Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Taraxaci Herba (TH) on cell death in breast cancer cells. Methods : In this experiment, the effects of TH on proliferation rates, cell morphology and growth pattern, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, the effects on nuclear condensation, fragmentation and formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVO) in MCF-7 cells were also investigated. Finally, autophagy related with protein was observed by using western blot method. Results : TH inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells, TH elevated intracellular ROS levels significantly. Treatment with TH did not affect nuclear morphologies such as condensation or fragmentation. On the other hand, TH treatment effectively induced AVO. Finally, one of autophagy related with protein, Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3A (MAP1LC3A, LC3) level was elevated by treatment with TH. Conclusions : These data indicate that TH is able to be used for patient with breast cancer and mechanisms are involved in autophagy through ROS generation.

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative and apoptosis inducing effect of water extract of Chelidonium majus (CM) on human breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231. Methods : The MTT assay was used to assess cell proliferation. The expression of apoptosis related gene was assessed by quantitative Real-time PCR. Cell apoptosis detected by flow cytometry using Annexin-V/PI staining. Results : Our data revealed that CM inhibited the cell growth in a dose dependent manner (0, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 μg/ml). CM increased mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9. Annexin-V/PI staining assays revealed that apoptosis-induced cell death increased in a dose-dependent manner in cells. Conclusions : CM induces cell death in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell and shows potentials for use in cancer therapy as apoptosis-inducing agent.

Objectives : Dendropanax morbifera is known as a tree that has been used in traditional medicine for various diseases. However, its biological activities in cancer have not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of water extract of Dendropanax morbifera (DP) on 2 human breast cancer cell lines (estrogen dependent MCF-7 and estrogen independent MDA-MB-231). Methods : The MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell proliferation, along with cell cycle analysis. Nitric oxide production was detected by Griess assay. The expression of apoptosis related gene was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results : Our data revealed that DP inhibits the cell growth in a dose dependent manner (0, 50, 100, 250, and 500 μg/ml) of both estrogen independent MDA-MB-231 and estrogen dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Also, LPS induced nitric oxide production was significantly reduced by DP. Cell cycle analysis showed an increased G1 phase in the MCF-7 cell and G2/M phase in the MDA-MB-231 cell. DP decreased mRNA expression of apoptotic suppressor gene Bcl-xL, and increased mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes. DP increased mRNA expression of p21, and Rip1 in both cell. And DP decreased mRNA expression of survivin in the MCF-7 cell. Conclusions : Taken together, these results indicate that DP extract are source of anti-cancer potential and could be developed botanical drug.

Objectives : In the theory of Korean medicine, Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium (CRVP) can soothe the liver to break qi stagnation, eliminate mass and relieve dyspepsia. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of CRVP on the apoptotic cell death in breast cancer cells. Methods : In the present experiment, the effects of CRVP on proliferation rates, type of cell death, cell cycle distribution, and intracellular oxidative stress were investigated using MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. In addition, the effects on expression levels of caspase 3, caspase 9, Bax and Bcl-2 were also investigated. Results : Treatment with CRVP decreased proliferation rates in a dose dependent manner. ID50 (50% inhibitory dosage) was 175.4 μg/ml. In the CRVP treated group, cell volumes showed smaller than non-treated normal. In addition, CRVP increased percentage of apoptotic and sub G1 arrested cells respectively. 200 μg/ml of CRVP treatment increased intracellular ROS level significantly. Finaly the expression level of caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were elevated by treatment with CRVP respectively. Conclusions : These results suggest that CRVP can trigger intrinsic apoptotic pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Objectives : The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of Insamyangyoung-tang aqueous extracts (ISYYT) on the propylthiouracil (PTU) induced rat hypothyroidism. Methods : The rats were divided into 6 groups : intact control, PTU control, Levothyroxine (LT ₄ ), 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg ISYYT treated groups. In ISYYT treated groups, PTU and ISYYT were administered for 4 weeks after 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg ISYYT were administered for 2 weeks. In LT ₄ group, PTU and LT ₄ were administered for 4 weeks. The changes were observed : the weigh, serum thyroid hormone levels, serum sex hormone levels, serum lipid profiles, serum liver enzyme levels, liver and testis antioxidant defense system, histopathology of thyroid gland, liver, epididymis, prostate and testis. Results were compared with PTU control group in this experiment. Results : In comparison with PTU control group, 500 and 250 mg/kg ISYYT treated groups showed significant increase of body, thyroid, liver, testis, epididymis and prostate weights, decrease of serum TSH levels with increase of serum T3 and T4 level, increase of serum testosterone and DHT levels with decrease of serum FSH levels, decrease of serum HDL with increase of TG and increase of serum AST levels. Histopathological inspections of hepatic and male reproductive organ damage induced by PTU were improved. And the changes of antioxidant defense system of Liver and testis induced by PTU were improve. There was no significant difference between 125 mg/kg ISYYT treated group and PTU control group in this experiment. Conclusions : The results obtained in this study considered that Insamyangyoung-tang may be effective in hypothyroidism and related organ damages.

Objectives : This study were invesitigated papers published in international journals to assess the effect of Korean Medicine treatments for menopausal depression. Through this review, we aimed to research more effective ways of menopausal depression treatment. Methods : The database of this review was created through searching PubMed from Jan, 2005 to Feb, 2015 : using terms of ‘menopausal depression’ and ‘post menopausal depression’ with ‘acupuncture’, ‘alternative medicine’, ‘CAM’ and ‘herbal medicine’. Results : 119 studies were analyzed but some of them were excluded due to lack of relevance or noncomformity of subjects. Finally, 16 studies were included in this review. Conclusions : In 16 studies, the acupuncture and herb decoction had significant interventions to improve menopausal depression. Therefore Acupuncture and herbal medicine may be effective treatment method of menopausal depression.

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Omibaekchul-san on postpartum edema in women hospitalized at korean medical postpartum care center in comparison with Saenghwa-tang. Methods : The body composition data was collected from 102 women, who took postpartum care in postpartum care center attached to Won-kwang University Jeonju Korean Medical Hospital, from March 2012 to July 2013. The data was analyzed by Body Composition Analyzer (Inbody 720). Specifically the data was composed of the Extra Cellular Fluid/Total Body Fluid (ECF/TBF), Total Body Water (TBW), Intra Cellular Water (ICW), Extra Cellular Water (ECW), Body Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), and the ECF/TBF of each body parts such as the upperlimb, lowerlimb and trunk. The body composition was measured twice during 2~8.5 days from childbirth and once again after 7~13.5 days from childbirth by Body Composition Analyzer. Results : The Omibaekchul-san -treated group showed a significant decrease of ECF/TBF, ECW, TBF, Body weight, BMI, ECF/TBF of each body parts and increase of WHR in comparison with the data of the Saenghwa-tang-treated group. In two groups, only the change of ICW was unsignificant. Conclusions : Statistically this study suggests that the Omibaekchul-san will help the quality of life of women who are in postpartum edema.

Objectives : This study is to report the effect of herbal medicine and acupuncture on a clinical pregnancy. Methods : From february 2014 to july 2014, a prospective analysis study was performed in 20 patients after taking her medicine and acupuncture treatment. Results : After treatment, two patients naturally became pregnance and one patient became pregnance after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Conclusions : This study suggests that herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment are useful and shows possibility to increasing pregnancy rates.

Objectives : This study aims to assess whether Korean medical treatment in infertile couple is effective on clinical pregnancy. Methods : Korean medical treatment using herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion was performed to thirty-one women and one man of infertility from March 2013 to April 2015. Results : After the treatment, nine patients (eight women and 1 man) of infertility became pregnant (28.13%) in thirty-two patients. In nine patients with pregnancy, five patients became spontaneous pregnant. Two patients became pregnant with in vitro fertilization (IVF), and other two patients became pregnant with intrauterine insemination (IUI). Factors influenced pregnancy assessed a shorter duration of infertility. After the treatment, survey of satisfaction in Korean medical treatment in infertility was done. Out of thirty-two patients, convenience and reliability of Korean medical treatment was reported by who had an experience of sterilization surgery. After the assessment, seven patients who had an experience of sterilization surgery and beame pregnant were having more convenience than twelve patients who were not pregnant despite sterilization surgery. Conclusions : This study suggests Korean medical treatment is useful for infertile women and men, in reverse proportion to shorter duration of infertility.

Objectives : Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder prevalent among adolescence into adulthood, and its consequences can be detrimental especially for women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Yukul-tang Gamibang (YG) on female acne vulgaris. Methods : We treated 2 cases of female acne patients diagnosed as ‘Stagnation Pattern’ with herbal medication and external treatments. Herbal medication was orally administered 2 times a day and external treatments were applied once a week on average during the whole treatment period. Results : Photographs were taken at the start of each session, and the pictures of before and after the treatment period were compared. The severity of acne vulgaris was evaluated according to the Korean Acne Grading System (KAGS). We observed clinical improvement and decrease in KAGS grades after treatment. Conclusions : After taking YG, acne vulgaris was significantly improved in both patients. The results suggest that YG may be effective in treating acne vulgaris in female patients diagnosed as ‘Stagnation Pattern’.

Objectives : Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common gynecologic symptoms. Various diseases, specially irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ovarian cysts, and endometriosis, can occur CPP, but the medicines and the operations which used on these diseases have many side effects and even if patients get treatments, pain usually remain due to the pathology is not accord with the pain or the cause is not clear. There are some cases about effective of the Korean medicine therapies, but cases are still deficiency and case series has not been reported. We have a case series of CPP treated by Korean medicine treatment, so we report a case series on CPP. Methods : 6 patients, who suffered from CPP, were enrolled in this study. They received Korean medicine therapies such as herbal medicine, moxibustion, and acupuncture. Results : CPP was reduced by Korean medicine therapies. Conclusions : The present study suggests that Korean medicine therapies have a effect on CPP.

Objectives : This study aims to report the effect of Korean medicine treatment on Sequela of Bladder Cancer. Methods : The patient was treated with korean medicine of Paljeongsan-gamibang, acupuncture at Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), Qugu (CV2), Hyeolhae (SP10), Sameumgyo (SP6) and we evaluated treatment effects by visual analogue scale (VAS) and urine analysis (UA) finding. Results : After treatments, the symptoms such as perineal pain, painful urination, dysuria, anorexia were improved and taking number of narcotic analgesic was reduced. Conclusions : This clinical study suggests that korean medicine treatment shows possibility to care for sequela of bladder cancer patient.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medical treatment in patient with Herpes Zoster and hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy. Methods : 10 weeks pregnant patient with Herpes Zoster and hyperemesis gravidarum was treated by herbal medicine ( Bosaeng-tang ) and acupuncture. We measured visual analogue scale (VAS) and observed the change of skin lesion. Results : After treatment, vesicles and crusts of right buttock and lower leg clearly dis appeared. Patient no more suffered from nausea and vomiting. VAS (Visual analogue scale) of pain changed 8 to 0. After 7months, the patient gave birth to a healthy child. Conclusions : This case report shows that the Korean medical treatment is useful and safe in the treatment of Herpes Zoster and hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy.

Objectives : AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is considered a sensitive marker of ovarian reserve, and it tends to be included among basic fertility tests. This paper is to report four pregnancies which were achieved by subfertile women with low AMH level after Korean medical treatments. Methods : Four cases of pregnancy by subfertile women, aged 34 to 37, with low AMH level (0.04 to 0.76 ng/mL), after Korean medical treatments between July 2012 and May 2015, were analysed. The patients were diagnosed as Kidney deficiency (腎虛), Blood extravasation (瘀血) and/or Liver Qi stagnation (肝氣 鬱結). Herbal medicine, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and moxibustion treatments were applied. Results : The four subfertile women with low AMH level achieved pregnancy after Korean medical treatments. Conclusions : The case report suggests that Korean medical treatment can be an effective option for subfertile women with low AMH level before Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Objectives : This study aims to report the effect of Korean medicine treatments on a sequela of operation of hallux valgus. Methods : The patient was treated with Dangkisoosan-gami, Acupuncture treatment including Herbal-Acupuncture and physical therapy. We evaluated treatment effects by circumference of foot and ankle, Edema index score by Body Composition Analyzer, Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results : After 25 days of treatment, the symptoms such as lower extremity edema, foot pain and ankle pain were improved. Conclusions : In this case, Korean medicine treatments for a sequela of operation of hallux valgus was effective. But further studies are required to confirm the effect of these methods.

목 적: 상열감과 발한과다는 갱년기 증후군의 대표적 증상이다. 본 연구에서는 약침을 이용한 수화조절법을 사용하여 갱년기 증후군 환자의 상열감과 발한과다 증상 감소에 유의한 효과를 얻어 이를 보고하고자 한다. 방 법: 황련해독탕 약침을 양측 견정(GB21), 풍지(GB20) 혈에 각각 0.1 cc씩 총 0.4 cc를 주입하고, BUM(웅담, 우황, 사향)약침은 전중(CV17), 중완(CV12), 기해(CV16)혈에 각각 0.05cc씩 총 0.15cc를 주입한다. 시술은 매일 시행하였으며, 증상에 관하여 상열감점수(Hot flush score), 발한에 대한 Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) 및 발한 부위를 기록하여 증상변화 정도를 평가하였다. 결 과: 1번 증례는 약침 수화조절법 시행 후 상열감점수는 24에서 4로, 발한에 관한 VAS는 7에서 2로 감소하였다. 상열감 및 발한과다 증상의 감소와 더불어 손발이 화끈거리는 증상도 함께 감소되었다.2번 증례는 약침 수화조절법 시행 후 상열감점수가 28에서 2로, 발한에 관한 VAS는 10에서 3으로 감소하였다. 상열감 및 발한과다 증상의 감소와 더불어 불안, 우울, 분노 증의 정서적 증상도 70%정도 감소하였다.3번 증례는 약침 수화조절법 시행 후 상열감점수가 8에서 1로, 발한에 관한 VAS는 6에서 1로 감소하였다. 상열감 및 발한과다 증상의 감소와 더불어 두통, 가슴 답답함 등의 증상도 함께 소실되었다.모든 증례에서 발한 부위의 변화는 없었다. 결 론: 본 증례에서 약침을 이용한 수화조절법은 갱년기 상열감과 발한과다 증상을 감소시키는 효과가 있었으며 부가적으로 호소하던 증상도 감소하거나 소실되는 효과가 있었다. 그러므로 약침을 이용한 수화조절법은 상열감과 발한과다를 호소하는 갱년기 증후군 환자에게 효과적인 치료법이라 사료된다.