Objectives: The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of Jaeumkanghwatang (JEKHT) on the plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen in combination therapy as a process of the comprehensive and integrative medicine against breast cancer. Methods: After 50 mg/kg of tamoxifen treatment, JEKHT 100 mg/kg was orally administered within 5 min. The plasma were collected at 30 min before administration, 30min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hrs after end of JEKHT treatment, and plasma concentrations of tamoxifen were analyzed using LC-MS/MS methods. PK parameters of tamoxifen ($T_{max}$, $C_{max}$, AUC, $t_{1/2}$ and $MRT_{inf}$) were analysis as compared with tamoxifen single administered rats. Results: JEKHT did not influenced on the plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen after single oral co-administration, within 5min except for some negligible effects on plasma concentration. The $T_{max}$, $C_{max}$, AUC, $t_{1/2}$ and $MRT_{inf}$ of tamoxifen in co-administered rats were quite similar to those of tamoxifen single treated rats. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, JEKHT did not influenced on the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen, when they were single co-administered within 5min. However, more detail pharmacokinetic studies should be tested to conclude the possibilities that can be used as comprehensive and integrative therapy with JEKHT and tamoxifen for breast cancers, when they were co-administered, like the effects on the pretreatment of JEKHT and after repeat co-administrations.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to confirm the dose-dependent skin moisturizing effects of dried pomegranate concentrate powder (PCP) and pomegranate concentrate solution (PCS) in ICR mice. Materials and methods: To observe the in vivo skin moisturizing effects and possible underlying mechanisms of PCP and PCS, oral PCP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and PCS (1, 2, and 4 mL/kg) were administered to normal ICR mice. Changes in body weight, skin water content, and skin type I collagen and hyaluronan contents were measured. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of hyaluronan synthase (Has) 1, 2, and 3, and collagen type I alpha (COL1A) 1 and 2 were determined in the dorsal skin of mice by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Significant and dose-dependent increases in dorsal skin water content and type I collagen and hyaluronan contents were seen in PCP and PCS-treated mice. Moreover, the mRNA levels of Has 1, 2, and 3, involved in hyaluronan synthesis, and of COL1A1 and COL1A2, involved in collagen synthesis, were significantly and dose-dependently upregulated in PCS- and PCP-treated mice. Conclusions: In this study, PCP and PCS led to favorable skin moisturizing effects as indicated by increased skin water content and the upregulation of hyaluronan and collagen synthesis enzymes in mice treated with PCS (4 mL/kg) and PCP (200 mg/kg).

Objectives: The objective of this study is to demonstrate the cardioprotective effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix (SMR) on the pressure overload (PO)-induced heart failure (HF) by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in C57BL/6 mice through possible antioxidant effects. Methods: The mortality, body and heart weights, antioxidant defense system of the heart and histopathology of heart were analyzed. The obtained results were compared with resveratrol, in which potent cardioprotective effects on TAC mice model were already proved at a dose level of 10 mg/kg by antioxidant effects, as reference in this experiment. Results: Significant increases of mortalities, heart weights, and hypertrophic, lytic and focal fibrotic histological changes in the left ventricles were found with defects of heart antioxidant defense systems - the increases of heart cortex MDA contents, decreases of GSH contents, SOD and CAT activities in TAC control mice as compared with sham vehicle control mice, respectively. However, these HF signs induced by TAC surgery through PO and destroys heart antioxidant defense systems were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by 14 days continuous oral treatment of SMR 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg, similar to those of resveratrol 10 mg/kg in SMR 125 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study propose that oral administration of SMR potently alleviates PO-induced HF by TAC, through augmentation of heart antioxidant defense system.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of breath-counting meditation (BCM) and deep breathing (DB) on heart rate variability (HRV). These breathing techniques have the characteristics of non-paced and self-controlled breathings, resulting in less increase of HRV. We also compared BCM and DB with usual breathing (UB) or relaxing breathing (RB) which can reveal the characteristics of those. Methods: 83 healthy volunteers sitting in chairs performed non-paced breathing; UB, RB, BCM, and DB each for 5 minutes. One minute of relaxation was permitted between breathings. Participants surfed the internet sitting in front of a computer during UB, while for RB, they remained steady with eyes closed. For BCM, they breathed inwardly counting from 1 to 10 repetitively, while they took a deep breath during DB. Physiological indices were simultaneously recorded with a biofeedback system. Results: Respiration rate, thoracic amplitude, and mean heart rate decreased in RB compared with UB, but there was no change in HRV. Respiration rate in BCM and DB was lower than that in UB or RB, and the amplitude of thorax or abdomen, and HRV all increased (p<0.05). However, mean heart rate and skin conductance decreased in BCM compared with UB (p<0.05), whereas those were no different between DB and UB. Conclusion: BCM, just concentrating mentally on breathing with counting each breath, can increase HRV with less sympathetic activation, while DB, actively moving thorax and abdomen for achieving the deepest respiration rate, can greatly raise HRV with the maintenance of mean vagal or sympathetic tone.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effects of Muscle Energy Technique(MET) for peripheral facial paralysis. Methods: 60 Patients were divided into two groups. Group A(n=30) received the treatment with existing Korean medicine. Group B(n=30) received the MET with existing Korean medicine. It was performed once a day, five time per a week for three weeks. we analyzed Yanagihara's score and House-Brackmann scale Results: A week after MET treatment, Yanagihara's score average of Group A is $7.17{\pm}6.34$. Yanagihara's score average of Group B is $8.84{\pm}5.22$. (p=0.72). Two weeks after MET, Yanagihara's score average of Group A is $12.39{\pm}4.94$. Yanagihara's score average of Group B is $15.12{\pm}3.20$. (p=0.04). Three weeks after MET, Yanagihara's score average of Group A is $17.11{\pm}5.31$. Yanagihara's score average of Group B is $22.78{\pm}3.67$. (p=0.01). A is $3.87{\pm}1.36$. House-Brackmann Scale average of Group B is $3.64{\pm}1.76$. (p=0.63). Two weeks after MET treatment, House-Brackmann Scale average of Group A is $3.20{\pm}0.97$. House-Brackmann Scale average of Group B is $3.02{\pm}1.03$. (p=0.05). Three weeks after MET, House-Brackmann Scale average of Group A is $2.84{\pm}1.12$. House-Brackmann Scale average of Group B is $2.23{\pm}0.78$. (p=0.04). Conclusion: MET treatment is effective for improve the symptoms of peripheral facial paralysis. Therefore, it will be used to peripheral facial paralysis.

Objectives: Considering high prevalence of myopia in Asian countries, social cost paid for myopia may gradually increase in Korea. However, studies for developing myopia treatment are deficient. The study was to evaluate whether the periocular acupressure with a medical massager is effective for suppressing myopia progression. Methods: This study was an investigator-sponsored, prospective, open-labeled, and superiority pre and post single-armed study. 14 myopia children aged 7-12 years wore a medical massager for 15 minutes to stimulate periocular acupoints. For 24 weeks, the participants used the device twice a day. Based on prior studies, the refraction change of naturally proceeded myopia was set as -0.38 D. The axial length change of naturally proceeded myopia was set as 0.228 mm. To assess the safety, we performed vital sign check, physical examination, visual acuity test, slit lamp examination, IOP measurement, and fundus examination. Results: The refraction and axial length of the participants increased. For 24 weeks, the change in refraction was -0.38 D at the right eye and -0.40 D at the left. The change in axial length was 0.21 mm at the right and 0.22 mm at the left. In the safety assessment, any adverse event did not occur. Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the control group and the intervention group. The effect of growth may have more contributed to our result than that of acupressure. Based on our result, a full-scale study will not be conducted.

Objectives: This study examined whether Lycii Radicis Cortex has an inhibitory effect on inflammatory response through an oxidative stress and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs)-mediated pathway in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rats. Methods: Lycii Radicis Cortex was orally administered to STZ-induced diabetic rats in doses of 80 or 160 mg/kg body weight/day for 2 weeks, and its effects were compared with those of diabetic control and normal rats. Results: The administration of Lycii Radicis Cortex decreased the elevated serum urea nitrogen and renal reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reduced the increased AGEs in the serum and kidney. The elevated protein expressions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits in the kidney of diabetic control rats were significantly decreased after Lycii Radicis Cortex treatments. Moreover, the kidney of diabetic rats exhibited the up-regulation of receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and AGEs-related proteins; however, Lycii Radicis Cortex treatment also significantly reduced those expressions (excepted RAGE). In addition, the diabetic rats exhibited an up-regulation of the expression of proteins related to inflammation in the kidney, but Lycii Radicis Cortex administration reduced significantly the expression of the inflammatory proteins through the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathways. Conclusions: This study provides scientific evidence that Lycii Radicis Cortex exerts the antidiabetic effect by inhibiting the expressions of AGEs and NF-${\kappa}B$ in the STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Objectives: We evaluated the anti-fatigue effects of Rh2-enriched Korean ginseng (Ginseng Rh2+) using a forced exercise-induced chronic fatigue mouse model. Methods: ICR male mice were subjected to running wheel for 1 h, 5 days/week during 4 weeks, and running velocity was gradually increased. Each running session was followed by oral administration of distilled water, Ginseng Rh2+ (150 or 300 mg/kg), or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, 100 mg/kg) 1 h later. The exercise tolerance and forced swimming test were performed to evaluate the fatigue condition. Results: Chronic forced exercise reduced the physical activity, as evidenced by the behavioral tests, which were notably ameliorated by Ginseng Rh2+ treatment. Ginseng Rh2+ treatment also attenuated the alterations of energy metabolism and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle tissues and/or sera, including malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate concentration and its related factors (lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose levels). Conclusion: These findings strongly suggest that Ginseng Rh2+ exerts a potent anti-fatigue effect through modulation of energy metabolism and oxidative response.

Objectives: Asiasari radix (A. radix) is a traditional herb medicine that has been used as an analgesic, antitussive, or anti-allergic remedy. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of low concentration of the Asiasarum heterotropoides extract on the morphology and proliferation of the human mesenchymal stem cells derived from periodontal tissue. Methods: Stem cells derived from gingiva were grown in the presence of A. radix at final concentrations that ranged from 0.001 to $0.01{\mu}g/mL$. The morphology of the cells was viewed under an inverted microscope and the analysis of cell proliferation was performed by using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) on days 1 and 3. Results: The control group showed fibroblast morphology. The shapes of the cells in 0.001 and $0.01{\mu}g/mL$ of A. radix were similar to that of the untreated control group. The cultures growing in the presence of A. radix at day 1 showed an increase in the CCK-8 value. The relative values of CCK-8 assays of 0.001 and $0.01{\mu}g/mL$ of A. radix are $130.6%{\pm}1.8%$ and $129.3%{\pm}1.5%$, respectively, when the CCK-8 result of the untreated control group at day 1 is considered 100% (P = 0.051). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, low concentrations of A. radix seemed to increase the proliferation of the stem cells that were derived from the gingiva and did not have adverse effects on the morphology of the cells.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report Four cases of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) patients after spinal fusion surgery who showed significant improvement in pain and function with Complex Korean medical treatment. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. We reviewed medical records of Four patients with lumbar pain or radiating leg pain, who have received spinal fusion surgery in the past. All Four patients took complex treatments of Mokhuri Neck and Back hospital which involes Acupuncture, Pharmaco-acupuncture, Gangchuk herbal medicine, Chuna and Physical therapy during about four-week of admission treatment. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Pain Free Walking Distance (PFWD) scores were assessed before and after treatments. Results: The average of hospitalization period was 28.5 days. Mean VAS scores decreased from 6.5 to 2.3, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores decreased from 56.25 to 38.25 and Pain Free Walking Distance (PFWD) also improved from 10m to 166.6m. Conclusion: This study implies that a combination of Korean medical treatments might be effective in relieving pain, and improving the functional status of FBSS patients. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the effects.

Objectives: A 74-year-old male patient with unresectable advanced gastric cancer (clinical initial stage T3N+, Borrmann type III) admitted due to gastric bleeding at tumor site. On first admission day, hemoglobin level was 5.7g/dl and performance status was grade 3 according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status(ECOG-PS). After performing red blood cell transfusion as an emergency treatment, hemoglobin level was increased up to 9.5g/dl. However, bleeding of oozing site was continued. For hemostasis, decoction of notoginseng radix (30g/day) was administered since day 7 after admission. The dose was elevated to 40g/day after hemoglobin level was decreased to 6.5g/dl on day 11. Since then, melena was stopped and hemoglobin level was maintained over 9.1g/dl. This case shows the hemostasis effect of decoction of notoginseng radix on gastric bleeding in unresectable advanced gastric cancer.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present three case reports on the treatments of psoriasis with exudation. Methods: We administered herbal medicine to three patients who showed psoriasis with exudation and evaluated the results by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(PASI). Results: After the treatment three patients showed improvements in PASI. PASI of patient 1 changed from 18.0 to 0.9; patient 2 from 11.6 to 0.8; patient 3 from 12.0 to 0.4. Conclusions: The results suggest that herbal medicine can be an effective treatment for psoriasis with exudation.

Objectives: To demonstrate a clinical course and feature of a female patient with a severe liver injury (DILI) during antituberculosis treatment for her intestinal tuberculosis, whom traditional Korean medicine completely recovered. Methods: A female patient with diagnosed as DILI by antituberculosis drugs had been treated with herbal drugs; and then the clinical outcome and biochemical parameters had been monitored. Result: A 45-year old female had taken antituberculosis drugs for about 2 months, and complained severe abdominal discomfort and dyspepsia. The RUCAM score was 10, which met the criteria for DILI (AST 584 IU/L, ALT 1212 IU/L, ALP 100 IU/L, and GGT 161 IU/L, total bilirubin 0.9 mg/dL). She had been treated with herbal drugs and acupuncture as inpatient and outpatient, and then her symptoms had been completely recovered with normalization of hepatic enzymes. Conclusion: This report provides a clinical characteristic for a severe hepatotoxicity induced by antituberculosis drugs, and showed an example of TKM-based application.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effects of Embedding Therapy for Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Methods: 5 patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome were treated with Embedding therapy. It was performed once a day, once a week. 15~20 Embedding threads were used in each Embedding treatment. The total number of Embedding therapy treatments was 4 or 8. To evaluate the effects of Embedding therapy, we analyzed Yanagihara's score and House-Brackmann scale Results: In case 1, After treatment the Yanagihara's score was changed from 3 to 7 and the House-Brackmann scale was changed from VI to V. In case 2, After treatment the Yanagihara's score was changed from 12 to 33 and the House-Brackmann scale was changed from IV to I. In case 3, After treatment the Yanagihara's score was changed from 3 to 9 and the House-Brackmann scale was changed from VI to V. In case 4, After treatment the Yanagihara's score was changed from 22 to 32 and the House-Brackmann scale was changed from III to I. In case 5, After treatment the Yanagihara's score was changed from 23 to 37 and the House-Brackmann scale was changed from III to I. Conclusion: Embedding Therapy is effective for improve the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrom. Therefore, it will be used to treat Ramsay Hunt syndrome.