Objectives : This study used a network pharmacology approach to analyze the treatment mechanisms of Yijin-tang on Meniere's disease, and comparative analysis the treatment mechanisms of drugs recommended in the Meniere's disease treatment guidelines. Methods : We collected information on the recommended drugs from the Meniere's disease treatment guidelines and their target proteins were screened via the STITCH database. The intersection targets were obtained through Venny 2.1.0. Gene Ontology(GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis were performed using ClueGO. Results : The 7 proteins(TNF, CASP9, PARP1, CCL2, CFTR, NOS2, NOS1) were associated with both Yijin-tang and Meniere's disease related genes. The 10 proteins(AQP2, KCNE1, AQP1, AVP, ACE, HRH1, HRH3, NOS1, CA1, CFTR) were associated with both the recommended drugs in the guidelines and Meniere's disease related genes. The 2 proteins(CFTR, NOS1) were common across all three groups. Further, GO/KEGG pathway analysis of the collected proteins revealed that the common mechanisms of action between Yijin-tang and the recommended drugs in the guidelines were related to pathways involving immune dysfunction and disturbances in lymphatic fluid homeostasis. In addition, the recommended drugs in the guidelines appeared to act through mechanisms that improve blood flow through vasodilation. Conclusions : Pharmacological network analysis can help to explain the treatment mechanisms of Yijin-tang on Meniere's disease.

Objectives : The purpose of this review is to validate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment on dry eye syndrome. Methods : Through foreign online databases(Pubmed, Cochrane Library) and domestic online databases(Science On, OASIS) we only searched for Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that performed acupuncture for dry eye syndrome from January 2010 to December 2022. Results : The most commonly used acupoints were 風池(GB20), 贊竹(BL2) and the most commonly used meridian was the gall bladder meridian of foot-shaoyang. The most commonly used evaluation criteria was Tear Break Up Time(TBUT) followed by Schirmer Test and Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI). In most of 8 studies, acupuncture treatment showed significant therapeutic effects. Conclusions : According to this study results, acupuncture can be suggested to effective way for treating dry eye syndrome. More clinical studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of the acupuncture on dry eye syndrome.

Objectives : This study was designed to examine and analyze the recent trend of Korean medicine research on retinal and optic nerve diseases, which is increasing. Methods : This study examines papers related to diseases occurring in the retina and optic nerve that were published in Korean journals of Korean medicine, and analyzes the results of research so far by classifying them by year, journal, disease type and type of paper. Results : 1. Since it was first published in 1995, a total of 17 articles have been published until 2018, with 2 articles(11.1%) each in 1997, 2014 and 2018, and 1 article(5.6%) each in other years. 2. The number of searched journals was 17 paper; 4 review articles, 1 original articles, 12 case reports. 3. Distribution of journals; the percentage of Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology ranked the highest(41.2%). 4. Classification of 12 case reports into three categories; 7 retinal diseases, 3 optic nerve diseases, 2 other diseases. Conclusions : Currently, researches on retinal and optic nerve involvement in the Korean medicine journals have been conducted mainly through case reports. In the future, more clinical research and case reports are necessary to give practical application to patients.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze the various methods of sound therapy(ST) applied to tinnitus patients and their effectiveness, and to suggest an effective method that can be applied in clinical settings. Methods : Studies published from January 2018 to March 2023 were searched on 5 databases(Pubmed, RISS, OASIS, KISS, KCI). All RCTs that applied sound therapy as a main treatment method were included. Results : 14 studies were included. In 13 studies, sound therapy was statistically significant in improving tinnitus. Basic sound therapy was used in 6 studies(42%), followed by tinnitus rehabilitation therapy(TRT)(n=5, 35%). White noise(n=11, 75%) and nature sound(n=4, 28%) were the most frequently used sound sources. In the case of intensity, mixing point were the most common with 6 studies(42%). The mobile application(n=4) was the most frequently used implement. The application time of sound therapy per day was more than 3 hours(n=7), and the total treatment period was more than 3 months(n=9). Conclusions : Our findings indicate that sound therapy could be considered as an intervention for tinnitus patients. For better use, we suggest a basic type of sound therapy or TRT using white noise or nature sound at the mixing point level provided as a mobile phone application. In addition, the treatment period is recommended to be more than 3 hours/day for 3 months.

Objectives : A bibliometric approach using network analysis was applied to explore the global trends of research on herbal medicine for atopic treatment. Methods : Articles related to herbal medicine on atopic treatment from 2003 to 2022 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. Extracted records were analyzed according to the publication year, research area, journal title, country, organization, author and keyword. The VOSviewer program was used to visualize the trends and the research hotspots in herbal medicine for atopy. Results : Analysis of 406 articles indicated the consistent increase of using herbal medicine for atopic treatment over the last 20 years. The most productive country and research organization in issuing articles were South Korea and Kyunghee university. Many articles have been published in research areas such as 'integrative complementary medicine' and 'pharmacology pharmacy'. By evaluating the total link strength, the average publication year and the average citations of countries and authors, the influential countries and authors were identified. A network analysis based on the co-occurrence and the publication year of keywords revealed the relevant characteristics and trends of herbal medicine for atopy. The most up-to-date keywords were 'topical application', 'skin barrier' and 'care'. Conclusions : This bibliometric study examined the overall trends and the time-based development of herbal medicine for atopic treatment. The current study would be useful not only for grasping the global network hub of research on herbal medicine for atopic treatment, but also to explore the new directions for future research.

Objectives : This study is to report the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media with Bojungikgi-tang and acupuncture without western medicine. Methods : A 57-year-old female patient visited my korean medical clinic on November 19, 2019 with complaints of ear fullness and yellowish effusion in the left ear. The patient had perforated eardrum with yellowish effusion. For the first month she took Bojungikgi-tang 3 times a day and received acupuncture 5-6 days a week without western treatment. The next month, only acupuncture treatment was performed twice a week. The condition of the eardrum and otorrhea was observed through an otoscope, and the degree of ear fullness and head heaviness were evaluated by visual analogue scale. Results : During the treatment, the eardrum was reperforated once, but it was regenerated, the otorrhea disappeared, and all other symptoms improved. Afterwards, it was confirmed through follow-up that the eardrum was maintained in a regenerated state. Conclusions : These results show that the combined treatment of herbal medicine and acupuncture is effective for chronic suppurative otitis media.

Objectives : The purpose of this case study is to report the effectiveness of Bangpoongtongsung-san gamibang on a patient with wind-heat type urticaria sensitive to aspirin and NSAIDs. Methods : We treated a 48-year-old man who had aspirin and NSAIDs sensitive wind-heat type urticaria with Bangpoongtongsung-san gamibang, pharmacopuncture(Hwangnyunhaedok-tang), acupuncture(needle remaining time : 20 min) and photodynamic therapy. Results : The Urticaria Activity Score(UAS) started at 5 and ended with 0, and the Visual Analog Scale(VAS) of heating sensation on whole body started at 10 and ended with 1-3. Conclusions : This study has demonstrated that Bangpoongtongsung-san gamibang could be effective to treat aspirin and NSAIDs sensitive wind-heat type urticaria.

Objectives : This study is to report effectiveness of Korean medicine monotherapy on an acute urticaria patient. Methods : A 26-year-old female acute urticaria patient visited Dong-Eui university Korean medical hospital at November 10th, 2020. The patient received Korean monotherapy including herbal medicine and aroma cream. The treatment continued for about 1 month until December 4th, 2020. Urticaria activity score(UAS), visual analogue scale(VAS), photographs were used to assess the symptoms. Results : After 20 days of medication, the symptoms were disappeared. UAS score was dropped 6 to 0 and VAS score dropped 9 to 0. About two years later, there was no recurrence. Conclusions : These results suggests that acute urticaria which accompanied by a moderate degree of pruritus can be sufficiently managed by Korean medicine therapy.