Objectives : Ischemic brain injury is a worldwide problem that often causes irreversible brain damage. Moreover, prevention of ischemic brain injury is more important than anything else, since after-effects of stroke significantly threat the quality of life. Jukryukjichul-hwan (JRH) is an oriental medicinal formula for stroke patients in Korea. This study evaluated neuroprotective effects of methanol extract of JRH on global cerebral ischemia in rats. Changes of the pyramidal neurons, Bax and TUNEL immuno-positive neurons in CA1 hippocampus were observed using immunohistochemistry. Methods : Sprague-Dawley Rats were induced with temporal global cerebral ischemia (TGI) by occluding the bilateral common carotid artery with hypotension, The rats were divided into 3 groups. We treated one group with methanol extract of JRH after operation, another group before and after the operation. We observed Bax expressions inducing apoptosis of neurons and TUNEL-positive Pyramidal Neurons as an index of survival and apoptosis of pyramidal neurons in CA1 Hippocampus. Results : JRH treatment before and after TGI inhibited Bax expression in CA1 hippocampus. JRH treatment before and after TGI reduced the cell death of pyramidal neurons in CA1 hippocampus. JRH treatment after TGI reduced the cell death of pyramidal neurons in CA1 hippocampus. JRH treatment before and after TGI reduced TUNEL-positive cells in CA1 hippocampus. Conclusion : These results suggest that JRH has a neuroprotective effect (by anti-apoptosis) against cerebral ischemia.

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to find the prevalences and risk factors of the metabolic syndrome according to Sasang constitution. Methods : The medical records of 364 subjects who had taken health examinations and diagnosis of Sasang constitution from January to June of 2003 at a health examination center of a hospital in Seoul were reviewed. The prevalences and the risk factors of the metabolic syndrome according to Sasang constitution were compared and analyzed. Results : 1) Among the 364 subjects, 88 (24.2%) were Soeumin, 101 (27.7%) were Soyangin, and 175 (48.1%) were Taeumin. 2) The prevalences of high WC, high TG, low HDL-c, high BP and high FBS of Taeumin were significantly higher than those of the other constitutions (p-value < 0.05). 3) The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome of Taeumin, Soyangin, and Soeumin were 46.3%, 16.8% and 9.1% respectively. The rates were significantly different according to Sasang constitution (p-value < 0.001). 4) Taeumin had higher risk of high WC than Soeumin (adjusted OR : 3.83, 95% CI : 1.19-12.29) and higher risk of high FBS than Soeumin (adjusted OR: 5.93,95% CI : 1.11-31.77). 5) Taeumin had higher risk of the metabolic syndrome than Soeumin (adjusted OR : 3.40, 95% CI : 1.25-9.23). Conclusions : There were significant differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to Sasang constitution. Sasang constitution was identified as an independent risk factor of metabolic syndrome.

Objectives : This study examined the reliability of disease mechanism diagnosis, to evaluate items of questionnaires and inquire about the relationships between disease mechanisms and 'diagnosis program' questionnaires used for the objective diagnosis of Oriental medicine in the department of Oriental OB&GYN, Oriental Medical Hospital of Dongeui University. Method : We analyzed the results of questionnaires from 3504 outpatients of OB&GYN disease at the Oriental Medical Hospital of Dongeui University from April 2000 to April 2005. Results & Conclusions : 1. The research questionnaire had 188 questions, the summary questionnaire 137, and the diagnosis questionnaire 80. 2. The reliability of all questionnaires shows above 90% in deficiency of qi, deficiency of Yin, insufficiency of Yang coldness heat syndrome liver and spleen kidney in all, 8 case disease mechanisms. These are higher in the diagnosis questionnaires than in the research questionnaires and the summary questionnaires, except for kidney disease mechanism. 3. Cronbach a of the questionnaires decreased, especially blood deficiency, phlegm, heat syndrome, and insufficiency of Yang; these 4 case disease mechanisms were lower than 0.6. 4. For degree of correspondence of meeting points, both. the diagnosis and the summary questionnaires were above 80% with the exception of the 2 case disease mechanisms heart and blood deficiency. The meeting points of both the diagnosis and research questionnaires were above 80% in the to case disease mechanisms deficiency of qi blood stasis deficiency of Yim insufficiency of Yang damp dryness liver spleen kidney phlegm. 5. The change in the result values of questionnaires was a decreased level of deficiency of qi heat syndrome phlegm damp kidney and raised level of coldness heart disorder of qi dryness 6. The computation degree of disease mechanism in DSOM(r) D.1.1 was much lower on phlegm deficiency of qi heat syndrome disorder of blood, somewhat lower on insufficiency of Yang and higher on coldness than in the two different questionnaires.

Objectives : Acupuncture has been widely applied to rehabilitation after stroke by Oriental medical doctors in Korea. It has been reported that acupuncture increased cerebral blood supply and stimulated the functional activity of brain nerve cells. In addition, a correlation between activation of specific areas of brain cortices and corresponding acupuncture stimulation at the therapeutic points had been well illustrated. rill now, however, there were few studies which evaluated a correlation between activation of specific areas of brain and frequently-used acupuncture therapy for stroke, such as LI4-LI11 electro-acupuncture (EA) for paresis after stroke. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of LI4-LI11 EA on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in normal volunteers using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). Methods : In the resting state, $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ brain SPECT scans were performed on 10 normal volunteers (8 males, 2 females, mean age $25.6{\pm}2.3$years; age range from 24 to 31 years). 7 days after the resting examination, 15 minutes of electro-acupuncture were applied at LI 4 and LI 11 on the right side of the subjects. Immediately after LI4-LI11 EA, the second SPECT images were obtained in the same manner as the resting state. Significant increases and decreases of regional cerebral blood flow after LI4-LI11 EA were estimated by comparing their SPECT images with those of the resting state using paired t statistics at every voxel, which were analyzed by Statistical parametric mapping with a threshold of p=0.001, uncorrected (extent threshold: k=100 voxels). Results : EA applied at right LI4-LI11 increased rCBF in right frontopolar area (Brodmann area 10) and left middle frontal area (Brodmann area 46). Interestingly, all the areas showing increased rCBF corresponded to the territories of both anterior cerebral arteries. However, LI4-11 EA decreased rCBF in the left occipital lobe (peristriate area, Brodmann area 19). Conclusions : The results demonstrated a correlation between LI4-11 EA and rCBF increase in the frontal lobes. It is also suggested that there may be a correlation between LI meridian and the territory of the anterior cerebral arterties.

Objectives : This study was to analyze the status of patients with infertility in the department of oriental gynecology in an oriental medical hospital and propose infertility treatment in oriental medicine. Methods : This study was presented with 2,153 cases of infertile women who had visited the department of oriental gynecology in one oriental hospital in Seoul from 2002 to 2004. Results : The total number infertile patients has decreased year by year. The age range of patients was getting higher and the age group between 30 and 35 took up about one half of the total patients. The duration of infertility for less than 3 years held about 50-60% of the total patients, and the mean duration of infertility was $39.18{\pm}29.57$ months (2004). The most common occupations of females were professionals or administrative managers. The secondary infertility was increasing and unexplained infertility increased from 38.2% (in 2002) to 54.4% (in 2004). However the duration of treatment was shorter. This shows that the age range of the patients having oriental-medicine treatment is gradually getting higher and the number of the patients having oriental-medicine treatment and compliance is decreasing. Conclusions : More studies about objectification of oriental medicine need to precede any other studies. Then, it is thought to be necessary to rebuild cooperative relationships between oriental & western medicine through systematic research and political supports and to establish firm foundations of oriental medicine.

For decades, scientists and clinicians have examined methods of measuring scalp hair growth. There has been a greater need for reliable, economical and minimally invasive means of measuring hair growth and, specifically, response to Oriental medicine therapy. We review the various methods of measurement described to date, their limitations and value to the clinician. In our opinion, the potential of computer-assisted technology in this field is yet to be maximized and the currently available tools are less than ideal. The most valuable means of measurement at the present time are global photography and phototrichogram-based techniques (with digital image analysis). Subjective scoring systems are also of value in the overall assessment of response to therapy and these are under-utilized and merit further refinement.

Objectives; This study examined the neuroprotective effect of Hyulbuchookautang (血府逐瘀湯, HBCAT)against neural damage following focal cerebral infarction. Methods : Sprague-Dawley Rats were induced with focal cerebral infarction by temporal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The rats were divided into 2 groups. We treated extract of HBCAT to one group after operation (sample group), and the other group wasn't treated after operation (control group). We observed neurological scores and TIC-stained infarct area, total infarct volume in brain sections and Bax-positive neurons, HSP70- positive neurons in brain regions. Results : HBCAT treatment at 3 days after MCAO reduced neurological scores induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment at 5 days after MCAO reduced TTC-stained infarct area in brain sections induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment at 5 days after MCAO reduced total infarct volume in brain sections induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment after MCAO reduced Bax-positive neurons in cortex infarct core and cortex infarct penumbra and caudo-putamen of brain regions induced by MCAO. HBCAT treatment after MCAO reduced HSP70- positive neurons in cortex infarct penumbra of brain regions induced by MCAO. Conclusions : These results suggest that HBCAT has a neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia.

Purpose : This study was conducted to understand Oriental medical health services and analyze the relationships between the perceived Oriental medical health services and the effect, influencing patient satisfaction as. well as intentions of re-visiting such hospitals. Methods : SPSS 10.0, a statistical processing method, was used to process the study data and frequency and ANOVA analysis were used to analyze the differences. Also, Pearson correlation coefficient was performed to analyze the relationships between work satisfaction and health services quality, as well as patient satisfaction and intentions to re-visit such hospitals. Results : Most patients were satisfied with the service, but it was shown that improvement of facilities and medical equipment was needed. The survey showed higher satisfaction with longer experience of doctors and nurses. Staff recognition of health services quality seemed lower than patient satisfaction, so efforts to improve the health services and relationships between health services quality and patient satisfaction are necessary. Conclusion : Higher quality and satisfaction with Oriental medical health services are going to improve total re-use intention to a significant degree.

Background & Purpose : Acupuncture with aromatherapy (AA) is a branch of complementary or alternative therapy recently growing in use. As the use of aromatherapy itself has grown so rapidly in recent years, studies about its safety have been accumulating. However, safety of AA has not been studied clinically and the treatment method which has the needles inserted after spreading essential oils exposes the human body more directly to components than aromatherapy. Therefore, we examined the safety of AA on patients treated thereby and physicians practising it. Methods : We observed all inpatients treated with AA from November 21, 2005 to March 31, 2006, in Kyung Hee Oriental Medical Center. During treatment, we monitored all of the newly developed signs from the patients to assess the adverse effects of AA. The patients' and physicians' general characteristics (gender, age, present illness, and treatment days) were obtained from medical records and analyzed to assess the clinical safety of AA in detail. Results : There were 440 patients treated with AA; clinical adverse effects appeared in 3 of them, which can be assessed as 0.7%. The major symptom was chest discomfort and choking originated from smell aversion condition (2 patients), and the other adverse effect was sensation of itching and reddening. However, none of them seemed to have direct relation with AA. A total of eight physicians applied AA and there were no symptoms related to it among them. Conclusions : We suggest that our results will contribute to confirming the safety of AA by offering clinical evidence.

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ginseng saponins and commercial surfactants such as Triton X-100, sodium deoxycholate, and sodium dodecyl sulfate on the gastric enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis. Methods : Saponins (a surface-active plant component) from fresh ginseng root were extracted to examine its effect on the gastric enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis. Commercial surfactants such as Triton X-100, sodium deoxycholate, and sodium dodecyl sulfate were also employed in the hydrolysis system to compare their effects with that of the ginseng saponins. The effects of surfactants on the gastric enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis were measured by using a spectrophotometer. A spectropolarimeter was used to examine the conformational change of enzymes and substrates by the addition of ginseng saponins into the system. Results : Both the tryptic and the peptic digestion of milk casein or eggalbumin were slightly improved with an increase in the amount of ginseng saponins in the system. Triton X-100 showed an effect similar to that of ginseng saponins, while sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium deoxycholate diminished the hydrolysis. Circular dichroism spectra of enzymes and substrates was significantly changed by the addition of ginseng saponins into the system. Conclusions : These results show that ginseng saponins affect positively the gastric enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis, and suggest that the digestion of substrates by gastric enzymes is affected by the change of enzyme conformation by ginseng saponins.

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to identify attitude, treatment and quality control of Oriental medicines and to find the influencing factors affecting them. Methods : We made a survey of 213 people who work in the field of Oriental medicine in Daegu. A survey on attitudes about treatment, and quality control of Oriental medicines was conducted by mail. The data was analyzed by SPSS. Results : The survey results showed that most common purchase place for Oriental medicine was a wholesale market (67.0%). Storage of Oriental medicine was mostly in warehouse (61.4%) without temperature controls. Subjects expressed necessity for quality control (100%), legal controls (96.2%), grading according to quality (95.7%), and standardization of Oriental medicine (90.6%) at a high rate. Conclusions : These results showed that subjects were interested in quality control of Oriental medicine to ensure safety.

Objectives : The amyloid $\beta$-protein ($A\beta$) is the principal component of the senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and elicits a toxic effect on neurons in vitro and in vivo. Many environmental factors including antioxidants and proteoglycans modify $A{\beta}toxicity$. In this study, we have investigated the protective effects of water- and organic solvent-extracts of Hemerocallis fulva root fractions pre-extracted with methanol on $A\beta$-induced oxidative cell death in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Methods : For this study, we used MTT reduction assay for detection of protective effects of water- and organic solvent-extracts of Hemerocallis fulva root fractions pre-extracted with methanol on $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced cytotoxicity to PC12 cells. We also used cell-based $\beta$-secretase assay system to investigate the inhibitory effect of water- and organic solvent-extracts of Hemerocallis fulva root on $\beta$-secretase activity. Results : We previously reported that methanol extracts of Hemerocallis fulva root strongly attenuated cytotoxicity induced by the three $A\beta$ fragments ($A{\beta}_{25-35},\;A{\beta}_{1-42}\;A{\beta}_{1-43}$) to both SK-N-MC and PC12 cells. In the present study, we found that butanol-, ethylacetate-, chloroform-, and water-extracts of Hemerocallis fulva root fractions pre-extracted with methanol had strong protective effects against $A{\beta}_{25-35}$-induced cytotoxicity to PC12 cells and inhibitory potency to $\beta$-secretase activity. Conclusion : These results suggest that butanol-, ethylacetate-, chloroform-, and water-extracts of Hemerocallis fulva root fractions pre-extracted with methanol may contain the protective component(s) against $A\beta$-induced cell death in PC12 cells as well as inhibitory component(s) to $\beta$-secretase activity.

Tongue diagnosis is an important diagnostic method in traditional Oriental medicine. It has been especially accepted that quantitative analysis of tongue images allows the accurate diagnosis of the exterior-interior and cold-heat patterns of a patient. However, to ensure stable and reliable results, the color reproduction of such images must first be error-tree. Moreover, tongue diagnosis is much influenced by the surrounding illumination and subjective color recognition, so it has to be performed objectively and quantitatively using a digital diagnostic machine. In this study, 457 tongue images of outpatients were collected using the Digital Tongue Inspection System. Through statistical analysis, the result shows that the heat and cold patterns can be distinguished clearly based on the hue value of the tongue images. The average hue value (1.00) of the tongue's image in the cold pattern is higher than that in the heat pattern (0.99).

Objectives : Methods to evaluate obesity are growing to be important in studying links between health and disease. Physicians are using BMI (body mass index) to evaluate obesity, but they can't know how much fat the body has by using that method. Even though there are several assessments, there are different scales, so patients are diagnosed as obese, by some but not by others. These studies are limited in evaluating obesity; it is necessary to study based on new knowledge. According to Oriental Medical Theory, obese people are categorized into 3 types, Fei, Kao and Liu Ren. They have different pathology and body shapes than non-obese people. The relationship between Oriental Medical Theory and BMI and assessment of body fat is a fundamental need to easily approach and treat obesity. Methods : At 00 Oriental Medical Center, 145 female subjects who intended to lose weight were given physical tests and grouped into 5 types of obesity. The physical tests were height measurement, BMI, body composition (body fat mass and lean body mass), skin elasticity and physical strength tests. One-way analysis of variance was done to compare the means of physical tests between the five types of obese women. There was some relationship between characteristics of the five types based on physical tests and Fei, Kao and Liu Ren based on Oriental Medical Theory. Least significant difference (LSD) was used in multiple comparisons. Results : 1. According to the skin elasticity test, obesity type 5 placed between obesity types 3 and 4 and obesity types 1 and 2. Obesity types 3 and 4 were in the low skin elasticity result group; obesity types 1 and 2 were in the high ones (p<0.1).Based on Oriental Medical Theory, Fei Ren and Kao Ren can be distinguished by skin elasticity degree. This result should form the basis of obesity diagnosis. 2. According to Oriental Medical Theory, Fei Ren is smaller than others. Based on height measurement, obesity types 3 and 4 were significantly lower than other obesity types (p<0.1), so there is a relationship between Fei Ren and obesity types 3 & 4. 3. There were significant differences between obesity type 2 and obesity type 4 in the body fat mass result (p<0.1). This study did not have large enough a sample size to distinguish Liu Ren. Conclusions : Further clinical research is necessary to study measurement methods of body shape type and skin elasticity for distinguishing Fei Ren from Kao Ren. The diagnosis and treatment based on the relationship of these types should be studied further.

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects of 'Saengjinyanghyul-tang($Sh\={e}ngj\={i}ny\v{a}ngxu\`{e}-t\={a}ng$ : SJYHT)' in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic SD rat model. Methods : SJYHT extracts were once a day dosed for 28 days at a dosage 1000, 500, and 250mg/kg/5ml from 25 days after STZ-dosing, and the changes on blood glucose levels, liver and kidney weight, serum AST, ALT, BUN and creatinine levels were observed with histological changes on the liver and kidney. Results : Increased blood glucose levels, and diabetic hepatopathy & nephropathy including increased serum AST, ALT, BUN and creatinine levels, histological changes after STZ-dosing were dose-dependently reduced by SJYHT extract-dosing. Conclusions : 'SJYHT' water extracts have favorable hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects on the STZ-induced diabetic SD rats. Therefore, it is expected that 'SJYHT' has potential for use in the management of diabetes and diabetic complications.

Objectives : Peroxynitrite($ONOO^-$), superoxide anion(${\cdot}{O_2}^-$) and nitric oxide (NO) is a cytotoxic species that can oxidize several cellular components such as proteins, lipids and DNA. It has been implicated in the aging process and age-related disease such as Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate scavenging activities for $ONOO^-$ and its precursors, NO and ${\cdot}{O_2}^-$ of Vespae Nidus. Methods : Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) were used to investigate scavenging activities of $ONOO^-,\;NO,\;{\cdot}{O_2}^-$. Six-months-old ICR mice were used. After mice were injected with lipopolysaccharides(LPS), kidney organization was evaluated. Three comparison groups of ICR mice were used : a normal group, an experimental group that was fed Vespae Nidus extract and then injected with LPS, and a control group that was injected with LPS. Scavenging activities of $ONOO^-,\;NO,\;{\cdot}{O_2}^-$ in these groups were measured in the same way. Results : Vespae Nidus markedly scavenged authentic $ONOO^-,\;{\cdot}{O_2}^-$ and NO. It also inhibited $ONOO^-$ induced by ${\cdot}{O_2}^-$ and NO which are derived trom SIN-1. Furthermore, it inhibited $ONOO^-,\;{\cdot}{O_2}^-$, and NO generation by Vespae Nidus in LPS-treated ICR mouse kidney postmitochondria. Conclusions : These results suggest that Vespae Nidus might be developed as an effective $ONOO^-,\;{\cdot}{O_2}^-$, and NO scavenger for the prevention of the aging process and age-related diseases.

Objectives : We examined the effect of Hwangryunhaedoktang(HH) on the experimental ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods : Experimental colitis was induced in rats by daily treatment with 5% DSS in the drinking water for 5 days. Afterward, the mts were divided into two groups: the control group was administered water and the sample group was administered HH for 7 days. Results : The sample group provided HH for 7 days demonstrated fast recovery of body weight compared with the control group. Histologic change showed fast regeneration of crypt and surface epithelial cells and decreased edema of the submucosa and decreased lymphatic follicle of mucosa compared with the control group. Immunohistochemical stain usingCOX-2 gene was decreased and there was localized Ki-67 positive reaction. Regeneration of surface epithelial cell and goblet cell in mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscope. These results indicate therapeutic effect of HH on DSS-induced colitis in rats.

Objectives : This study aimed to find the curative effect of Gamitongkyutang distillate in mice with allergic rhinitis. Metbods : Forty mice were divided into four groups: the normal group, the control group (allergic rhinitis elicited group), the sample I group (Gamitongkyutang treated group after allergic rhinitis elicitation) and the sample II group (distillate of Gamitongkyutang treated group after allergic rhinitis elicitation). Indexes of AR were investigated such as the histological changes of the nasal mucosa, the changes of eosinophil count, the changes of interleukin-4(IL-4) secretion in the intranasal mucosa, the alteration of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) mRNA expression and the distribution of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB). ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results : Loss of the cilium and the mucous secretion in the sample I and II groups was rare when compared to the control group. The segment of eosinophil was significantly decreased in the sample I and II groups when compared to the control group (p<0.05). A significant decrease of IL-4 mRNA expression was observed in the sample I and II groups when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Inhibition of iNOS induced by NF-kB p50 in the sample I and II groups was significantly superior to that in the control group (p<0.05). DGT and GT didn't affect AST and ALT. Conclusions : GT was superior to DGT in the IL-4 secretion, eosinophil levels and iNOS production. However, considering the difficulty in taking herbal medicine, the DGT has a meaningful curative effect in mice with allergic rhinitis.

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the effects of Pinelliae rhizoma on blood serum lipids and skeletal muscle fatty acid metabolism of obese Zucker rats. Methods : Experimental groups were divided into normal Zucker rats (lean control; non-treated), obese Zucker rats (fat control; non-treated) and Pinelliae rhizoma oral feeding obese Zucker rats (fat control; treated) for 6 separate experiments. Pinelliae rhizoma was investigated for effects on total body weight, serum glucose content, total cholesterol and triglyceride content, free fatty acid content, PPARalpha, CS and beta-HAD. Results : 1. Triglycerides in blood serum showed a greater decrease in the Pinellia rhizoma oral feeding group than the overweight control group. 2. PPARa showed a significant increase in the Pinelliae rhizoma oral feeding group over the overweight control group in skeletal muscles of SOL and EDL: as for protein FABPc, the Pinelliae rhizomaoral feeding group saw a greater significant increase than the overweight control group in the skeletal muscles of SOL. 3. CS activity showed a greater increase for the Pinelliae rhizoma oral feeding group than the overweight control group in EDL Conclusions : As the experiment's results show, Pinelliae rhizoma effectively decreased the weight and triglycerides of the obese mouse, and somewhat affects the fat oxidation in the skeletal muscles.

Objectives : This study was performed to determine if unknown species of antler samples could be identified by genetic distance methods. Methods : The DNAs of 4 antler samples were extracted, amplified by PCR, and sequenced. The DNAs of antlers were identified by genetic distance. Genetic distance method was made using MEGA software (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis, 3.1). Results : By genetic distance methods, all 4 antler samples were closest to Cervus elaphus nelsoni among Cervus species. Conclusion : These results suggest that genetic distance methods might be used as a tool for the identification of Cervus species.

Objectives : Albizzia Julibrissin was formulated to contain various natural products known to cure erectile dysfunction. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Albizzia Julibrissin on the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, nitrite level, antioxidation and erectile responses induced by ethanol in corpus cavernosum penis of rats. Methods : The crushed Albizzia Julibrissin was extracted 3 times, each time with 3 volumes of methyl alcohol at $60^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. The extract was filtered and evaporated under a reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to yield 45.3 g. Albizzia Julibrissin extract was oral-administered 100 mg per 1 kg of body weight for 20 days, while the normal group was administered only with a saline. The efficacy of Albizzia Julibrissin against erectile function was examined as described in the text. Results : The level of urethral NOS activity and nitrite were increased by Albizzia Julibrissin. The level of lipid peroxide was decreased by Albizzia Julibrissin. The level of urethral lipid peroxide in the ethanol-Albizzia Julibrissin double administered rats was decreased as low as in the norma! group, while the one in the ethanol-treated group was increased. The level of urethral nitrite, NOS activity, glutathione and serum testosterone in the ethanol-Albizzia Julibrissin double administered rats were as high as in the normal group, while the one in the ethanol-treated group was decreased. The erectile response to cavernous nerve stimulation in the ethanol-Albizzia Julibrissin double administered rats increased as high as in the normal group while the one in the ethanol-treated group decreased. Conclusions : Albizzia Julibrissin was shown to be effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction induced by ethanol in rats.

Objectives : To examine any potential relationships between the types of alopecia and the facial heat distribution in patients with alopecia. Methods : 183 patients with alopecia participated in this study to provide facial heat distribution measured by the Infrared Thermography Scanner (ITS, Nec San-ei Instruments Ltd, Japan). The thermography scan was used in a light- and heat-protected room after 20 minutes' of rest. 1.5m of distance was maintained between the patients and the scanner. Results : Specificity in the type of facial heat distribution was found as follow. 1. Types of facial heat distribution can be classified as T-type and diffused patterns. 2. There was a significant difference in the pattern of facial heat distribution among different types of alopecia (p=0.002): facial heat distribution appeared T-type in androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium (71.3%, 85.7%, 70.4%), whereas diffused pattern was dominant in seborrheic alopecia (55.6%). 3. There was a significant difference in the pattern of facial heat distribution between men and women (p<0.001) : While the T-type and diffused type appeared equally in men (50.6% : 49.4%), T-type was dominant in women (88.0% vs. 12.0%). Conclusions : We conclude that the pattern of facial heat distribution differs depending on the types of alopecia and gender. These differences may provide useful information for diagnosis and clinical therapy for this population.

Backgrounds : Hyperlipidemia is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lowering serum cholesterol levels could reduce the risk of CVD. Insamsansa-eum (Renshenshanzha-yin, ISE), composed of Ginseng Radix and Crataegii Fructus, is a new medicine developed to treat hyperlipidemia and CVD. Objectives : In this study, we intended to explore the clinical effects of ISE on patients with hypercholesterolemia, and moreover we also compared its effects according to the pattern identification. Methods : Subjects were administered ISE with the dose of 600 mg three times a day for 4 weeks. Patterns of subjects were identified with diagnostic scoring system for Yin-Yang and the condition of Excess-Deficiency before treatment. Serum lipids were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of medication. Results : ISE lowered total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), total lipid(TL), phospholipid(PL) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL) significantly. Compared with the data of our previous study, it was less effective than Atorvastatin but showed equal lipids-lowering effect to Chunghyul-dan (Qingxue-dan, CHD). In Yang pattern group, ISE was less effective in lowering TG and LDL than it was in not-Yang-not-Yinpattern group. On safety assessment, there was no adverse effect, hepatic or renal toxicity. Conclusions : We suggest that ISE is a safe and useful herbal medicine for hypercholesterolemia, and moreover it could be more useful when it is used for patients with not Yang pattern.