• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.14-25
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• 2023

Objectives: South Korea, the United States, and the United Nations have imposed extensive economic sanctions against North Korea, which increased the use of traditional Korean medicine in North Korea to maintain its national health care system. This study attempts to study the latest trends of traditional Korean medicine research through bibliographic analysis of one of the North Korean medical journals. It will then provide insights into how traditional Korean medicine is used in North Korea. Methods: This study is based on 611 clinical research articles out of 931 articles extracted from 13 volumes of Koryo Medicine (2016 ~ 2019). The articles were classified according to the researched treatment, diseases and use alongside conventional drugs. Results: Based on the analysis of Koryo Medicine, the proportion of clinical research articles investigating the treatment effects was very high (65.6%). Also, clinical research using herbal medicine as treatment was the most common, accounting for 17.69% of the total. Some of the clinical research in Koryo Medicine were conducted in tandem with conventional drug treatment, especially on acupuncture. Conclusion: This study conducted a bibliographic analysis of Koryo Medicine to understand the current status of traditional Korean medicine within North Korea. The analysis identified main diseases, treatment methods, and integration with conventional drugs in the clinical research of traditional Korean medicine. As a country actively seeking to use traditional Korean medicine, North Korea will become an interesting field of global traditional medicine and complementary medicine research.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.185-196
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• 2021

Objectives: Many symptoms of cold and heat patterns are related to the thermoregulation of the body. Thus, we aimed to study the association of cold and heat patterns with anthropometry/body composition. Methods: The cold and heat patterns of 2000 individuals aged 30-55 years were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the anthropometric and body composition variables, body mass index (-0.37, 0.39) and fat mass index (-0.35, 0.38) had the highest correlation coefficients with the cold and heat pattern scores after adjustment for age and sex in the cold-heat group, while the correlation coefficients were relatively lower in the non-cold-heat group. In the cold-heat group, the most parsimonious model for the cold pattern with the variables selected by the best subset method and Lasso included sex, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and extracellular water/total body water (adjusted R² = 0.324), and the model for heat pattern additionally included age (adjusted R² = 0.292). Conclusions: The variables related to obesity and water balance were the most useful for predicting cold and heat patterns. Further studies are required to improve the performance of prediction models.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.40-60
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a training course on pharmacovigilance for future doctors of Korean medicine (DKM). Methods: In 2020, a pharmacovigilance training course was conducted for 57 senior students of a Korean medicine (KM) college, and its impact to the students were assessed in terms of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of these students at three-time points: pre-training, post-training, and 4-6 months after the end of the training. Results: A total of 38 students completed the survey. The average score from the knowledge test increased significantly after training compared to prior to the training (5.47±2.140, 6.61±1.001, respectively, p<0.001) and was maintained until the final survey (6.61±1.220). The rate of correct answers to most of the knowledge test questions increased after the training but decreased in the final survey. In terms of attitudes, self-confidence in causality assessment (2.63±1.025, 4.58±0.826, p<0.001) and spontaneous reporting (2.08±1.050, 4.74±0.446, p<0.001) significantly increased after the training and then slightly decreased (3.92±1.171, 4.40±0.755). The perception level was high prior to the training, and this pattern was maintained throughout the study period. Students responded that pharmacovigilance education was necessary for DKM after training, and for the undergraduates of KM colleges. Conclusions: This study shows that this pharmacovigilance training course is effective for students majoring in KM but that retraining is required at least 6 months after the initial training. Further follow-up studies are needed to ensure that students actively participate in spontaneous reporting after graduation, and continuous education should be provided to graduates.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.125-130
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• 2013

Samchulgeonbi-tang (SC) is well-known traditional herbal medicine which is composed of fourteen medicine herbs. SC has been used for the treatment of the chronic gastritis, indigestion, gastric ulcers, gastroptosis and diarrhea disease. The variation in the amount of bioactive components of SC and its fermentation SC with ten Lactobacillus strains were investigated via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of seven bioactive compounds; paeoniflorin, liquiritin, hesperidin, liquiritigenin, kaempferol, atractylenolide III, magnolol were achieved by comparing their retention times ($t_R$) and UV spectra with those of the standard compounds. In the results, the amount of paeoniflorin and hesperidin were 7.967 mg/g, 7.251 mg/g that were the main compounds in SC. The amounts of liquiritigenin was increased by all ten Lactobacillus strains, except strain 128. Especially, the liquiritigenin amount was highest in SC fermented with strain 145 (0.201 mg/g), which was increased by 158.39% compared to SC (0.081 mg/g). In the fermented SC using strains 344, almost components were increased than non-fermented SC, except paeoniflorin and kaempferol. Thus, these results considered that the strains 145 and 344 are most excellent fermentation strains among the 10 species of fermentation strains.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 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 Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.120-132
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• 2002

Objectives : The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of Goomicheongsim-won Extracts on E20 corticells and P7 cerebellar cells exposed to hypoxia, and the effect on neuronal protection by elimination of Rhinoceros unicornis L. and/or Orpiment $As_2S_3$. Methods : P7 cerebellar cells were grown in various concentrations of KM-A, KM-B, KM- C and KM-D. On 7 DIV (day in vitro), cells were exposed to hypoxia (98% $N_2/5%{;}CO_2,{\;}3{\;}hr,{\;}37^{\circ}C$) and normoxia, and then further incubated for 3 days. Neuronal viabilities were expressed as percentages of control. E20 cortical cells were grown in various concentrations of KM-A, KM-B, KM-C, and KM-D. On 7 DIV, cells were exposed to hypoxia and normoxia, and then further incubated for 3 and 7 days. Results : I. The effect of KM-A on neuronal protection was significantly increased P7 cerebellar granule cells and E20 cortical cells on normoxia and hypoxia. 2. The effect of KM-B on neuronal protection was increased P7 cerebellar granule cells on normoxia, but was significantly decreased P7 cerebellar granule cells on hypoxia. The effect of KM-B on neuronal protection was non-significantly increased E20 cortical cells on normoxia and hypoxia. 3. The effect of KM-C on neuronal protection was non-significantly increased P7 cerebellar granule cells on normoxia and hypoxia and was decreased (p=0.058) on hyperconcentration of the extracts in normoxia. The effect of KM-C on neuronal protection was significantly increased P7 cerebellar granule cells and E20 cortical cells on normoxia and hypoxia (10 DIV), and the effect was E20 cortical cells on normoxia (14 DIV), non-significantly increased E20 cortical cells on hypoxia (14DIV). 4. The effect of KM-D on neuronal protection was increased P7 cerebellar granule cells on normoxia but was not on hyperconcentration of the extracts, was significantly decreased on hyperconcentration of the extracts in hypoxia. The effect of KM-D on neuronal protection was significantly increased E20 cortical cells on normoxia and was significantly increased E20 cortical cells increased on hypoxia (10 DIV). Conclusions : Goomicheongsim-won extracts had applicable effect on E20 corticells and P7 cerebellar cells exposed to hypoxia. The effect on neuronal protection by elimination of Rhinoceros unicornis L. and/or Orpiment $As_2S_3$ was changed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.74-86
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine search trends and their meanings for major uninsuired Korean medicine (KM) treatments through analysis of an online portal search results. Methods: Keywords searches were performed using Naver Datalab on 4 July 2023. From January 2016 to June 2023, monthly relative search volume (RSV) for keywords 'pharmacopuncture', 'Chuna', and 'needle-embedding therapy', and 'herbal decoction' were extracted with a score between 0 and 100. For the obtained RSVs, longitudinal changes over time, characteristics according to sex and age group, and correlations between them were investigated. Results: The ranking of RSV for each keyword has changed from 'Chuna', 'herbal decoction', 'needle-embedding therapy', and 'pharmacopuncture' to 'Chuna', 'herbal decoction', 'pharmacopuncture', and 'needle-embedding therapy' after 2019. Overall, the RSV of needle-embedding therapy continuously decreased, while that of pharmacopuncture continuously increased. In 2019, a rapid increase in the RSV of Chuna was observed, and in 2020, a rapid increase in the RSV of herbal decoction was observed. There was a difference in the longitudinal change pattern of RSV for the keywords by age group. Importantly, in the elderly, changes in RSV were observed in a favorable pattern to KM treatment. Conclusion: Our findings enable estimation of the public's interest and its changes for the four uninsuired KM treatment, and can be used as basic data to strengthen health insurance coverage in Korea. Specifically, changes in interest in KM treatments according to sex and age can be referred to.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 1970

Studies on the analysis of walking were performed on 33 male subjects. A prescription of physical exercise (walking at a speed of greater than 6 km/hr for more than one hour daily) for the promotion of individual health is presented on the basis of walking analysis. Presumptions were made that adequate physical exercise does promote health and is beneficial for the healthy life and increases the life span. These presumptions were derived from the numerous experimental literatures. The literatures support indirectly the presumptions. The following results were obtained and prescription of physical exercise is presented. 1. Oxygen uptake in a walking on a treadmill at a speed of 4 km/hr was only 3 times of the resting oxygen uptake. This kind of moderate exercise did not stimulate the cardiopulmonary system adequately. Heart rate at a 4 km/hr walking was 101 beats/min in boys of less than 20 years old and 83 beats/min in adults. Oxygen uptake at a 6 km/hr walking exceeded 4 times of the resting oxygen uptake. It was interpreted that walking at 6 km/hr stimulated the cardiopulmonary system for the promotion of health. Heart rate at this speed was greater than 110 beats/min in boys and greater than 100 beats/min in adults. 2. Heart rates in a walking of 10 km/hr were 172 beats/min in boys, and 143 beats/min in adults, respectively. Maximal heart rates were 185 beats/min in boys, 180 in office clerks, and 168 beats/min in construction site laboreres. 3. The correlation between heart rate and oxygen uptake was high, namely, r>0.95. Subsequently heart rate could be used as a measure of degree of intensity of physical exercise instead of the cumbersome oxygen uptake measurement. 4. The prescription of physical exercise for the promotion of health is: Daily walking for more than one hour at a speed of greater than 6 km/hr. Bodily functions in this daily walking are in boys (body weight, 50 kg): heart rates of 110 beats/min; breathing frequency, 28/min; oxygen uptake, greater than 4 times of the resting uptake; pulmonary ventilation, 351/min; stride, 124 strides/min; cumulative number of strides for one hour, 7,440 strides, and energy expenditure of more than 300 kcal. In adults (body weight, 60 kg) the bodily functions are: heart rates of 100 beats/min, breathing frequency, 28/min; oxygen uptake, greater than 4 times of the resting uptake; Pulmonary ventilation, 301/min; stride, 127 strides/min; cumulative number of strides for one hour, 7,670 strides, and energy expenditure of more than 300 kcal.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.411-416
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• 2018

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most heavily used organophosphate pesticides and is useful as an insecticide drug. However, CPF also causes toxic effects in nontarget organisms, including humans and animals. Jageum-Jung (JGJ) is a traditional oriental medicine, composed of five specific herbs with antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, used for detoxification. In the present study, highly concentrated CPF was orally administrated to male Institute of Cancer Research mice to produce acute toxicity, and the protective effects of JGJ administration were investigated through statistical analysis of changes in body and organ weights and serum biochemical parameters. JGJ caused body and organ weights to recover and reduced the levels of serum biochemical parameters indicative of liver damage, such as glutamic oxalate transaminase, glutamic pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, urea, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride, that had been increased by CPF treatment. Our results demonstrated that JGJ ameliorates the effects of acute chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity. Therefore, JGJ has the potential to be used as a traditional medicine to alleviate insecticide toxicity.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.81-91
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• 2019

Objectives : Symptoms caused by traffic accidents can be divided into localized pain and systemic symptoms. Edema and pain can be increased due to obesity. During hospitalization of obese patients after traffic accident injury, obesity and systemic symptoms such as edema, dizziness, abdominal fullness and heavy body feeling might increase more by decreased physical activity due to pain. Methods : This report details on two cases of obese female inpatients with systemic symptoms after a car accident who were treated with wild ginseng complex (WGC) pharmacopuncture combined with Korean Medicine (KM) automobile insurance treatment. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Neck Disablility Index (NDI) and the Oswestry Disablility Index (ODI) were evaluated before and after treatment for comparison. Body composition was also measured. Results : Localized pain improved with a decrease in patients' NRS, NDI and ODI scores. Systemic symptoms increased during hospitalization were also improved with changes of body composition. Conclusions : Combining WGC pharmacopuncture with KM automobile insurance treatment may be synergistically effective for the treatment of obese patients with systemic symptoms such as edema, heavy body feeling and abdominal fullness.