• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.39-46
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• 2020

Objective: In this study, we analyzed the trend of patents registered prior to October 4, 2019, to understand the industrial trends in insect-derived medicinal materials used for the treatment of skin diseases. Methods: Using the WIPSON database, we collected information regarding the patents related to insect-derived materials for treating various skin diseases. Results: The patents registered prior to October 4, 2019, from Korea, Japan, the USA, China, and the EU, along with those registered under PCT were selected. There were 195 patents related to the use of insect-derived medicinal materials in treating various skin diseases such as psoriasis, inflammatory skin diseases, eczema, pruritus, and atopic dermatitis. China is mostly superior in total number of registered patents compared with the other countries. Korea was the major patent technology-holder for atopic dermatitis, but China dominated in the remaining categories of skin diseases. Upon first patent registration in 1992, there had been a continual increase in the number of patents. Especially, patents related to eczema, psoriasis, inflammatory skin disease were markedly increased. Most frequently used insect-derived medicinal materials was Scolopendra, Cicadidae Periostracum, Scorpions, Cantharides, and Batryticatus Bombyx. The insect-derived medicinal materials were generally used as a combined preparation with other medicinal materials in patents. Conclusion: This study could help to establish the basis for future research and development related treating skin diseases using insect-derived medicinal materials. In order to provide sufficient data, further study including analysis of rejected patents is needed.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.139-146
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• 2019

Objective : Recently, hair has become one of the important aspects of beauty. So, there are many studies about prevention and treatment of alopecia. Finasteride and minoxidil have been known to drug for alopecia treatment. However, these agents have side effects such as irritation, pruritus, and erythema when they were used for a long time. So, we assessed hair growth effect on herbal mixture (RAA) include in Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Achyranthis Radix, and Acanthopanacis Cortex. Methods : 6 weeks aged C57BL/6 mice were divided three treatment groups. : CON group (vehicle solution), MNXD group (positive control, 3% minoxidil), RAA group (15% RAA solution). And we applied 200 ㎕ of three groups to shaved dorsal skin every day. Hair growth effects of treatment were determined through phototrichogram by folliscope and hair follicle morphometry by H&E staining. And we assessed hair growth-related gene (VEGF, IGF-1, TGF-β1) expressions by western blot and 5-α reductase II analysis of dermal (skin) or internal organ (prostate gland). Results : Hair density and hair follicle size in MNXD or RAA group was enhanced compared to those of CON group, respectively. Also, the protein expression levels in dermal of VEGF, IGF-1 increased but TGF-β1 decreased in RAA and MNXD group, compared to CON group, respectively. 5-α reductase II levels of tissues in MNXD or RAA group significantly decreased compared to those of CON group, respectively. Conclusion : These results suggest that RAA has the promoting effect on hair growth.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2017

Objectives : This study investigated the anti-oxidant activities and improving effect of Phellinus linteus and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Extract (PGE) on Atopic Dermatitis. Methods : 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical, Hydrogen peroxides scavenging activities and Superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities were used for the measurement of anti-oxidant ability. Cytotoxicity of PGE in Raw 264.7 cell was evaluated by MTT assay. To evaluate the anti-atopic dermatitis effect of PGE, a total of 33 patients with atopic dermatitis were observed trans epidermal water loss, skin moisture content, modified SCORAD index of atopic dermatitis and pruritic degree after applying the PGE for 4 weeks. Results : PGE scavenged DPPH ($IC_{50}=25ppm$) effectively, ABTS and Hydrogenperoxides scavenged similar to BHA. As for the SOD-like activity, it had lower effect than ascorbic acid, but it comparable activities in 500ppm. There was no cytotoxicity at PGE at concentrations of 10,000ppm. In clinical research about PGE on patients with atopic dermatitis, skin condition was improved. After 4 weeks, the application of PGE increased skin moisture content from 19.43 to 31.22. Moreover, it reduced the skin temperature (from 32.5 to 31.9), skin pH (from 5.39 to 5.22), trans epidermal water loss (from 39.03 to 24.46) and pruritus score (from 6.07 to 3.87). In addition, the Modified SCORAD index decreased from 31.28 to 20.3. Conclusions : In conclusion, PGE possesses anti-oxidant and anti-atopic dermatitis activities, thus it could be potentially valuable as anti-atopic dermatitis material.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.615-624
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• 2022

In this study, we assessed anti-oxidant activity, anti-microbial, inhibition of biofilm formation and inflammatory factors(nitric oxide, interleukin-6, interleukin-8) inhibitory effect of Perillae semen hydrothermal extract(PSW) and three kinds of Perillae semen supercritical fluid extract(PSSs) extracted by controlling temperature with no variation of pressure. Compared with PSW, PSSs had significantly lower minimal inhibitory concentrations(MICs) against Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and the ability of PSSs to inhibit formation of biofilm was also superior. PSSs reduce the production of inflammatory mediator and inflammatory cytokines significantly compared to PSW. We suggest, therefore, Perillae semen supercritical fluid 45℃ extract which showed the best anti-microbial, inhibition of biofilm formation, and inhibition of inflammatory factors production among the supercritical fluid extracts could be used for protecting patients with atopic dermatitis from pruritus and transepidermal water loss as a functional ingredient from nature.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.209-218
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• 2022

Objective : This study assessed the effect of a combination of Korean medicine on a chronic nipple eczema patient complaining of stress and immunodeficiency due to long-term steroid use. Methods : Herbal medicine, moxibustion and acupuncture were performed for a year. Treatment outcomes were evaluated with DLQI(Dermatology Life Quality Index), EQ-5D-5L(The 5 level of EuroQol 5 Dimensio scale), EQ-VAS(EuroQol-Visual Analog Scale), ADSI(Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index), pruritus NRS(Numeral Rating Scale), pictures and patient's statements. Results : After the treatment, symptoms have been alleviated, the quality of life has increased, and it has been maintained without further nipple eczema for three months. Conclusion : We suggest that Korean medicine is effective for chronic nipple eczema patient.

• 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.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2023

Under constant environmental pollution, the incidence of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) caused by air pollutants and allergens has increased. AD is an allergy inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, eczema, and skin dryness. In herbal medicine, Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma; AR) has been utilized to treat Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, and inflammation. The purpose of study evaluated the effect of AR in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions. After acclimatization for 5 days, the mice (6-week-old, male Balb/c) were divided into five groups (n=6/group): NC (normal control), DNCB (control), Dex (5 mg·kg-1, p.o.), AR100 (100 mg·kg-1, p.o.), and AR300 (300 mg·kg-1, p.o.). On days 1 and 3, 1% DNCB was applied to the skin and ears. After 4 days, 0.5% DNCB was applied once every 2 days for 2 weeks. Then, skin and ears eczema area and severity index (EASI); skin nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels; and plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were examined. The AR groups showed lower EASI, skin and ear thickness, mast cell count, and IgE levels than the control groups. Moreover, AR reduced iNOS, COX-2, and PGE2 levels. Therefore, AR possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can improve skin damage, indicating its therapeutic potential against AD.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2023

Skin and joint diseases are relatively common in dogs. Nutritional complementation is one of the various management strategies for these disorders. This study evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of Kyungokgo-gamibang in dogs with skin and joint diseases. Thirty dogs with diseases were included and divided into three groups: control group (n = 15), skin group (n = 10), and joint group (n = 5). The skin and joint groups were fed skin and joint gums composed of Kyungokgo-gamibang extract with standard treatment for four weeks. The control group included dogs with skin diseases who were administered standard skin infection treatment for 4 weeks. The physical and laboratory results showed no remarkable adverse effects of Kyungokgo-gamibang extract after its administration in dogs. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using quality of life scale, and levels of cytokines, including interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α, for 4 weeks in all groups. Dermatologic clinical scales were performed for 4 weeks in the control and skin groups. Both the control and skin groups had significantly decreased dermatologic clinical scales, including pruritus and erythema scales (p < 0.05). Among the cytokine levels, only IL-2 concentration was significantly decreased in the skin group after 4 weeks of administration of the Kyungokgo-gamibang extract (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference between the levels of cytokines on days 0 and 28 in the joint group. The quality of life scale was significantly increased after week 4 compared to week 0 in the skin (p = 0.008) and joint groups (p = 0.041). This study suggests that Kyungokgo-gamibang extract can be applied in managing dogs affected by skin and joint diseases without adverse effects.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.859-876
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• 2023

It is known that animal-origin medicine could be one of effective treatment to remedy atopic dermatitis (AD) by controlling the cytokines. Cicadidae Periostracum (CP), the slough of Cryptotympana pustulata, has been frequently used for treating AD and skin affliction in traditional Korean Medicine. This study is aimed at investigating the ameliorating effects of CP on AD and its potential mechanism. The dinitrochlorobenzene sensitized mice were treated with CP for 2 weeks. The various biomarkers and the dermatitis scores presented that CP treatment can induce the visual and biological improvements of AD model. Pruritus, the most serious symptom of AD, which can cause repeated scratching behaviors and finally lead to lichenification, was reduced with CP treatment by regulating the inflammatory reactions. In addition, CP treatment diminished the number of mast cells that are known for causing inflammatory reactions. Moreover, it is proven that CP can decline secretion of interleukin-22, which means CP treatment has anti-inflammatory effects. CP treatment can correct the imbalance of helper T (Th)1 and Th2, downregulating thymic stromal lymphopoietin that leads to decrease of mRNA level of inflammatory cytokines. The crucial role of CP treatment is controlling of the Janus kinase 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. In addition, CP treatment has the inhibitory effects on kallikrein related peptidase (KLK) 5 and KLK7. Taken together, CP treatment can ameliorate most symptoms and problems caused by AD disease, improving the AD patients' life quality.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease in animals and several therapeutic trials with various drugs have been conducted for more effective management of AD. However, these trials have not been able to properly address all the aspects of AD management because of the lack of good efficacy or due to significant side effects of the drugs being tested. Synbio-glucan functional spray is a functional skin spray using Synbio-glucan composed of β-glucan and probiotics. We designed a functional spray composed of Synbio-glucan (patent application number:10-1805863), distilled water, glycerin, solubilizer, and 40% alcohol. We tested the efficacy and safety of the functional spray on six dogs with AD. The trial was conducted with the consent of the caregivers. The spray was applied to the skin lesions, including the trunk, axillae, inguinal region, or periocular areas, thrice a day for 30 days. To evaluate the efficacy of this functional spray, we assessed the pruritus visual analog scale (PVAS) and the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI)-4. At the end of one month, the results clinical scores after functional spray treatment showed a significant decrease in the PVAS (p = 0.03) and CADESI-4 (p = 0.03) in all the subject dogs with AD. This study thus confirmed that the Synbio-glucan functional spray is efficacious and safe for the treatment of AD in dogs.