• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.19-25
• /
• 2017

Objectives Eucommiae cortex is one of the frequently used herbs for musculoskeletal disorders, with well-known anti-inflammatory effect. Meanwhile, powdered form of herbal drugs is more advantageous than decoction form, in that storing and taking is more convenient. Thus, the authors aimed to investigate whether the drying method affects the index compound level and anti-inflammatory effect of eucommiae cortex water extract. Methods Eucommiae cortex was extracted in distilled water at $100^{\circ}C$ for 3 hours, filtered, and then evaporated under vacuum. One half of the sample was freeze-dried at $-80^{\circ}C$. Another half of the sample was added with dextrin and then spray-dried at $180^{\circ}C$. To assess the possible change in index compound content, pinoresinol diglucoside was selected as the index marker. The content level of the index compound in various extract sample was quantified through high performance liquid chromatography. In addition, iNOS assay in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells was adopted to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of various extract samples. Furthermore, MTT assay was performed to confirm that the result of iNOS assay was not due to cytotoxicity. Results There was no significance difference in index compound content between extract samples obtained through two different drying methods. Anti-inflammatory activity of extract samples were similar at the matching concentration, regardless of the drying methods. Extract samples did not show any significant cytotoxicity. Conclusions Extract samples of eucommiae cortex were obtained through freeze-drying and spray-drying. Neither change in index compound content nor difference in anti-inflammatory activity was observed between drying methods.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.83-89
• /
• 2002

Background : Nowadays asthma is considered to be an inflamatory disease characterized by airborne hyper-responsiveness and pulmonary eosinophilia. Objective : We aimed to identify the effects of Sochongryongtang on blood eosinophil, serum IgE and T lympocyte subpopulation in asthmatic patients. Material and Methods : The subjects consisted of fifteen patients with asthma who had been treated with Sochongryongtang for two weeks from February 2001 through June 2001. Sochongryongtang is herbal decoction which has been used for the traditional therapeutic agent of asthma. Results : The blood eosinophil and serum IgE in a normal controlled group. However, the T lympocyte subpopulation in asthmatic patients was not significantly different from the T lympocyte subpopulation in a normal group. The patients were treated with Sochongryongtang for two weeks. No significant difference in the blood eosinophil, serum IgE and T Iympocyte in the sub population. After treatment with Sochongryongtang for two weeks, FEV 1 increased significantly over 0.5 points out of total scores. Conclusion : This study shows that Sochongryongtang has effects on improvement of pulmonary function and quality of life in asthmatic patients. However, the patients who were treated with Sochongryongtang for two weeks showed no significant difference in the blood eosinophil, serum IgE and T lympocyte subpopulation. Further long-term studies must be made on a large number of asthmatic patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2003

Background : In recent years, the glucocorticoid hormone has become a fundamental medication for asthma. However, a long period of hormone administration will result. in general. side effects on many body parts as well as hormone dependence, which has become a serious problem for western physicians. Objectives : We aimed to identify the clinical effects of Cheongsanghoha-tang and the steroid sparing effects of Cheongsanghoha-tang on. Materials and Methods : A subject group consists of 36 asthmatics who had been treated with Cheongsanghoha-tang for four weeks. Cheongsanghoha-tang is a herbal decoction, which has been used of the traditional therapeutic agent of asthma. PFT, QLQAKA, blood eosinophil, serum IgE, Serum IL-4. IL-5, IFN-${\gamma}$ were checked before and 4weeks after the treatment. Results : The only FVC% in ICSG among asthmatic patients was increased significantly compared to NICSG. Treatment of Cheongsanghoha-tang for four weeks resulted in significant increase in QLQAKA. The NICSG treated with Cheongsangboha-tang for four weeks were no significant difference in the blood eosinophil, serum IgE, IL-4 and IL-5. The PFT and QLQAKA in NICSG were increased significantly after 4 weeks treatment. But the serum IFN-${\gamma}$ in NICSG was decreased significantly after 4 weeks treatment. Discontinuation of treatment with inhaled corticosteroid in ICSG resulted in insignificant changes in PFT, the blood eosinophil, the serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-${\gamma}$ and significant increase in QLQAKA. As a result. 8 of 13 cases were cured with hormones completely and the rest of ICSG reduced the dose of ICS. Conclusions : This study shows that Cheongsanghoha-tang has the effects on the improvement of pulmonary function and cures asthmatic patients. These findings demonstrate that Cheongsanghoha-tang has the steroid sparing effect. Some satisfactory therapeutic results have been obtained in treating hormone-dependent asthma by Cheongsanghoha-tang. However. the concept and mechanism of hormone-dependent asthma have not been fully defined yet, and the standard for judging therapeutic effects have not been established. Obviously further researches concerning all these are still necessary.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.5
• /
• pp.973-983
• /
• 2018

Objectives: We report a case of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment for skin side effects after taking afatinib (Giotrif$^{(R)}$). Methods: A 62-year-old female who was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer stage 4 (T4N2M1b) and was on treatment with afatinib (29.56 mg/day for 4 months) complained of skin toxicity as a side effect. For 16 admission days, the patient was treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine (oral decoction and external ointment). Results: Improvement of skin toxicity was measured by a numeric rating scale. In addition, Quality of life (QOL) was measured using EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire, Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire, 13-item lung cancer-specific module (EORTC QLQ-LC13) Developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Tumor size and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were also examined during follow up. Conclusions: After a combined TKM treatment, skin toxicity symptoms and quality of life scales were significantly improved with no side effects. The tumor size was not changed on computed tomography during follow-up period. CEA levels were decreased.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.43-51
• /
• 2017

Objectives Hataedock method is a Korean medical therapy which removes fetal toxin by orally administering herbal decoction to neonates. This study was to observe skin damage and anti-inflammatory effect via regulating IL-4 activity in NC/Nga mice which were induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesion by Dermatophagoides (D.) farinae after applying Douchi Hataedock method. Methods NC/Nga mice with 3 weeks of gestational age were used. Each 10 mice were allocated to the control group (Ctrl), the AD-induced group (AE), and the group which induced AD after administering Douchi extract (GT). After 4 weeks from administering Douchi extract to the mice, the primary AD was induced by applying D. farinae extract 6 times per week for 3 weeks and then the secondary AD was induced by the same method after 1 week from the primary AD induction. To identify the skin damage and anti-inflammatory effect, we observed LxR, IL-4, Fc ${\varepsilon}$ receptor, substance P, and $NF-{\kappa}B$. Results The GT group showed alleviation of skin injury and decrease in capillary angiogenesis. Stratum corneum damage, epithelial cell hyperplasia, lymphocyte infiltration, and capillary distribution relatively decreased in the GT group. LxR-positive reaction in the GT group were increased by 53% than that of the AE group. IL-4 production, $Fc{\varepsilon}$ receptor activity, and substance P-positive reaction in the GT group were decreased by 82%, 42%, and 82% respectively compare to those of the AE group. $NF-{\kappa}B$-positive reaction in the GT group were decreased by 15% compare to that of the AE group. Conclusions Hataedock method with Douchi extract alleviated AD via reducing inflammatory cytokines secreted at the early stage of AD. Thus, Douchi Hataedock method has a beneficial effect for the prevention and treatment of AD.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.888-894
• /
• 1998

In order to investigate the radioprotective effect of Si-Wu-Tang (Korean name: Sa-Mul-Tang), a kind of traditional Oriental medicine as a blood-building decoction (Oriental medical concept: Bu-Xie), and Si-Jun-Zi-Tang (Korean name: Sa-Gun-Ja-Tang), one of the widely used Oriental herbal medicines as an energy tonic (Chinese medical concept: Bu-Qi). the jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells were observed in irradiated mice. Jejunal crypts were protected by Si-Wu-Tang pretreated both per os (2 mg/mL of drinking water for 7 days, p<0.05) and intraperitoneally (1 mg/head, single injection at 24 hours before irradiation). Si-Wu-Tang adminstration before irradiation(1 mg/head, single injection at 24 hours before irradiation) resulted in an increase of the formation of endogenous spleen colony (p<0.005). The frequency of radiation-induced apoptosis in intestinal crypt cells was also reduced by pretreatment of Si-Wu-Tang (p<0.01). However, the radioprotective effect of Si-Jun-Zi-Tang was not as significant as that of Si-Wu-Tang. These results suggest that Si-Wu-Tang may be a useful radioprotective food, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.86-103
• /
• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyse the domestic trends of Traditional Korean Medicine on Hot flush in menopausal women. Methods: We searched six databases and selected relevant papers according to the criteria. Results: 12 papers included case report, literature review, randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), Non-RCTs, and retrospective chart analysis study design. 1. The daily diary, Kupperman's Index, Menopause Rating Scale, Menopause-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging were used as a measure of the symptoms of hot flush. 2. There were significant correlations between Thermographic images, Pulse energy, Lifestyle Habits, Low frequency power/High frequency power (LF/HF) ratio and certain items of Menopausal Symptoms Measurement. 3. The case report using Er-Xian decoction and Hwangryunhaedoktang-Gamibang showed significant effect. 4. Domestic RCT studies using herbal or acupuncture treatments showed a significant value of 3.4 on average in the quality assessment conducted in the study. However, the number of domestic studies included was five, which is not enough compared to foreign countries. Conclusions: This study examined domestic research trends on hot flushes of menopausal women and found that various evaluation tools and diagnostic methods were applied. It is necessary to conduct various RCT studies in Korea, where the number of studies is insufficient compared to overseas.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.7
• /
• pp.550-566
• /
• 2022

Stroke is among the leading causes of death and long-term physical and cognitive disabilities worldwide, affecting an estimated 15 million people annually. The pathophysiological process of stroke is complicated by multiple and coordinated events. The breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in people with stroke can significantly contribute to the development of ischemic brain injury. Therefore, BBB disruption is recognized as a hallmark of stroke; thus, it is important to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can protect against BBB dysfunction in ischemic stroke. Traditional medicines are composed of natural products, which represent a promising source of new ingredients for the development of conventional medicines. Indeed, several studies have shown the effectiveness of Korean medicine on stroke, highlighting the value of Korean medicinal treatment for ischemic stroke. This review summarizes the current information and underlying mechanisms regarding the ameliorating effects of the formula, decoction, herbs, and active components of traditional Korean medicine on cerebral ischemia-induced BBB disruption. These traditional medicines were shown to have protective effects on the BBB in many cellular and animal ischemia models of stroke, and experiments in various animal species, such as mice and rats. In addition, they showed brain-protective effects by protecting the BBB through the regulation of tight junction proteins and matrix metalloproteinase-9, reducing edema, neuroinflammation, and neuronal cell death. We hope that this review will help promote further investigation into the neuroprotective effects of traditional Korean medicines and stimulate the performance of clinical trials on Korean herbal medicine-derived drugs in patients with stroke.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.91-104
• /
• 2022

Objectives : The objective of this study is to report a case of a male atopic dermatitis patient accompanying seborrheic capitis and nummular eczema improved by Korean medicine therapy and lifestyle modification. Methods : A male patient was hospitalized for eczematous lesions in the head, face, and both hands which relapsed on March 2021. For 15 days, he took Korean medicine therapy including acupuncture, Bangpungtongseongsan-gagam, pharmacopuncture, and wet dressing with Hwangryunhaedok-tang. Simultaneously, lifestyle correction also conducted during administration. On the other hand, corticosteroid and antihistamine were prescribed from internal medicine of our hospital for the first 10 days because of severe skin lesions. As an outpatient, he was continuously treated by the same Korean medicine therapy except herbal decoction weekly for about 7 months after discharge. To assess symptoms, scoring atopic dermatitis(SCORAD) index, taking photos, and numerical rating scale(NRS) were used. Results : After 15 days of hospitalization, the SCORAD index decreased to 30.0, which was about a half of the initial SCORAD index(61.2). NRS score also dropped from 6 to 3. Despite stopping western medicine administration, skin lesions and subjective symptoms of the patient were steadily improved without aggravation. For 7 months of continued outpatient treatment, atopic dermatitis were steadily ameliorated despite temporary aggravation and improvement of symptoms, and seborrheic capitis was not relapsed. The final SCORAD index and NRS on November 9th, 2021 were 24.7 and 1, respectively. Conclusions : These results suggests that Korean medicine therapy contributes to improving SCORAD index, subjective symptoms, and skin lesions of the patient. Furthermore, lifestyle modification is also important as much as proper treatment for caring atopic dermatitis patients.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.51-58
• /
• 2011

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate applications of 171 prescriptions including Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix in Dongeuibogam. Methods : 171 prescriptions including Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix which have been used separately or concurrently in Oriental Medicine for a long time as a treatment for various disease in Dongeuibogam were studied through order of frequency, symptoms, dosages, etc. Results : 1. 27 times(15.79%) prescriptions are recorded in intumescence chapter, 21 times(12.28%) in fatigue chapter, 11 times(6.43%) in women chapter and 9 times(5.26%) in anus chapter, which are arranged in order of frequency. 2. Yin-yang deficiency treat herbs are ranked top, eliminating intumescence methods, bloody stool, discharging blood from one's vagina, yang deficiency treat herbs are ranked in order of frequency among 107 symptoms in prescriptions including Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix. 3. The dosages of Astragali Radix which is more used than Angelicae gigantis Radix are ranged from 3 puns:1 pun ~ 2 nyangs:1.5 nyangs. 1 jeon:5 puns is recorded 8 times(14.29%), 2 jeon:1 jeon is 7 times(12.50%), 1 jeon:3 puns and 1 jeon:7 puns are 24 times(11.2%), 1 nyang is 21 times(9.8%), same amount is 11 times(5.1%), 5 pun is 4 times(7.14%) each, 1.5 jeon:5 puns is 3 times(5.36%) used among 56 prescriptions including Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix. 4. The dosages of Astragali Radix which is used same amount Angelicae gigantis Radix are ranged from 2.5 puns each ~ 2 nyangs each, 2.5 chons, same amount each. 1 jeon each is recorded 36 times(38.71%), 1 nyang each is 15 times(16.13%), 0.7 jeon each is recorded 12 times(12.90%), 0.5 jeon each is recorded 6 times(6.45%) used among 93 prescriptions including Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix. 5. The dosages of Astragali Radix which is less used than Angelicae gigantis Radix are ranged from 3 puns:7 pun ~ 5 nyangs:12 nyangs. 1 jeon:1.5 jeons is recorded 3 times(13.64%), 0.8 jeon:1 jeon and 1 nyang:2 nyangs are 2 times(9.09%) each, the others are 1 time(4.55%) used among 22 prescriptions including Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix. 6. The dosages of (Astragali Radix $\gg$ Angelicae gigantis Radix), (Astragali Radix = Angelicae gigantis Radix) and (Astragali Radix $\ll$ Angelicae gigantis Radix) which are recorded by counts (decoction groups: the other groups) are 52:4(92.86%:7.14%), 70:23(75.27%:24.73%), 13:9 (59.09%:40.91%) respectively. 7. The less using dosage of Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix has a more percentage of decoctions groups, The more using dosage of Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix has a more percentage of the other groups except decoctions. The less using prescriptions have an effects of controling yin and yang, enhancing blood and chi, etc, as a whole. The more using prescriptions as a form of compound powder have an effects in incurableness disease, chronic diseases, etc. Conclusions : The 171 prescriptions including Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix in Dongeuibogam are mainly composed of Dangguibohyul-tang, Samool-tang, Sagoonja-tang and Gobangpoong-tang, Gamri-hwan, etc.