• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.30-45
• /
• 2021

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of pregnancy-related four herbal medicines (Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, Chokyungjongok-tang and Moutan Radicis Cortex) on the endometrial and placental cells. Methods: In this study, we examined viability and decidualization of telomerase immortalized human endometrial stromal cell lines (T-HESCs) and viability and invasion ability of human first trimester trophoblast cell lines Sw.71 by four herbal medicines (Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, Chokyungjongok-tang and Moutan Radicis Cortex) Results: In the study, we showed that Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, Chokyungjongok-tang increased decidualization marker prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in T-HESCs. Moutan Radicis Cortex decreased the mRNA level of PRL and IGFBP1, and the protein level of PRL and IGFBP1 had no significant effect. Moreover, four herbal medicines reduced invasion ability of Sw.71 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that Samul-tang, Onkyung-tang, and Chokyungjongok-tang have beneficial effects on successful embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance by increasing decidualization markers such as PRL and IGFBP1. Moutan Radicis Cortex reduces the mRNA levels of PRL and IGFBP1, which may adversely affect pregnancy. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the significance of the decreased invasive ability of Sw.71 cells induced by four herbal medications.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.33-41
• /
• 2022

Objectives: Drug-induced blockade of the human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium ion channel causes acquired long QT syndrome, which is known to cause cardiac arrhythmias and be fatal. To establish safety evidence of herbal formulae, we evaluated the effects of 31 herbal formulae on hERG channel activity. Methods: The current through hERG channel was measured by changing the membrane voltage before and after treatment with 31 herbal formulae in HEK 293 cell overexpressing hERG channel using a whole-cell patch clamp system. The current-voltage curves and the activity curves were fitted, and the hERG activity and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) according to each herbal formula were calculated. Results: Chokyungjongok-tang, Oncheong-eum, and Cheongsangbangpung-tang strongly inhibited the hERG activity, with IC₅₀ values of 67.67, 141.2, and 296.3 ㎍/mL, respectively. Yeonkyopaedok-san, Eunkyo-san, Ukgan-san gajinphibanha, Daegunjoong-tang (except Oryzae gluten), Insamyangyoung-tang, Banhahubak-tang, SokyungHwalhyul-tang, Jodeung-san, Hyeonggaeyeongyo-tang, and Bangkeehwangkee-tang weakly inhibited hERG activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 400 to 1000 ㎍/mL. The other 18 herbal formulae showed very weak hERG activity inhibition of less than 50% at the highest concentration (1000 ㎍/mL). Conclusion: This study provided safety information on cardiotoxicity by cardiac arrhythmia risk assessment of herbal formulae, and is expected to be a reference data for predicting the safety and risk of herbal formulae.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.147-164
• /
• 2018

Objectives: This study was performed to analyze the pattern identification in infertile women who participated in infertility support program of Cheongju-city. Methods: The project proceeded from October, 2016 to June 2017. Participants filled in the questionnaire which is composed of 33 symptoms before korean medical treatments. Data were collected from 17 participants. We classified symptoms into six pattern identifications based on previous research and rated each answer to score. Results: Throughout the study, the average age of 26 patients was $34.88{\pm}3.19$ years old, the average height was $162.51{\pm}4.99cm$, and average weight was $58.41{\pm}7.88kg$. The average duration of acupuncture treatment was $121.03{\pm}52.73$ days and the average times of acupuncture treatment was $27.42{\pm}10.77$ times. The average number of herbal medicine treatment was $2.65{\pm}0.69$, the majority of it was Chokyungjongok-tang. After the treatment, 3 patients of infertility became pregnant (11.54%) in twenty six patients. By analyzing pattern identification survey papers, We can classify infertile women into 6 pattern identification based on previous research. The majority of participants was identified as Blood deficiency and the other participants were identified as Kidney deficiency, Liver depression, Dampness-phlegm, Qi deficiency and Static blood in order of priority. Most of patients' pattern identification were combined with two kind of pattern identification. In terms of priority, Liver depression combined with Kidney deficiency, Blood deficiency combined with Kidney deficiency, Liver depression combined with Qi deficiency, Liver depression combined with Dampness-phlegm. Conclusions: After the study we confirmed that Korean traditional medicine is a safe treatment for infertile women. Further clinical study about herbal medicines of patients who have combined pattern identification is needed.