• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.193-199
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate electric moxibustion on patients with back pain caused by road traffic accidents. Methods: This was a retrospective study (n = 112) comparing treatment with Korean medicine combined with electric moxibustion (n = 56), and Korean medicine alone (n = 56). Patient gender, age, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) was recorded for each group at the time of hospital admission. Mean NRS measured weekly, mean ODI and EQ-5D scores were measured 2 weeks post-treatment, and evaluated by paired sample t test. using the Statistical Program for Social Science v. 25.0 for Windows. An independent, two-sample t test was used to test for a significant difference in the decrement of NRS, ODI and increment EQ-5D scores between groups. Results: NRS scores decreased in both groups after 1 week of treatment (electric moxibustion, from $5.13{\pm}0.79$ to $3.86{\pm}0.67$; Korean medicine alone, from $5.18{\pm}0.92$ to $4.30{\pm}0.94$; both p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater reduction in NRS score in the electric moxibustion group ($1.27{\pm}0.59$) than in the Korean medicine alone group ($0.88{\pm}0.61$; p = 0.001). After 2 weeks of treatment, EQ-5D scores increased significantly in the moxibustion group ($0.19{\pm}0.12$) compared with the Korean medicine alone group ($0.13{\pm}0.20$; p = 0.043). After 2 weeks of treatment, NRS and ODI scores decreased in both groups. EQ-5D increased in both groups. Conclusion: We suggest that electric moxibustion treatment may be effective for reducing early-stage back pain in patients with road traffic accident injuries.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.512-519
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• 2009

Among patients who visited each clinical department for oriental medical treatments, anthropometric measurement, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and blood lipid profile level were measured at their first initial visit. 55 subject patients who were diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome and 150 mg/dL or more of triglyceride were selected as subjects whose fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were measured after fasting. According to each patient's disease, the subject received treatments such as herb medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, physical therapy and rehabilitation therapy from each clinical department, and after an average of 4.10${\pm}$0.31 weeks, another test was performed yielding the following results. Serum triglyceride was 243.72${\pm}$13.05 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and 188.11${\pm}$12.17 mg/dL after the treatment where although it continued to show an abnormal value even after the treatment, there was statistically significant decrease compared to pre treatment(P<0.05). Serum total cholesterol was 207.50${\pm}$5.89 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and 192.37${\pm}$5.53 mg/dL after the treatment which was statistically insignificant compared to pre treatment(P>0.05). Serum HDL cholesterol was 51.19${\pm}$3.95 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and increased to 52.53${\pm}$1.49 mg/dL after the treatment although it was statistically insignificant compared to pre treatment(P>0.05). Serum LDL cholesterol was 110.66${\pm}$5.86 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and decreased to 106.12${\pm}$4.82 mg/dL after the treatment although it was statistically insignificant compared to pre treatment(P>0.05). In regards to the change of triglyceride for each sex, it was 221.84${\pm}$14.01 mg/dL before the treatment and 187.00${\pm}$15.47 mg/dL after the treatment for men, and it was 271.50${\pm}$22.78 mg/dL and 189.53${\pm}$19.76 mg/dL respectively for women where even though men and women showed the decrease of 34.84${\pm}$12.79 mg/dL and 81.96${\pm}$20.01 mg/dL respectively, both men and women continue to show abnormal values after the treatments. However, there was statistically significant decrease compared to pre treatment(P<0.05). In regards to the change of total cholesterol for each sex, with 198.24${\pm}$7.60 mg/dL for men before the treatment and 188.93${\pm}$7.45 mg/dL after the treatment, values for both before and after the treatment were within the normal range where the change value was 9.30${\pm}$5.86 mg/dL and statistically insignificant(P>0.05). For women, it was 219.26${\pm}$8.87 mg/dL and 196.73${\pm}$8.43 mg/dL respectively for women where with 22.53${\pm}$7.60 mg/dL, it decreased to the normal level after the treatment, and there was a statistically significant decrease compared to pre treatment(P<0.05). With such results, serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels of patients who have been diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome were observed to decrease after the oriental medical treatment. Especially, for both men and women, abnormally high triglyceride level decreased while the effect of lipid profile improvement for women was more significant compared to men.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.125-144
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• 2023

Objectives This study aimed to investigate domestic clinical research trends in Shinbaro pharmacopuncture, identify diseases managed using Shinbaro pharmacopuncture, and suggest the direction for future studies to increase its clinical utilization. Methods This study used five steps proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA-extension for scoping reviews checklist. We examined published literature on Shinbaro pharmacopuncture studies reported until June 5, 2023, in the following eight databases (Research Information Sharing Service, Science ON, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, KMBASE, The Society of Internal Korean Medicine, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library). The search terms used were 'Shinbaro' or 'Sinbaro'. Results A total of 47 studies were included in our analysis. Of these, 37 (78.7%) were interference time series studies. Shinbaro pharmacopuncture was the most frequently used treatment for lumbosacral disease (n=15). In the facial area, ST4 and ST6 were used in five out of six studies, and in the shoulder area, TE14 and LI15 were used in all studies. Nine of the 15 studies in the lumbosacral area used the EX-B2. The other parts mostly used the pressure points. Compared to other pharmacopuncture methods, the treatment effect was similar to that of bee venom, and faster than that of jungsongouhyul. Conclusions This is the first scoping review of Shinbaro pharmacopuncture therapy in South Korea. Studies with a high level of evidence based on sole treatment, large capacities, and standardization of Shinbaro pharmacopuncture need to be conducted to increase its clinical utilization.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.405-417
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• 2012

Objectives : In the present study, anti-metastatic properties of the methanol extract of L. obtusiloba (MLO) were evaluated. Methods : To determine the effect of MLO on cancer metastasis, we checked matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activities and expressions in B16F10 melanoma cells. In addition, we performed cell migration assay as well as invasion assay using Matrigel. Finally, we used an in vivo lung metastasis model to confirm the anti-metastatic activity of MLO. Results : 1. MLO showed potent inhibitory effects on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and expressions via down-regulation of activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ in B16F10 melanoma cells. 2. Melanoma cell migration and invasion were down-regulated by MLO treatment. 3. Not only in vitro model, but MLO also significantly suppressed lung metastasis in vivo. Conclusions : The present results indicate that MLO has strong inhibitory effect on cancer metastasis. Therefore, L. obtusiloba could be a valuable anti-metastatic agent.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.176-181
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• 2016

Recent studies have focused on evidence-based interventions to prevent mobility decline and enhance physical performance in older adults. Several modalities, in addition to traditional strengthening programs, have been designed to manage age-related functional decline more effectively. In this study, we reviewed the current relevant literatures to assess the therapeutic potential of eccentric exercises for age-related muscle atrophy (sarcopenia). Age-related changes in human skeletal muscle, and their relationship with physical performance, are discussed with reference to in vitro physiologic and human biomechanics studies. An overview of issues relevant to sarcopenia is provided in the context of the recent consensus on the diagnosis and management of the condition. A decline in mobility among the aging population is closely linked with changes in the muscle force-velocity relationship. Interventions based specifically on increasing velocity and eccentric strength can improve function more effectively compared with traditional strengthening programs. Eccentric strengthening programs are introduced as a specific method for improving both muscle force and velocity. To be more effective, exercise interventions for older adults should focus on enhancing the muscle force-velocity relationship. Exercises that can be performed easily, and that utilize eccentric strength (which is relatively spared during the aging process), are needed to improve both muscle force and velocity.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.50-68
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• 2022

Objectives The purpose of this study is to review the current Sasang constitutional research on obesity and to provide basic data for further development in the direction of better research. Methods Clinical research articles on obesity of the Sasang Constitutional Medicine were extracted from five database. Published year, published journals, and subjects of studies were classified. Clinical methods for the classification of Sasang type and diagnostic criteria for obesity were summarized. Results A total of 36 selected research articles were published from 1998 to 2020. And 20 articles(55.6%) have been published in Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine and Journal of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine. Most of the clinical study subjects were studies that identified independent factors that were correlated with obesity by Sasang constitution type. But these studies have not sufficiently reflected the distinctive characteristics of Sasang Constitution Medicine. Discussion Through this study, it was confirmed to the necessity of developing new research designs for obesity by Sasang constitution and researching on obesity treatment through improvement of symptoms by using the already developed questionnaires that have proven reliability and validity, away from the research biased towards Taeeumin and Taeeumin's prescription. If additional research based on this study is accompanied, it is expected that it can be utilized in typed obesity treatment fields.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.373-390
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• 1998

35 theses conducted in Korea on the topic of senescence or anti-oxidant were classified on the basis of research methods, animals used for the experiments, and research items. Evaluating these research works with respect to the Free Radical Theory, the following conclusions were reached. 1. Of the 17 theses written in the Oriental medicine aspect, three theses used a single herb, nine theses used a complex prescription, four theses concentrated on the usage of the medicinal acupuncture, and one research paper focused on using scientific components. Common objection of these papers were on the verification of the efficacy of herbs. 2. Of the 18 these written in the Western medicine aspect, five theses used a single drug, seven theses conducted a research on the changes due to senescence, and 6 papers were on variety of topics. The main focus of these works were on the mechanism and pathology related to the senescence rather than on the suppression of senescence. 3. Among the theses written in the Oriental medicine perspective, a total of 48 herbs were utilized. 26 of these herbs has a tonification function on the Kidney. Six out of nine complex prescription mentioned above has a function of tonifying the Kidney. 4. With respect to the research subjects used on the experiments, 8 theses have used Senescence-Accelerated mice, 13 theses have used Sprague-Dawley mice, and remaining 7 papers have used human or other animals. 5. These are the categorization of the research items used: the weight (11) and weight changes of the visceral organs (9), the measurement of the content of peroxide-disease (9), the measurement of enzyme vitality (21), the blood and urine test (10), the experiment concerning immune system (3), the influence on the hepatic capability of metabolizing foreign substance (3), the effect on hepatic cell protection (3), the measurement of both the suppression of Free Radical and ability to create Free Radical (2), the measurement of effect of suppresing MDA(malondialdehyde) (4), the effect of eliminating DPPH Radical (2), and experiements about the functions (2). 6. The rate of vitalization of well known anti-oxidants such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Protein-bound SH, Nonprotein-bound SH, Glutathione(GSH), Catalase, and etc. were tested in 17 theses. Considering the conclusions mentioned above, the theses related to the senescence published in Korea elected different animals used for experiments, research items and the methods of research, the end result seems to be a lack of objectivity. Thus, I would argue that research methods to overcome such a deficiency need to be developed systematically.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.446-451
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate different attitudes of officers depending on system of collaborative practice between traditional Korean medicine and western medicine. A total of 103 officials were surveyed using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$ test with the SPSS program. Use of oriental medicine clinic was significantly higher and use of general hospitals was significantly lower in a group of users (p=.021). Higher rates of disease status were found in a group of users (p=.024). 'Overcome limits of Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine' and 'collaborative practice would bring benefits' as the reasons of using collaborative practice between Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine showed higher rates (p<.001). It showed high interests in collaborative practice between Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine in two groups, but higher rates of prospect of collaborative practice between Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine revitalization were found in the group of users. Also, more than 60% of the officers showed positive attitudes in the system of the collaborative practice. Therefore, correct researches on actual conditions about collaborative practice between Korean and Western Medicine and positive and negative aspects of this collaborative practice pointed by candidates need to be considered in order to improve candidates' health condition.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.27-37
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• 2021

Objectives : In the current study, we performed the 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity test and a 4-week recovery test of standardized Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. and Psoralea corylifolia L. 30 % ethanol extract (SCP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats owing to aims for verifying no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Methods : The animal study was performed according to OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals section 4 health effects test No.408 repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rodents (03 October 2008). In the repeated dose toxicity study, SCP was orally administered to female and male rats at dose levels of 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg/day for 13-week. The control group and high dose (4,000 mg/kg/day) group were then monitored for 4 extra weeks to determine recovery time after the study period. 1) Results : Compared with the control group, there were no treatment-related adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, hematology, serum biochemistry (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, 𝛾-Glutamyl transpeptidase, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Glucose, Total cholesterol, Total protein, Creatine phosphokinase, Albumin, Total bilirubin, Triglyceride, Inorganic phosphorus, Albumin/Globulin ratio, Calcium ion, Sodium ion, Potassium ion, Chloride ion), necropsy findings and organ weight (Ovary, Adrenal gland, Pituitary, Thymus, Prostate, Testis, Epididymis, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lung, Brain, Liver) at any dose tested. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the NOAEL of SCP in both genders was considered as over 4,000 mg/kg. Results from this study provide scientific evidence for the safety of SCP.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.22-34
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• 2003

Objective : To ascertain whether the concept of the treatment side is associated with changes in the blind spot mapping that represents the brain function. Methods : Among the outpatients who visited to Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, National Medical Center from March 2002 to October 2002, we selected 40 clinical trial volunteers that showed right side physiological blind spot more enlarged than left, and underwent the examinations of Department of Opthalmology, National Medical Center for ruling out the pathological conditions. Physiological blind spot maps were used as an integer of brain activity before and after electroacupuncture application on the unilateral ST36 meridian point by dividing 40 subjects into two comparative groups for double-blind controlled study. Results: The significant changes in the blind spots were observed. Electroacupuncture application on the ipsilateral or contralateral ST36 of an enlargement cortical map were associated with the concept of determining the treatment side. In the case of electroacupuncture application on the ipsilateral side of an enlarged blind spot, there were decrease of $4.11{\pm}8.56cm$(17.3%) in blind spot perimetry length(p < 0.05). In the case of contralateral side, there were increase of $3.19{\pm}5.40cm$(13.7%) in blind spot perimetry length(p<0.05). The Differences were statistically significant(p<0.05). Conclusions: We found that eletroacupuncture application was associated with an increase or decrease in the brain function in the view of blind spot changes depending on the treatment side. These results suggest that the traditional acupuncture therapeutic strategy with determining the treatment side has clinical significance in the view of the brain function.