was used to 50 subjects. As for the improvement rate by symptoms, hot flushes were the highest at 65.5%. We compared the improvement rate of groups taking Guibi-tang-gami A and Guibi-tang-gami B, the common herbal decoction of Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University. In the group of Guibi-tang-gami A, the improvement rate of hot flushes was the highest and in the other, vaginal dryness was the highest. Urinary frequency of the group with Hominis Placenta pharmacopuncture showed more than three times higher improvement rate of the non-executive group. Conclusions: We analyzed general characteristics, clinical characteristics, types of Korean medicine treatment, improvement rates by symptoms of 130 outpatients diagnosed with climactic syndrome and postmenopausal syndrome. This study could be used as reference to provide practical data of outpatient treatment for Climacteric Syndrome and Postmenopausal Syndrome.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.70-90
• /
• 2023

Objective This study analyzed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on pediatric asthma using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to determine its efficacy and safety. Methods We searched electronic databases in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean and evaluated 35 articles published up to December 28, 2022. Based on data from the literature, we analyzed treatments, results, composition of herbal medicine, frequency of medicinal herbs, and decoction. Results TCM for pediatric asthma was compared to supportive therapy, inhaled corticosteroids, and standardized treatments. Of the 35 studies, 32 showed that TCM treatments were effective in alleviating asthma symptoms. Furthermore, TCM treatment was considered safe compared to common asthma treatments. Among the TCM treatments for pediatric asthma, the most frequent decoctions were Gamisaganmahwangtang (加味射干麻黃湯) and Saganmahwangtang (射干麻黃湯). Ephedra Herba (麻黄), Armeniacae Semen (杏仁), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (細辛), Belamcandae Rhizoma (射干) were herbs that were frequently used for asthma in TCM decoctions. Conclusion This review showed that TCM is effective in treating pediatric asthma. More clinical RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of TCM treatment.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2022.09a
• /
• pp.103-103
• /
• 2022

Ganghwaljetongyeum (GHJTY) is a complex herbal decoction comprising 18 plants; it is used to treat arthritis. In order to develop a new anti-arthritic herbal medication, we selected 5 out of 18 GHJTY plants by using bioinformatics analysis. The new medication, called ChondroT, comprised water extracts of Osterici Radix, Lonicerae Folium, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Clematidis Radix, and Phellodendri Cortex. This study was designed to investigate its chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects to develop an anti-arthritic herb medicine. ChondroT was validated using a convenient and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography. photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) detection method for simultaneous determination of its seven reference components. The concentrations of the seven marker constituents were in the range of 0.81-5.46 mg/g. The chondroprotective effects were evaluated based on SW1353 chondrocytes and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of ChondroT were studied by Western blotting of pro-inflammatory enzymes and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. ChondroT enhanced the growth of SW1353 chondrocytes and also significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced MMP-1 expression. However, ChondroT did not show any effects on the growth of HeLa and RAW264.7 cells. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells, which was significantly decreased by pre-treatment with ChondroT. In addition, ChondroT reduced the activation of NF-κB and production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. These results show that ChondroT exerted a chondroprotective effect and demonstrated multi-target mechanisms related to inflammation and arthritis. In addition, the suppressive effect was greater than that exhibited by GHJTY, suggesting that ChondroT, a new complex herbal medication, has therapeutic potential for the treatment of arthritis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.31-54
• /
• 2024

Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of Hwanggigyejiomul-tang for postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A search was conducted using keywords such as "breast cancer", "lymphedema", "edema", "Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction", "Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu tang", and "Hwanggigyejiomul tang" in 10 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, CNKI, CiNii, RISS, KISS, ScienceON, OASIS, DBpia) on February 11, 2024. There were no limits on the publication period and language, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed based on the outcome measurements, such as total effective rate (TER), increase in shoulder joint mobility (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), and visual analog scale (VAS) using Review Manager Web. Results: Eleven RCTs were selected. The treatment group (Hwanggigyejiomul-tang-gagambang or hapbang with control group intervention) showed a more statistically significant effect compared with the control group (physical therapy or western medicine) in TER (upper limb circumference change), TER (upper limb edema grade change), increase in flexion angle, increase in extension angle, increase in adduction angle, FMA, and VAS. Conclusions: Hwanggigyejiomul-tang is effective in treating postoperative BCRL. However, because of the low quality of the included studies, more clinical studies are required to increase the possibility of clinical use.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.59-65
• /
• 2024

Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectal wall protrudes outside the anus. While it is a rare condition, it can cause discomfort for patients due to the protrusion of the rectal structure, discharge of mucus and blood, fecal incontinence, constipation, and other inconveniences. In this review, we analyzed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study that used the herbal medicine Bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) as a complementary therapy to improve the weaknesses and side effects of the standard treatment, surgical therapy, for rectal prolapse. The analysis included 12 RCT studies, and in all studies, the prescription involved the use of Astragali Radix at the highest dosage. Among the 11 studies that evaluated efficacy, 7 studies showed a significant effect compared to the control group. In all 3 studies that evaluating recurrence rates and all 5 studies investigating complications after surgery, the experimental group showed significant effects. Based on these findings, this study could be considered as a foundational evidence for the application of bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) in clinical practice in Korean medicine for patients with rectal prolapse. It could also serve as foundational data for future research.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.415-428
• /
• 2024

Objective and Methods: This study examined Cheng Guopeng (程國彭)'s understanding of Shanghan Disease (傷寒病) through <Yixue xinwu (醫學心悟)>, created tables based on this, and these tables were compared with <Shiyong zhongyi neike biaodian (實用中醫內科表典)>'s table on Six Meridian Pattern Identification (六經辨證). Results and Conclusion: 1. <Yixue xinwu> and <Shiyong zhongy neike biaodian> were mostly similar regarding the pathology and the Six Meridian Pattern Identification of Shanghan Disease. However, <Shiyong zhongyi neike biaodian> selected terms that encompass internal medical diseases rather than terms that refer only to infectious diseases. 2. About Taiyang meridian disease (太陽 經病), <Yixue xinwu> recognized the existence of Wen bing (溫病) and Re bing (熱病), but did not regard them as True Shanghan Disease (正傷寒), and differentially diagnosed them as Similar Shanghan Disease (類傷寒). 3. About Yangming meridian disease (陽明 經病), <Yixue xinwu> understood this as a meridian transmitted heat-syndrome in the interior (傳經 裏熱證), and created a new Radix Puerariae Decoction (葛根湯). This prescription has the same name as the <Shanghanlun (傷寒論)>, but it has a different drug composition and indications. 4. About three-In meridian disease (3陰 經病), <Yixue xinwu> always divided it into two categories: meridian transmitted heat-syndrome in the interior (傳經 裏熱證) and meridian stroked cold-syndrome in the interior (直中 裏寒證). However, <Shiyong zhongyi neike biaodian> described Taiin disease (太陰病) as Spleen-stomach deficiency cold-syndrome (脾胃虛寒證). This means that meridian transmitted heat-syndrome in the interior (傳經 裏熱證) does not exist among Taiin disease.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.396-414
• /
• 2024

Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of Gammaekdaejo-tang for post-stroke depression through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A search was conducted using keywords such as "Post-stroke Depression", "PSD", "Gammaekdaejo", and "Ganmai-dazao" on April 30, 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted according to outcome measurements, such as total effective rate (TER), HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), and NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), using the Review Manager website. Results: A total of 10 RCTs was selected. The treatment group ((Gammaekdaejo-tang) or (Gammaekdaejo-tang combined with other ingredients or decoction)+Western medicine) showed significant improvement effects in terms of TER, HDRS, and NIHSS compared to the control group (Western medicine). [TER] RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.27, P<0.00001, RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.38, P<0.00001; [HDRS] MD: -2.29, 95% CI: -2.58 to -2.00, P<0.00001), MD: -3.28, 95% CI: -4.21 to -2.35, P<0.00001) [NIHSS] MD: -7.70, 95% CI: -8.52 to -6.89, P<0.00001. Conclusion: This study suggests that Gammaekdaejo-tang is effective in treating PSD. However, there are limitations, such as the small number of included studies, inability to clearly determine the effect of Gammaekdaejo-tang, inability to use various evaluation tools, and risk of bias. This research must be supplemented through systematic research design and implementation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.29-48
• /
• 2024

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate recent trends in herbal medicine treatment for xerostomia. Methods : We searched for Randomized Controlled Trial(RCT) studies on xerostomia published after 2015 in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI). Studies were analyzed based on the year of publication, characteristics of patient groups, herbal medicine treatments and assessment scales. Results : A total of 16 RCT studies were selected. The most frequently used herbal prescription was Zengye Decoction(增液湯). Liriope Tuber(麥門冬), Rehmanniae Radix(生地黃), Glycyrrhizae Radix(甘草), Schisandrae Fructus(五味子), Scrophulariae Radix(玄蔘), Dendrobii Herba(石斛) and Gypsum Fibrosum(石膏) were commonly used herbs. Herbal medicine treatment demonstrated effectiveness in treating xerostomia across all the studies, and this effect was statistically significant. Conclusions : Herbal medicine treatment is effective in treating xerostomia. We anticipate that more high quality studies will be conducted in the future.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.325-343
• /
• 2024

Objective : To understand how Chungsangboha-tang (CSBHT) is being utilized in clinical practice and research in Korea, clinical studies related to CSBHT published in domestic academic journals were analyzed. Methods : The search was conducted using the following six databases: Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, ScienceON, Research Information Sharing Service, Koreanstudies Information Service System, and The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine. After selecting relevant literature published before June 24, 2024, the studies were classified and analyzed according to their research design. Results : The final selection comprised 20 studies categorized as follows: 1 non-randomized controlled trial and 10 before-and-after studies in prospective clinical research, along with 7 case reports and 2 retrospective chart reviews in retrospective clinical studies. Among the 233 participants included in these studies, 169 had asthma, 53 had chronic cough, and 5 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Additionally, other conditions reported included Churg-Strauss syndrome, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary hypertension. CSBHT was administered as a decoction in 13 studies, as granules in 6 studies, and both in one study. The most frequently used assessment tools were pulmonary function tests and quality of life evaluations. For safety assessment, liver function test results and adverse events were reported. Conclusion : To enhance the utilization of CSBHT in Korean medicine clinical practice, continuous accumulation of domestic clinical research is essential. Moreover, meticulously designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to elevate the level of evidence.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.487-496
• /
• 2013

Green coffee beans (CB, Indonesian Mandheling) were fermented with three kinds of mushrooms (Phellinus linteus, PL; Hericium erinaceum, HE; Ganoderma lucidum, GL) or two kinds of mycelia from molds (Monascus purpureus, MP; Monascus ruber, MR) using solid-state culture to enhance physiological activity. After the roasting of fermented green coffee beans, roasted coffees were extracted with a hot-water decoction or 95% ethanol reflux. Yields from hot water extracts (HW, 17.7~25.3%) were higher than those from ethanolic extracts (EE, 9.5~12.2%). Hot-water extracts of roasted coffees from green coffee beans fermented with two molds (MP-CB-HW and MR-CB-HW) showed higher total polyphenols, flavonoids, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity than roasted coffees from non-fermented (CB-HW) or fermented green coffee beans with the three mycelia from mushrooms. MR-CB-HW also had the most potent macrophage stimulating and mitogenic activity (1.32 and 1.40-fold of CB-HW, respectively). In addition, MP-CB-EE and MR-CB-EE did not show any cytotoxicity to the RAW 264.7 cell at a concentration of $100{\mu}g/mL$, and these extracts significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production from the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell line (38.6 and 37.0% of the LPS-treated group). Meanwhile, the chlorogenic acid concentrations of MP-CB-HW or MR-CB-HW highly increased (to 76.21 or $76.73{\mu}g/mL$, respectively), but caffeine concentrations were not affected by solid-state fermentation. In conclusion, the physiological activities of roasted coffees were enhanced by the solid-state culture of green coffee beans with M. purpureus or M. ruber, suggesting that these roasted coffees could possibly serve industrial applications as functional coffee beverages.