• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.77-88
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• 2004

Acupuncture has been shown to have therapeutic effects on many mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse in human and animal studies. Maternal separation (MS) is a risk factor in the development of mood-related disorders such as depression. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture during MS by evaluating locomotion as behavioral markers of depression and by observing changes in c-Fos expression in the limbic system (hippocampus, amygdala and cingulate cortex) to elucidate the mechanism of the therapeutic effect. The employed acupoint, Shinmun (HT7), has been clinically used to treat mental disorders. MS for 7 days beginning on postnatal day 14 induced a significant decrease in locomotion, while acupuncture treatment at acupoint HT7 resulted in a significant increase in locomotion. c-Fos immunoreactive cells in area dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus were increased in the MS group, but significantly decreased in the acupuncture group. These findings suggest that acupuncture has an effect on the depression-like disorder caused by MS, possibly by modulating c-Fos expression in DC of the hippocampus.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.43-53
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• 2005

Objective: Since Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) has been known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone among other functions, this study was undertaken to address whether the water extract of the bark of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) (UD) could modulate the expression of inducible inflammatory cytokines in mice. The present study was also done in order to assess the therapeutic effects of UD in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods : DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen. After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with UD orally at 100 mg/kg once a day for 3 weeks. Paws were evaluated macroscopically for redness, swelling and deformities. The levels of $TNF-{\alpha}\;and\;IL-1{\beta}$ in the ankle were examined. The severity of arthritis within the knee joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Results : Administration of UD significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of $TNF-{\alpha}\;and\;IL-1{\beta}$ in the paws. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with UD. In the serum of UD-treated mice, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, were increased. Conclusion : From the results, it was concluded that administration of UD has therapeutic effects on CIA including protection of cartilage and RA for a potential therapy.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.714-720
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• 2007

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration in the skin. This study was performed to assess the therapeutic effects of BHOSB on the DNCB-induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice, characterized by the onset of AD along with an increase the number of inflammatory cells and dysregulation of inflammatory mediators including cytokines and chemokines. BHOSB administration significantly reduced clinical dermatitis severity including pruritus, edema, eczematous and erythema. Histological findings indicated that the thickening of epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells including mast cells were dramatically reduced. The suppression of dermatitis by BHOSB was accompanied by a decrease in the number of CD11b$^+$/Gr-1$^+$ immune cells in skin but not CD3$^+$/CCR3$^+$ cells. However, the number of CD3$^+$ cells was increased in BHOSB administrated NC/Nga mice. Oral administration of BHOSB significantly reduced the level of IL-6, TNF-a and eotaxin 2 mRNA in skin. These data suggest that BHOSB may be effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.45-53
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• 2018

Objectives : In cases of osteoarthritis, the hypofunction of the cartilage and joint leads to a limited range of joint motion, swelling, and pain, which is generally treated using pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., anti-inflammatory agents, cartilage protectants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or replacement arthroplasty. However, long-term drug treatment is associated with adverse effects on the gastrointestinal systems. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of Giheolsotong-hwan to treat of osteoarthritis symptoms in the MIA-induced rat model based on histological analysis, and factors that are associated with inflammation and bone mineral metabolism. Methods : Giheolsotong-hwan was administered orally at doses of 200 mg/kg/day or 400 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks before direct injection of monosodium iodoacetate ($3mg/50{\mu}{\ell}$ of 0.9% saline) into the intra-articular space of the rats' right knee. The rats subsequently received the same doses of oral Giheolsotong-hwan for another 4 weeks. We evaluated the treatment effects based on serum biomarkers and histopathological analysis of the knee joints. Results : Compared to those in control rats, the Giheolsotong-hwan treatments significantly decreased the serum concentration of inflammation factors (i.e., $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $PGE_2$, and $LTB_4$), and bone degrade factors (i.e., MMP-9, CTX-II, and COMP). In addition, the Giheolsotong-hwan treatments significantly increased the concentration of glycosaminoglycans of bone defence factors, but no chage the TIMP-1. Furthermore, the Giheolsotong-hwan treatments effectively preserved the knee cartilage and proteoglycan. Conclusion : The results indicate that Giheolsotong-hwan treated osteoarthritis symptoms. Thus, Giheolsotong-hwan may be a novel oriental therapeutic option for the management of osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.259-266
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• 2023

Today, environmental pollution has been found to be one of the causes of various diseases, including brain and nervous system diseases. In particular, neurodegenerative diseases have been found to be caused by hyperactivation of immune system cells such as microglia. Preventive and therapeutic measures are needed to suppress them. Hirudo is known as a traditional herbal medicine, based on its multiple biological activities such as anti-eczema and anti-coagulation. In the present study, the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of hirudo extract was investigated in lipopolysccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells and in mice. Hirudo extract significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine (IL-1Ra, KC, MCP-5, and RANTES) expression in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity. Pretreatment with hirudo extract suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Moreover, hirudo extract reduced LPS-stimulated microglial acitivation and improved memory impairments. The results demonstrated that hirudo extract exerts anti-neuroinflammation activities, partly through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings suggest that hirudo extract might have therapeutic potential with respect to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.35-57
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• 2024

Objectives: This systematic review of animal studies was designed to examine the therapeutic mechanisms of herbal medicines of insulin resistance in Polycystic ovary syndrome and composition of them. Methods: Studies were searched from PubMed, CNKI and Medline up to February 2024. Data was extracted and organized as animal model characteristics, treatment period, experimental and control group settings, evaluation index of treatment, therapeutic mechanism of herbal medicine and Composition of prescription. Results: In the 15 studies finally selected, the herbal medicine used in the study was effective in regulating the insulin resistance index, sex hormones and blood lipid index and improving the histological morphology of the ovaries. The herbal medicine prescriptions used in each of the 15 papers were different, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (丹參), Wolfiporia cocos (茯苓) and Epimedii Herba (淫羊藿) were most frequently used herbs, 7 times. Conclusions: The results showed that herbal medicine is effective in treating insulin resistance in Polycystic ovary syndrome through several mechanisms. The herbs used in more than 4 papers had effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, estradiol hormone production control and glycolipid metabolism control. More diverse clinical studies on insulin resistance in Polycystic ovary syndrome are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.58-63
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• 2010

Objective: We present a case of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain with the aim of driving further study evaluating the effectiveness of Oriental medical treatment on patients with neuropathic pain. Method: We prescribed Bogijetong-tang (BJT) two times a day and performed acupuncture and moxibustion once a day over one month of hospitalization. Laboratory tests were performed twice a month during this period. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, Total Symptom Score (TSS) or Visual Analog Score (VAS) was examined at intervals of 7 days. Result: Laboratory data showed no abnormal signs compared with those of initial examination. The patient's subjective symptoms were rapidly relieved within one month. Also, the sums of TSS scores (upper limbs/lower limbs) decreased from 13.64/7.32 to 3.32/3.32 points, and VAS scores (upper limbs/lower limbs) improved from 19/10 to 6/8 points. Conclusion: This case presents a possibility that Oriental medical treatment may offer potential benefits (from an approach aimed at relieving of pain) for patients with chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.229-242
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• 2012

Objectives : This case report presents a 68-year-old female patient. Her chief complaint was fatigue and depressed mood. During the therapeutic period, she experienced a sudden onset of unconsciousness. After two days, she became alert. We diagnosed her with conversion disorder. Methods : We treated her with Korean traditional herbal medicine (Chungsimyeonja-eum, Soum-In Bojungyikgi-tang, Hyeongbangjiwhang-tang) and oriental psychotherapy for 21 days. The effects of treatment were measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Zung Depression Rating Scale (SDS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-X-1). Results : After treatment, the chief complaint and accompanying symptoms have been subsided and improved. Further, BDI, SDS, STAI-X-1 score were decreased. Conclusions : In this case, we recognized that Korean traditional herbal medicine and oriental psychotherapy could be effective for clinical symptoms of conversion disorder.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.193-204
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• 2000

In this study, advanced model for quality control of oriental medicine and methods for practice was suggested through literature inspection, analysis of foreign system such as China and Japan, survey analysis on the current system, quality analysis of randomly selected oriental medicine samples, and intensive discussions among oriental medicine specialists 1. The quality of oriental medicine should be consistently controlled by Ministry of Health and Welfare form its cultivation or import to its circulation process to final consumer 2. All oriental medicines should be circulated as standardized goods which should be marked by lot numbers. The packing material and Packing size should be liberalized. The qualify should be differentialized though free competition among makers. 3. Realistic standards for pesticide, heavy metal and decolorant should be established though long-term monitoring process according to each oriental medicine's origin, therapeutic part, cultivation area, harvesting time, and cultivation method. 4. Ministry of Health and Welfare should educate oriental medicine's quality control personnel regularly or on demand, and establish specialist pool. Ministry of Health and Welfare should also establish oriental medicine information system to provide informations about quality of domestic or foreign oriental medicinal raw materials. 5. The government should provide information about foreign of oriental medicine market to importers. Quality of imported oriental medicine should be inspected before its customs clearance, and all imported oriental medicine should be circulated by standardized oriental medicine makers. 6. Oriental medicine's pharmacopoeia should be Published to provide quality standard of oriental medicine and improve it.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.41-55
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• 2002

There are total 403 prescriptions containing Radix Scutellariae in Donguibogam and among them, 106 prescriptions treat Radix Scutellariae as a principal medicine. This report describes the study on therapeutic range, symptom, pathology and composition of 106 Radix Scutellariae-main blended Prescriptions from Donguibogam. The frequency and percentage of Radix Scutellariae-main blended prescriptions for the therapeutic range are as follows; cold symptom-complex is the most frequent(11 prescriptions, 10.37%) and gynecology is second(10 prescriptions, 9.43%). The symptoms that Radix Scutellariae-main blended prescriptions are made out for are 70 prescriptions of 28 therapeutic ranges, for example, minor Eum physical appearance, fire of triple burners jaundice, etc. The main pathologies that Radix Scutellariae-main blended prescriptions are being affected by cold, fire triple burners, dampness and heat, wind and heat, heat of heart and lung, heat of liver, heat of spleen, etc. Through the research into the composition of Radix Scutellariae-main blended prescriptions, the kind of medicines and certain rules of compounding medicines centering on Radix Scutellariae are deduced as follows: The main combinations of herbal medicines are Radix Scutellariae and Fructus Gardeniae, Radix Scutellariae and Rhizona Rhei, and Radix Scutellariae, Rhizona coptidis and Fructus Gardeniae. The main combinations of prescriptions are Yihwanghwan(Radix Scutellariae, Rhizoma Cotidis, Radix Glycyrrhizae), Boanbaekchulsan(Radix Scutellariae. Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae), Sambohwan(Radix Scutellariae, Rhizoma Cotidis, Cortex Phellodendrj), Samhwangwon(Radix Scutellariae, Rhizoma Cotidis, Rhizoma Rhei), Hwangryeonhaedoktang(Radix Scutellariae, Cortex Phellodendri, Rhizoma Cotidis. Fructus Gardeniae), Daegumhwahwan(Radix Scutellariae, Rhizoma Cotidis, Cortex Phellodendri. Rhizoma Rhei). Sanyeolumja(Radix Scutellariae. Rhizoma Cotidis. Radix Osterici koreani. Radix Ledebouriellae), etc.