• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2021

Background and objective: Dermatitis is a chronic disease accompanied by such symptoms as itching and dry skin. The environment and diet can aggravate dermatitis, so attention to skin care is essential. Colocasia esculenta is used in various manners and for different purposes, including with regard to inflammation, aging, and the digestive system. The anti-inflammatory effect of Colocasia esculenta water extract was confirmed using RAW 264.7 macrophages with regard to male ICR mice. Methods: In the case of the ICR mice, 5% 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was used to cause inflammation for 7 days, and 100 μL of Colocasia esculenta water extract and panthenol were administered orally for 10 days. In addition, RT-PCR, NO, ELISA was conducted. Results: As a result of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), it was found that Colocasia esculenta water extract reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines. As a result of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining using mouse ear tissue, Colocasia esculenta water extract reduced ear thickness and showed an effect of suppressing ear edema. In addition, compared to the TPA-treated group, the Colocasia esculenta extract-treated group had reduced nitric oxide (NO) production by 18.23 μM and IL-13 production decreased by 136.55 pg/ml. Conclusion: Colocasia esculenta water extract has been shown to be effective in lowering inflammatory cytokine production. These results suggest that Colocasia esculenta water extracts can be used as natural products to treat dermatitis.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.53-59
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• 2022

Mugwort (Artemisia montana), which is a perennial plant mainly distributed throughout Northeast Asian regions, has been used as a preferred source of various foods and traditional medicines in Korea. In particular, as essential oils extracted from mugwort were reported to be biologically active, its steam distillate has been widely used to treat various conditions, such as itching, hemorrhoids, and gynecological inflammation. Therefore, efforts have been devoted to develop effective methods for the collection of bioactive essential oils from mugwort. In this study, five mugwort extracts were obtained using different extraction conditions, namely, 6 % ethanol at room temperature and at 80 ℃, pure ethanol, n-hexane, and an adsorbent resin. To evaluate the five extracts of mugwort, area-under-the-curve values (AUCs), chemical profiles, and major bioactive essential oil contents were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An overall assessment of the volatile components, including essential oils, in the five extracts was conducted using AUCs, and the individual essential oil in each extract was identified. Furthermore, the four major essential oils (1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, and α-terpineol), which are known to possess anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities, were quantified using authentic chemical standards. Based on the evaluation results, pure ethanol was the best extractant out of the five used in this study. This study provides evaluation results for the five different mugwort extracts and would be helpful for developing extraction methods to efficiently collect the bioactive oil components for medical purposes using chemical profiles of the extracts.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.79-85
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• 2014

Objectives : In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of Careswell on human mast cell-mediated allergy inflammation in vitro and pruritogen-induced scratching behavior in vivo. Method : The Careswell was extract by distilled water. The anti-itching effects of Careswell were investigated on the compound 48/80 ($50{\mu}g/kg$) or histamine ($100{\mu}g/kg$) induced scratching behavior male ICR mice for 30 min by an observer blind. Terfenadine (10 mg/kg) was used as a positive control drug. The cell toxicity of Careswell was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The regulatory effect of Careswell on interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ levels was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI) stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). Also, we evaluated the effect of Careswell on PMACI induced the activation of Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) into nucleus by Western blot analysis. Result : The results revealed that the oral administration of Careswell (200 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the compound 48/80 or histamine-induced scratching behavior in mice. We showed that Careswell significantly reduced the PMACI-induced the production of IL-6 (0.5-1 mg/ml) and TNF-${\alpha}$ (0.1-1 mg/ml). Additionally, Careswell significantly inhibited the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1. Conclusion : Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with a novel insight into the pharmacological actions of Careswell as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammation diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.901-908
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using Korean medical treatment for suspected allergic rhinitis. Methods: We used Korean medical treatments (herbal medicines and acupuncture) to treat a hospitalized patient with suspected allergic rhinitis. To evaluate the treatment, we used Total Nasal Symptom Scores to measure sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching, and obstruction. The degree of rhinitis was also evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale, and the patient's generic health status was measured using the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale. Results: Visual Analogue Scale and European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Scale scores improved after treatment. The change in Total Nasal Symptom Scores showed that the patient's suspected allergic rhinitis symptoms were relieved. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that Korean medicine therapies may be effective for treating suspected allergic rhinitis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.554-560
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• 2022

Background Hypertrophic scars cause aesthetic concerns and negatively affect the quality of life. A gold standard treatment for hypertrophic scars has not been established due to various responses of modalities. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive and affects scar remodeling by fibroblast regulation. This study investigated the effectiveness of ESWT for hypertrophic scars. Methods Twenty-nine patients were enrolled. All patients underwent ESWT once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Their scars were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), erythema index, melanin index, and scar pliability before treatment and again 4 weeks after treatment completion. Results Thirty-four hypertrophic scars in this study had persisted for between 6 months and 30 years. Most scars developed after surgical incision (55.88%). The chest and upper extremities were the predominant areas of occurrence (35.29% each). Most of the POSAS subscales and total scores were significantly improved 4 weeks after treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the pain, itching, and pigmentation subscale were improved. The pliability, melanin index, and erythema index were also improved, but without significance. The patients were satisfied with the results and symptoms alleviation, although subjective score changes were insignificant. No serious adverse events were found. The patients reported pruritus in 62.5% and good pain tolerance in 37.5%. Subgroup analyses found no differences in scar etiologies or properties at different parts of the body. Conclusion The ESWT is a modality for hypertrophic scar treatment with promising results. Most of POSAS subscales were significantly improved.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.196-205
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• 2023

Objectives : We would like to report what symptoms appear in patients experiencing steroid rebound phenomenon and how to manage and treat them at Korean medicine hospital. Methods : A 20-year-old woman who had been using topical and oral steroids for more than 6 weeks presented to the hospital. She hospitalized for 5 weeks and stopped using steroid. The treatment applied was acupuncture, wet dressing therapy and herbal medicine including Yangdokbackho-tang, Sunbangpaedok-tang and Danguieumja. We assessed symptoms through Inflammation Index and Chronicization Index. Results : Right after she stopped using steroid, symptoms of skin got worse gradually. However, after 5 weeks of treatment, all symptoms except itching and dryness disappeared. When symptom was severe, Inflammation Index and Chronicization Index was 12 and 9 points and after the treatment they were 2 and 4 points. Conclusions : This study shows various symptoms in patients with topical steroid addiction and how to manage at Korean medicine hospital.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.119-135
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• 1999

The object of this study is 196 patients who had been treated in the Oriental Medical Hospital at Dong Eui Medical Center during 33 months from January 1996,3 to June 1998,11. We proceeded the judgment of Sasang Constitution by 'Questionnaire of Sasang Constitution Classification(I)' and 'Questionnaire of Sasang Constitution Classification II(QSCCII)'. The following conclusion were made in comparison with Sasang Constitution and Questionnaire about disease and style of symptoms. 1. The subject of "increase of the weight of a body(gain weight), sweatier, the body swelled out, a lame pain, more like fat food, more like salty food", has significant differences in sasang constitution classification. The frequency of Taeeum group is more than that of Soeum group and Soyang group. 2. The subject of "the complextion is bas, uncomfortable feeling in the throat, insomnia, loss of appetite, apt to be fatigued easily, gastralgia what is not connected with food, diarrhea, headache, menorrhalgia, less like fat food, more like fresh food", has significant differences in sasang constitution classification. The frequency of Soeum group is more than that of Taeeum group and Soyang group. 3. It has not significant differences, but the frequency of Soyang group is more than that of Taeeum group and Soeum group in the subject of "the cough in the disease of the respiratory organs, hypomotility of the joint in the disease of the musculo-skeletal systems, menoxenia like menorrhagia and menostaxia and itching sensation of genitals in the disease of the gynecological organs, itching or boil in the dermatological disease", and fewer in the cardio-vascular disease, urinary disease and hematic disease. The frequency of Soeum group is more than that of Taeeum group and Soyang group in the subject of "the general disease of the digestive organs, uncomfortable feeling or pain of the throat in the disease of the respiratory organs, the general hematic disease, numbness or pain of the musculo-skeletal disease, psychical disease in the psychoneurotical disease, menorrhalgia, a lump of the breasts, leukorrhea in the gynecological disease, eruption or urticaria in the dermatological disease, the general visual and auditory disease". The frequency of Taeeum group is more than that of Soyang group and Soeum group in the subject of "a hoarseness in the disease of the respiratory organs, A lame pain of the musculo-skeletal disease, neurotical disease in the psychoneurotical disease, eruption or urticaria in the dermatological disease", and fewer in the the gynecological disease.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.72-81
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• 2011

Backgrounds: Sticking warm and hot herbs to acupoint in Dog-Days where the strongest Yangqi takes place, Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days is one of Oriental medical treatment to cure winter diseases in the summer. This treatment is widespread in China and Taiwan, and is becoming popular in South Korea nowadays. Objectives: The research has been conducted to evaluate the influencial factors and efficacy in Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days. Methods: We visited one kindergarten in Dog-Days of 2010, and attached pills which are made of Sinapis Semen(白芥子), Corydalis Tuber(玄胡索), Asari Herba Cum Radix(細辛), Juice of Zingiber Officinale(薑汁) to BL-13(肺兪), BL-15(心兪), BL-17(膈兪) of 56 children for 4-6 hours(34 boys, 22 girls, $52.64{\pm}16.85$ months, 19-78 months). Exacerbating effect or non-significant changes in respiratory symptoms before and after the treatment were ified.. The influentialfactors of efficacy were analyzed by Pearson's $x^2$-test and Fisher's exact test. In addition, the efficacy and satisfaction among once, twice, and three times treatment groups were verified by ANOVA. Results: 27 children (48.2%) were effective, but efficacy felt by parents is 45 cases (80.4%). Sex, perspiration, stool, urine, sleep, cold of hands and feet, cold sensitivity, and frequency of Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days has no relation to efficacy(p>0.05). However, the efficacy is poor in 1 and 2 age(p=0.030). Difference among efficacy of once, twice, and three times treatment groups is not significant(p=0.069), whereas there are linear association in frequency of Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days and efficacy(p=0.030). 36 parents (64.3%) are satisfied with Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days, and we observed significant difference among once, twice, three times treatment groups(p=0.041). 19 parents (33.9%) had been known about Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days, but 53 parents (94.6%) wanted repetition, and 41 parents (73.2%) intended to recommend it to acquaintance. Side effects are minor itching in two cases. Twenty seven participants showed positive effect, and forty five people (80.4%) felt beneficial. Sex, perspiration, stool, urine, sleep, cold hands and feet, sensitivity in cold, and frequency of Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days has no relation to the efficacy(p>0.05). Though the efficacy was poor in one and two year old infants, it was linearly correlated with the frequency count and responses from the treatment (p=0.030). Thirty six participants (64.3%) satisfied with the treatment, and so did the first, second, and third participant groups (p=0.041). Even though, only nineteen participants (33.9%) were familiar with Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days, fifty three participants (94.6%) preferred to repeat the treatment, and 41 parents were preferable to recommend the treatment to others. Side effects of minor itching has been reported in a couple cases. Conclusions: Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days is effective in children older than three year old. The effect would be greater when going through the treatment three times. Based on significant satisfaction, intention of repetition and recommendation, strong promotion on Dog-Days are needed to make a better use of Acupoint sticking in Dog-Days for the effective treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.169-182
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• 2002

Background: Allergic rhinitis(AR) is a heterogeneous disorder that despite its high prevalence is often undiagnosed. It is characterized by one or more symptoms including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea. And it is frequently accompanied by symptoms involving the eyes, ears, and throat, including postnasal drainage. There are many different causes of rhinitis in children and adults. Approximately 50$\%$ of all cases of rhinitis are caused by allergy. In the case of rhinitis caused by allergens, symptoms arise as a result of inflammation induced by a gamma globulin E-mediated immune response to specific allergens such as pollens, molds, animal dander, and dust mites. The immune response involves the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation and recruitment of cells to the nasal mucosa. AR is similar to 鼻？, hypersensitive rhinitis in Oriental Medicine. I think hypersensitive rhinitis is including of AR, vasomotor rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis related with eosinophil increased and so on. Purpose: To perform a clinical analysis of hypersensitive rhinitis including allergic rhinitis and estimate the efficacy of Oriental Medical treatment. Objective: We studied 96 patients who had visited our hospital with complaints of nasal symptoms from March 2000 to February 2002; they had the signs more than 2 - nasal obstruction, watery discharge, sneezing and eye or nasal itching. Parameters Observed & Methods: We treated them with acupuncture & herb-medication. Sometime they used aroma oil or external medicine. 1) the distribution of sex & age groups 2) the clinical type based on duration & the severity of symptom 3) the breakdown of complication & pasl history of Otolaryngologic or allergic disease 4) the clinical assessment and classification of rhinitis(sneezers and runners & blockers) 5) the associated symptoms and signs 6) the classification of Byeonjeung 7) the classification of prescriptions and 8) the efficacy of treatment. Result: 1. In the clinical type of based on duration, the intermittent type was 42.7$\%$ and the persistent was 57.3$\%$. 2. We observed the severity of symptoms based on the quality of life. The mild type was 24.0$\%$ and the moderate-severe was 76.0$\%$. 3. In the clinical assessment and classification of rhinitis, the sneezers and runners type was 69.8$\%$ and the blockers was 30.2$\%$. 4. The most common family history with otolaryngologic or allergic disease were allergic rhinitis(17.7$\%$), urticaria, paranasal sinusitis and T.B.(3.1$\%$). 5. The most common past history with otolaryngologic or allergic disease were paranasal sinusitis(14.6$\%$), atopic dermatitis and asthma(8.3$\%$). It was 31.3$\%$ they had a family history and 44.8$\%$, past history. 6. The most common complication was paranasal sinusitis(15.6$\%$). In decreasing order the others were otitis media with effusion(9.4$\%$), GERD and headache(6.3$\%$), asthma, bronchitis, nasal bleeding and allergic dermatitis(5.2$\%$). 7. Classification through Byeonjeung : ⅰ) 39 cases(34.9$\%$) were classified as showing Deficiency syndrome. The insuffficiency of Qi was 17.7$\%$, deficiency of Kidney-Yang, 12.5$\%$ and Lung-Cold, 10.4$\%$. ⅱ) 57 cases(59.4$\%$) were classified as showing Excess syndrome. The Fever of YangMing-meridian was 35.4$\%$, Lung-Fever, 24.0$\%$. 8. The efficacy of treatments showed: an improvement in 22cases(22.9$\%$); an improvement partly in 24 cases(25.0$\%$); no real improvement or changes in 16 cases(16.7$\%$); and couldn't check the results 18cases(18.6$\%$). Conclusion: We suggest that this study could be utilized as a standard of clinical Oriental Medical treatment when we treat hypersensitive rhinitis including allergic rhinitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.179-192
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• 2008

Objectives : Draconis Resina (DR) has been used as a traditional Korean herbal medicine since ancient times, and today it is used as a medication for wounds, tumors, diarrhea, rheumatism, in the itching of insect bites and with other conditions in the folk medicine. The aim of this study was to determine whether fractionated extracts of DR inhibit free radical generation, intracellular oxidation, production of nitrite, an index of NO, PGE2, iNOS, COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, Methods : DR extract prepared with methanol, and then fractionated with hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and water. Inhibitory effect of DR onto free radical generation was determined by measuring DPPH, superoxide anions and nitric oxide scavenging activities in vitro. Cytotoxic activity of extracts on RAW 264.7 cells was measured using 5-(3-caroboxymeth-oxyphenyl)-2H-tetra-zolium inner salt (MTS) assay. Intracelluar oxidation was analysed by DCF-DA assay. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess reagent system. The levels of iNOS and COX-2 expression were confirmed by western blot. And proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. Results : Our results indicated that fractionated extracts, especially dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts, significantly inhibited free radical generation, the LPS-induced H202, NO, PGE2 production and iNOS, COX-2 expression accompanied by an attenuation of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 formation in macrophages. Conclusions : Our results indicate that dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of DR have potential as an agent of chronic inflammatory diseases.