Objectives : The purpose of this study is to explore the current research trend on acupuncture treatment for nerve regeneration and recovery effect. Methods : We investigated the researches so far, on acupuncture treatment for the nerve regeneration and recovery via searching Pubmed from 2005 up to October 2014. Data were extracted from the included studies regarding the authors, countries, type of nerve injury, type of acupuncture, treatment period, acupuncture points, assessment tool and results. Results and Conclusions : Twenty-four research papers were included in the review. Outcomes were measured by immunohistochemical results, motor behavior scores, and electrocphysiological results. All but one study favored acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatment for nerve regeneration and recovery regardless of type of nerve injury and acupuncture modality. Acupuncture treatment may have a potential for nerve regeneration and recovery and further research is required.

Objectives : The results from randomized controlled trials on traditional medicine have been negative or ambiguous. The appropriateness of the research methodology started to be questioned. However, the research methodology appropriate for studying traditional medicine has not been well-established. This study aims to explore the appropriate research methodologies for clinical studies on acupuncture. Methods : Clinical researches evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture for back pain were systematically searched and evaluated focusing on research methodology. The acupuncture treatment protocol is evaluated by 9 items which is individual treatment based on diagnosis, combining proximal and distal acupoints, exact location of acupoint, De Qi, adequate stimulation, duration of acupuncture, treatment sessions, treatment interval, and establishing relationship between patients and doctors. Results : Systematic review of acupuncture researches on low back pain suggested that observational studies and pragmatic trials rather than explanatory studies could incorporate these elements. Qualitative studies also could help understanding complex characteristics of acupuncture treatment which could not be evaluated by quantitative studies. Conclusions : In designing clinical researches on acupuncture, various study designs, especially observational study and pragmatic study, should be considered according to research objectives and subjects. The efforts to incorporate the core characteristics of acupuncture practiced in everyday clinical setting are also essential.

Objectives : Mahuang-Chuanwu(Mahwang-Cheonoh) Pharmacopuncture(MCP) has been used to treat obesity in Clinical Korean Medicine. MCP solution(MCPS) is also expected to have strong anti-obesity activities. However, little is known about the mechanisms of its inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. Methods : In the present study, we examined the effects of MCPS on differentiation and lipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. To elucidate the mechanism of the effects of MCPS on lowering lipid content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we examined whether MCPS modulates the expressions of transcription factors to induce lipogenesis and adipogenic genes related to regulate the accumulation of lipids. Results : Our results showed that MCPS significantly inhibited differentiation and lipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. MCPS suppressed the mRNA expressions of cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine(CCAAT)/enhancer binding proteins ${\alpha}$($C/EBP{\alpha}$), C/EBP ${\beta}$, $C/EBP{\delta}$, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$($PPAR{\gamma}$) genes related to the induction of adipose differentiation. MCPS inhibited the mRNA expressions of adipose-specific aP2, adipsin, lipoprotein lipase(LPL), CD36, TGF-${\beta}$, and leptin genes related to the fat formation. MCPS downregulated the mRNA expressions of liver X receptor(LXR) ${\alpha}$ and fatty acid synthase(FAS) genes related to the induction of lipogenesis. In addition, MCPS reduced the production of adipocyte-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions : MCPS could regulate the accumulation of lipids and expression of adipogenic genes via inhibition of transcript factors related to induction of adipose differentiation.

Objectives : Saam acupuncture initiated by Saamdoin is traditional and originative method, which is characterized by applying the five phases theory and mother-child reinforcement-reduction principle to the selection of acupoints and needling manipulation. Our study was aimed to summarize and assess the use of acupoint SP3(Taebaek) in Saam acupuncture treatment and to further understand Saam acupuncture in an aspect of the combination of acupoints. Methods : We searched the data based on "(Do Hae Kyo Kam) Sa-Ahm's acupuncture method" for SP3 used and acupoint combination including SP3. We performed frequency analysis, network analysis, and cluster analysis for quantitative aspect. To understand clinical implication of SP3 with another acupoint, qualitative and descriptive methods were also carried out. Results and Conclusions : In our study, SP3 was frequently used for tonification of lung, spleen, heart, and kidney meridian and sedation of kidney, heart, and lung meridian. For this, many acupoints such as LU8, LU9, KI3, HT8, KI7, LU10 and LR1 were used with SP3. The combination of SP3 and other acupoints were used to treat stroke, common cold, and pain conditions including headache, low back pain, respiratory disease as well as gastroenteric troubles including stomachache, indigestion, vomiting, and constipation. To further understand Saam acupuncture, an understanding of the five transport points based on five elements characters, pathological changes (deficiency and excess) of viscera and bowels, and concept of source point should be preceded.

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanol extract from Rosa rugosa Thunb. flowers(ERF) on the activities of antioxidant, antiwrinkle and whitening. Methods : We measured antioxidant efficacy of ERF by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) assay. Also we confirmed the inhibitory effect of ERF on collagenase activity and melanin synthesis by using collagenase assay kit and dihydroxiphenylalanine staining, respectively. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ERF, we examined the inflammatory mediator IL-6. Results : ERF showed highly efficacy in DPPH radical scavenging activity. ERF dose-dependently suppressed collagenase activity. Ultraviolet-induced production of IL-6 decreased by ERF treatment. In B16F10 cell, ERF significantly reduced tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis. Conclusions : From the above results, it was indicated that ERF could be utilized as anti-aging and whitening cosmetic ingredients.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of laser acupuncture according to the wavelength(532 nm, 650 nm, 830 nm, 904 nm, and 1064 nm) at the acupoint of GB34 GB39 on neuropathic pain rat induced by tibial and sural nerve transection(TST). Methods : Neuropathic pain in rats was induced by tibial nerve and sural nerve transection. The rats were divided into the intact group, the TST control group, and the laser acupuncture therapy group. The laser acupuncture therapy groups were then divided into subgroups with 532 nm(L532), 650 nm(L650), 830 nm(L830), 904 nm(L904), and 1064 nm(L1064) laser acupuncture therapy. The acupoint of GB34 GB39 was selected, and laser acupuncture therapy was provided on both sides alternatively twice a week in a total of 6 sessions. Results : All the laser acupuncture groups showed a significant decrease in reaction time and force intensity. L532, L904, and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in Bax, the L532 group showed a significant increase in Bcl-2, L532 and L1064 groups showed a significant decrease in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and L532 and L650 groups showed a significant increase in mGluR5, as compared with the TST control group, among nerve tissue reaction. Conclusions : These results showed that laser acupuncture therapy at each of the wavelengths had some significance on neuropathic pain.

Objectives and Methods : This study is to understand the properties and functions of twelve meridians. It aims to understand the meaning of the meridian names, and to study the properties of the six qi and the method of movement of the meridians by analyzing the six qi of the three yin and three yang from a meteorological perspective. The functions of twelve meridians based on the relationship between the operation of the internal organs and the meridians are then examined. Results and Conclusions : (1) The three yin and three yang includes the properties of six qi at the meridians. (2) The fundamental qi at reverting yin meridian lesser yin meridian and greater yin meridian has the properties of wind, heat and dampness, respectively, which are yang qi, while the fundamental qi at lesser yang meridian, yang brightness meridian and greater yang meridian has the properties of ministerial fire, dryness and cold, respectively, which are yin qi. (3) In the circulation of meridian qi, yang qi ascends at yin meridians while yin qi descends at yang meridians. (4) Three yin meridians belonging to the viscera help the function of intestines, which saves essence qi and then makes it go upward, while three yang meridians belonging to the bowels help the function of converting foodstuff and making it go downward. (5) In the human body, the internal organs play the primary role, and the meridians serve as helpers of the functioning of the internal organs by controlling the six qi.

Objectives : Zizyphus jujuba fruits(ZJF), a traditional Korean medicine has various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuro-protective effects. However, it is still unclear whether ZJF has any biological effect on anti-aging. In this study, we examined the effect of ZJF on lifespan and thermal stress in C. elegans. Methods and Results : ZJF water extracts were fermented for 7 days(F7-ZJF) and 14 days(F14-ZJF) by Laetiporus sulphureus to increase secondary metabolites such as aglycone of flavonoids and terpenoids. In the lifespan assay, ZJF water extracts and fermented ZJF were treated on the agar medium plate with age synchronized egg stage of C. elegans. Treatment of F7-ZJF-$200{\mu}g/mL$ with OP-50 E. coli and F14-ZJF-$200{\mu}g/mL$ with OP-50 E. coli significantly increased life span of C. elegans(N2) at thermal stress condition of $25^{\circ}C$. Moreover mRNA levels of lifespan associated HSP 16.1, HSP 70, and HSF-1 were increased at thermal stress condition of $25^{\circ}C$. However, in the equilibration temperature of $20^{\circ}C$ after stress condition of $35^{\circ}C$ for 2 hr, F-14-ZJF-$200{\mu}g/mL$ treatment decreased the levels of heat shock protein in hsp16.2/GFP C. elegans. Conclusions : Our study indicates that prolong role of fermented-ZJF in C. elegans is mediated by control HSPs production.

Objectives : The purpose of this report is to show the clinical efficiency of korean medical treatments with Bee Venom pharmacopuncture therapy on patient of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Methods : The patient was treated with Bee Venom pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, cupping venesection treatment, and herbal medicine. Visual Analog Scale was used to evaluate the improvement of pain after all treatments. Results : Visual Analog Scale was improved from 10 to 2 after korean medical treatment including Bee Venom pharmacopuncture. Conclusions : Korean medical treatments with Bee Venom pharmacopuncture can be effective for improving symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Objectives : The purpose of this report is to show the effectiveness of traditional korean medical treatment with Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture. Methods : Twenty five patients were treated by korean medical treatment including Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopuncture. We measured valuation standards such as House-Brackmann Grade(H-B Grade) and Numeric Rating Scale(NRS) to assess the effectiveness of treatments. These valuation standards were measured at admisson and discharge. Results : The results were obtained as below. 1. In House-Brackmann Grade, 60.0% of patients were improved and 36.0% were maintained at the same level. 4.0% of patients were worsen. 2. Average of Numeric Rating Scale was changed from 8.5 to 3.0 after whole treatment. Conclusions : Korean medical treatments including Hwangryunhaedok-tang pharmacopunture can be effective for improving symptoms of facial paralysis.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report that acupuncture of Damjeonggyeok(tonifying GB in Sa-Am acupucture) can be effective on chronic insomnia. Methods : The patients were treated with Sa-Am acupucture(Damjeonggyeok) added with HT8 and KI6, once a week. Treatments were performed for 20 minutes. The effectiveness was evaluated using total sleep hours and subjective sleep quality based on the Insomnia Severity Index. Result and Conclusions : In all patients, the sleep quality evaluated with the Insomnia Severity Index has shown amelioration and sleeping time was increased. Also, they quit the insomnia pills. Acupuncture at Damjeonggyeok added with HT8 and KI6 seems to be able to one of useful therapies for the sleep disorder in chronic insomnia.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the clinical effects of Korean medical treatment with Hominis Placenta Pharmacopunture(HPP) on cold hypersensitivity of hands. Methods : A 46-year-old female patient whose chief complaint was cold hypersensitivity of hands was treated with Placenta Pharmacopunture at LI4 and LI10, ten times for a month. Acupuncture and herbal medicine were added depending on the symptoms. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging(D.I.T.I) was taken and Visual Analog Scale(VAS) was examined before and after each treatment. Results : After the treatments, the symptoms were improved. Conclusions : DITI and VAS showed that the patient's cold hypersensitivity of hands was improved after Korean medical treatment with Hominis Placenta Pharmacopuncture.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Oriental medical treatment on a patient with Crohn's disease. Methods : The patient was treated with acupuncture, herb remedy and moxibustion for about 2 weeks. We evaluated the results of the treatment by observing the patient's symptoms and through the Crohn's disease activity index(CDAI) score. Results : After Oriental medical treatment the patient's symptoms such as emesis, heartburn and abdominal pain considerably reduced. The patients CDAI score decreased from 190.8 to 134.2. Conclusions : These results support that Oriental medical treatment can be a help in relieving symptoms of Crohn's disease.