• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the pattern identification (PI) and clinical index of Parkinson's disease (PD) for personalized diagnosis and treatment. Methods: This prospective observational multi-center study recruited 100 patients diagnosed with PD from two Korean medicine hospitals. To cluster new subtypes of PD, items on a PI questionnaire (heat and cold, deficiency and excess, visceral PI) were evaluated along with pulse and tongue analysis. Gait analysis was performed and blood and feces molecular signature changes were assessed to explore biomarkers for new subtypes. In addition, unified PD rating scale II and III scores and the European quality of life 5-dimension questionnaire were assessed. Results: The clinical index obtained in this study analyzed the frequency statistics and hierarchical clustering analysis to classify new subtypes based on PI. Moreover, the biomarkers and current status of herbal medicine treatment were analyzed using the new subtypes. The results provide comprehensive data to investigate new subtypes and subtype-based biomarkers for the personalized diagnosis and treatment of PD patients. Ethical approval was obtained from the medical ethics committees of the two Korean medicine hospitals. All amendments to the research protocol were submitted and approved. Conclusions: An objective and standardized diagnostic tool is needed for the personalized treatment of PD by traditional Korean medicine. Therefore, we developed a clinical index as the basis for the PI clinical evaluation of PD. Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) (KCT0008677)

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.23-33
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• 2023

Objectives : Sojadodamgangki-tang and its main components are traditional korean medicinal methods for treatment of cough, sputum and dyspnea. Using a respiratory inflammatory model, we intend to reveal the anti-inflammatory effect and its immune mechanism of Sojadodamgangki-tang. Methods : We used a papain-induced respiratory inflammatory mouse model. 8-week-old female BALB/C mice were divided into 3 groups as follows: the following groups: saline control group, papain treated group (vehicle), papain and Sojadodamgangki-tang(200 mg/kg) treated group (n=4). To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Sojadodamgangki-tang extracts, inflammatory cell infiltration was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and nasal lavage fluid (NALF). In addition, the effects of Sojadodamgangki-tang extracts on Th2 cell population in lung were determined by using flow cytometry. Results : Sojadodamgangki-tang extracts administration reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in BALF and NALF, especially of eosinophils. Furthermore, total immunogloblin (Ig)-E levels was reduced in BALF and serum by drug administration. Interestingly, Sojadodamgangki-tang extracts treatment also decreased the Th2 cell (CD4⁺GATA3⁺) population in lung. Conclusions : Our findings indicate Sojadodamgangki-tang extracts have anti-inflammatory effects by mediating Th2 cell and B cell activation.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.99-109
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• 2024

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effect of Eriobotrya japonica L. (EJ) extract against Arachidonic acid (AA)+iron-induced oxidative stress. Methods : To confirm the cytoprotective effect of EJ against AA+iron-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, it was evaluated by MTT assay, immunoblot anaylsis, and Calcein-AM/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Additionally, the mechanism of action of the cytoprotective effect was evaluated through molecular mechanisms. Results : EJ (100 ㎍/mL) inhibited Arachidonic acid (AA)+iron-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. It also inhibited AA+iron-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production. EJ activated the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway. Conclusions : In conclusion, EJ has the ability to protect liver cells from oxidative stress, indicating that it is related to AMPK-LKB1 signaling pathways.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.39-55
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• 2021

Objective : To investigate specific prescriptions, herbal medicines and treatment strategy, this study systematically reviewed case studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for childhood cancer. Method : Literature searches were performed on database of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Studies published before December 2020 were categorized and analyzed according to the treatment strategy and we also investigated Chinese herbs used in the prescriptions. Results : Twenty-five studies including 17 case series and 8 single case reports were included in our review. Of the total 439 patients, 379 (85.7%) had leukemia and other myeloplastic disease. Conventional western medicine (CWM) treatment was also used with TCM based on the syndrome identification. Most studies reported favorable effect of combination treatment with CWM and TCM. Among 266 herbs in the studies, reinforcing herbs were more frequently used than anti-cancer herbs. Conclusion : Traditional herbal treatment for childhood cancer should be performed considering the syndrome identification as well as stage of CWM. Reinforcing herbs should be more focused because of the fragility and growth of the childhood.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.231-246
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• 2024

Objectives: To build basic clinical data for developing an artificial intelligence algorithm for Korean herbal prescriptions for anxiety, depression, anger, and insomnia. Methods: Subjects were recruited among those who reported mild or more severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, and insomnia (Anxiety: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory≥40, Depression: Beck Depression Inventory≥14, Anger: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory≥16, Insomnia: Insomnia Severity Index≥8). Clinical observation items including basic medical information and symptoms were collected from them. These data were then analyzed by experts in Hyungsang medicine, Sasang constitutional medicine, and Sanghan-Geumgwe medicine. Results and Conclusions: Experts of the three societies presented key clinical data and recommended prescriptions. Results of this study can be used as basic data for developing an artificial intelligence algorithm for Korean herbal prescriptions in the future.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.109-118
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• 2024

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cold feet and sleep quality using polysomnography (PSG) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Methods : We divided 11 adults (6 females, 5 males) with Insomnia Severity Index score below 21 into cold feet (CF) and a non-cold feet (NCF) group based on the median feet temperature (Taichong, LR3). PSG and PSQI were administered to assess sleep characteristics and subjective sleep quality. Results : CF group exhibited significantly lower time in bed, sleep period time, and total sleep time compared to NCF group. While there were no significant group differences in sleep latency, wakefulness after sleep onset, or total arousal index, NCF group had significantly lower minimum oxygen saturation and apnea-hypopnea index in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep compared to CF group. Although the PSQI score and the proportion of poor sleepers were both higher in the CF group (7.40 and 80%) compared to the NCF group (5.50 and 50%), these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions : This study showed that foot temperature affects sleep characteristics and suggests the need to utilize PSG in sleep research in Korean medicine.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.695-706
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• 2021

Objectives: This study reports a case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in which the patient experienced improved limb weakness, facial paralysis, paresthesia, and systemic pain after Korean medicine treatment. Methods: A 25-year-old female patient diagnosed with GBS received the herbal medicine Banhasasim-tang Soft Ext., acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and rehabilitation treatment. To confirm the change in symptoms, the manual muscle test (MMT), Korean Version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), Yanagihara grading system (Y-score) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were performed. Results: After Korean medicine treatment, there was a significant improvement in GBS-related clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Korean medicine treatment could be effective in improving symptoms of limb weakness, facial paralysis, paresthesia, and systemic pain related to GBS. However, this study has limitations as a case report, and more studies are needed.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2016

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular accidents (CVA) and heart disease, especially the ischemic type. Lowering of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is a primary measure for preventing atherosclerosis. Many medications are available for the treatment of dyslipidemia; however, these drugs have some side effects. Therefore, we treated dyslipidemia patients with Chunghyul-plus. Before treatment, patients' levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and LDL-C were measured on an empty stomach. Thereafter, patients were administered 1000 mg (2 capsules) of Chunghyul-plus two or three times a day for 2 weeks. After treatment with Chunghyul-plus, patients' serum triglyceride, LDL-C, and total cholesterol levels decreased. The results of this study suggest that Chunghyul-plus might be useful in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2015

■ Objectives The purpose of this case study is to report that a tremor patient after Acute Cerebral infarction was treated with 'Dodamhwalhul-tang' and then the symptoms were improved. ■ Methods This patient was 81 years old woman whowas diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction. This patient had hypertension and symptoms of tremor on left lower limb, both side weakness, both lower limb numbness, dizziness and low back pain. She was treated with herb medicines, acupuncture, moxibustion during 22 days of hospitalization. Her tremor was evaluated by the tremor frequency and period and other general conditions were measured. ■ Results After taking Dodamhwalhul-tang, symtoms of tremor and patient's general conditions were improved. ■ Conclusion The result shows that Dodamhwalhul-tang is effective for tremor with acute cerebral infarction.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.257-270
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• 2024

Objectives: Korea has a unique history of being both a recipient and a donor of Official Development Assistance (ODA), and the international community expects Korea to contribute to the development of developing countries by utilizing this experience. Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) seeks to contribute to global health, however the concept of ODA has been unclear and there has been no clear strategy and sustainable initiatives. Methods: This study examines the concept of ODA and its application in global health, including business objectives, scale, evaluation principles, and development strategies. Additionally, we reviewed the current status of Traditional Korean medicine globalization projects and conducted a SWOT analysis of the internal and external environment of the TKM sector. Based on these findings, we redefined the concept of ODA for TKM and proposed suggestions for its development. Results: The current study identified key ideas for TKM ODA. It should prioritize the improvement of primary healthcare in recipient countries, aligning with the international evaluation criteria of the SDGs. Secondly, TKM's 70 years of experience can be leveraged to enhance both the competence and economic benefits of recipient countries' medical systems. Based on these concepts, a TKM ODA development model was proposed, comprising two core visions, three development strategies and goals, and six core values. Conclusion: This study systematically examined the TKM in global health and suggested sustainable development strategies for TKM ODA. Through its expansion, TKM could contribute to the advancement of global traditional medicine and its overall engagement in healthcare.