• 대한한의학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.79-97
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• 2010

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries are commonly encountered clinical problems and often result in severe functional deficit. Bee venom acupuncture has traditionally been used to treat several inflammatory diseases and chronic pain conditions. Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the effects of bee venom (general bee venom, BV) and sweet bee venom (allergen-removed bee venom, SBV) acupuncture on the recovery rate of locomotor function, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the sciatic nerve, and the expression of c-Fos in the brain following sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats, and to evaluate differences due to administration areas. Method: Walking track analysis, Western blot for BDNF and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), and immunohistochemistry for c-Fos were performed. In this study, comparative analyses of the effects of BV and SBV acupuncture in relation to administration sites, contralateral side or ipsilateral side, were conducted. Results: In the present result, sciatic function index (SFI) in walking track analysis significantly decreased following sciatic crushed nerve injury. The expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the sciatic nerve increased after induction of sciatic crushed nerve injury. C-Fos expression in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) also increased. BV and SBV acupuncture treatment improved the SFI in walking track analysis. Treatment with SBV at 1mg/kg showed more potent enhancing effect on SFI compared to BV. Treatment with 1mg/kg BV or 1mg/kg SBV acupuncture suppressed the BDNF and TrkB expression in the sciatic nerve. BV and SBV acupuncture treatment also suppressed c-Fos expression in the PVN and vlPAG regions. Treatment with SBV at 1mg/kg showed more potent suppressing effect on c-Fos expression compared to BV when injected into the contralateral side of the injured nerve. Generally we could not find significant difference in the effects between contralateral side and ipsilateral side of the injured nerve. Conclusion: We have shown that BV and SBV acupuncture treatment can be used as the effective therapeutic modality to ameliorate the symptoms of sciatic crushed nerve injury.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.15-21
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current trends in research on pharmacopuncture in Korea since 2007. Methods: A literature review was performed by using the search engines 'Science and Technology Society Village', 'Korean Studies Information Service System', 'National Discovery for Science Leaders', and 'Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System' in Korea from January 2007 to December 2013. Searched key words were 'pharmacopuncture', 'herbal acupuncture', 'aqua-acupuncture', and 'bee venom'. Finally, we selected 457 papers, including Korean experimental studies and clinical studies. Selected papers were classified according to year of publication, type of pharmacopuncture, disease & topic, research type and the publishing journal. Results: One hundred fifty pharmacopunctures were studied in 457 papers. Single compound pharmacopuncture was the most studied pharmacopuncture in experimental studies while animal-based pharmacopuncture was the most studied pharmacopuncture in clinical studies. Bee venom placed first among the various pharmacopunctures, followed by placenta, sweet bee venom, mountain-ginseng, and anti-inflammatory pharmacopunctures. Experimental research on pharmacopuncture has fallen since 2007 when 55 papers were published. However, clinical research has been increasing steadily. In clinical studies, case reports were numerous than randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Musculoskeletal diseases were the most frequently-treated diseases in studies on pharmacopuncture; among the musculoskeletal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis was the most frequently-treated disease in experimental studies and low back pain was the most frequently-treated condition in clinical studies. Since 2007, 45 different journals have published studies on pharmacopuncture, with the Journal of the Korean Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine Society having the largest number of papers on pharmacopuncture and the Journal of Pharmacopuncture the second largest number. Conclusion: The trends in research on pharmacopuncture published in studies from 2007 to 2013 were similar to those in studies published before 2006. Many studies on pharmacopuncture focused on bee venom and musculoskeletal diseases. Additional studies on diverse types of and indications for pharmacopuncture are needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.217-228
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• 2003

Objective : Spinal meningeal cysts can be the cause of the low back pain and sciatica. We tried to manage the low back pain and sciatica caused by other disease besides intervertebral disc herniation. Methods : We treated the patient who diagnosed as spinal meningeal cyst and hospitalized. And we investigate the progress of physical condition, VAS, modified VAS, PRS by treatment and MRI before and after treatment. Results : There was remarkable improvement in condition of the patient who has spinal meningeal cyst after bee venom therapy. We found the size of cyst decreased in MRI and also progress in VAS modified VAS PRS physical view improved. Conclusions : We think that the result of this case can be a pilot study that proves the effect of bee venom therapy the low back pain and sciatica caused by variable disease.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제3권2호
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• pp.245-255
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• 2000

After observing a patient diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the September 21, 2000 to the January 13, 2001, the following results are obtained. Method and Result: We treated one case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with the Korean Bee Venom Therapy and the other Oriental Medical treatments. In acupuncture therapy, Korean Bee-venom Therapy is believed to be outstanding way to treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Korean Bee Venom Therapy is treated on the following acupuncture points: ST36(B23(Shinsu:腎兪), BL26(Guanyuanshu:關元兪), ST36(Chok-Samni:足三里), LI4(Hapkok:合谷), LV3(Taechung), SP10(Hyolhae:血海) SP6 (Samumgyo;三陰交). In addition, CFC(Carthami Flos;紅花 and Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu;) Herbal-Acupuncture was applied on the acupucture points of GB20(Pungji: 風池), GB21(Kyonjong:), as well as BUM(It was made of Boviscalculus(牛黃), Moschus and Fel ursi Herbal-Acupuncture was given on CV17(Chonjung). In herbal medication, based on the Sasang Constitution, Taeyumin Chungsimyunja-Tang was given to the patient. As the results of these treatments, general conditions of this patient improved drastically. Conclusion: Based on the clinical results, traditional Korean Medical treatment is believed to be effective for treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and futher studies should be carried out to provide more valuable information.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제4권3호
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• pp.101-103
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• 2001

Objective : This study is designed to find out the effects of the Bee-Venom Acupuncture on knee joint with osteoarthritis. Methods :We are investigated that outpatients suffer from knee joint pain deciphered at the division of Acupuncture in Jaseng oriental medicine hospital from the 13, July 1999 to until 11, November 2000. We make an estimated of the score from both before or after its treatment about 70 cases of diagnostic patient with the osteoarthritis of knee joints by biochemical method and X-RAY analysis, we observed in the progress of symptoms. Results: These results found that sex. distinction with a disease caused much more female than male at the ratio of 1 to 5.36 in the proportion of males to females, jobs is mainly ranked with a housewife and approximately 82.9% of cases before our hospital have ever treated at the other clinics or hospitals. On the hand. the distribution interval of a case history is mainly followed by disease in below 6 month, interval of the period-treatment is mainly gone within 3 month and frequency of treatment is examined into 11 to 15 times, more than 16 times and below 10 times, respectively. We are estimated with the score of functional barrier from both before or after its treatment against osteoarthritis' patients and produced in the usefulness from the totally point of fields except the aid-device after its treatment. In summary, these results demonstrated that Bee Venom, Acupuncture enhanced more than 82.9% to the improvement of treatment and P<0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Conclusion: These results suggest that Bee-venom Acupuncture may be playa role in the significant usefulness and have need of actively application for the clinical trials against osteoarthritis' patients.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.40-51
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• 2002

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Bee Venom on the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression phospholipase $A_2$, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitrogen oxide synthase, and the generation of arachidonic acid, prostaglandin D2 and E2 in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line. Methods : The expression of phospholipase $A_2$, cyclooxygenase and inducible nitrogen oxide synthase was determined by western blotting with corresponding antibodies, and the generation of arachidonic acid, prostaglandin $D_2$ and $E_2$ was assayed by ELISA method in RAW 264.7 cells. The non-toxic concentrations (0.1 to $5\;{\mu}g/ml$) of bee venom determined by MTT assay, were used in this study. Results : 1. Bee venom inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of phospholipase $A_2$ in a dose dependent manner after 48 hours treatment. 2. Bee venom inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in a dose dependent manner after 24 and 48 hours treatment. 3. Bee venom inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inducible nitrogen oxidesynthase in a dose dependent manner after 48 hours treatment. 4. The generation of arachidonic acid, prostaglandin $D_2$ and $E_2$ was not much affected by the treatment of bee venom on the lipopolysaccharide-induced generation of arachidonic acid, prostaglandin $D_2$ and $E_2$ in RAW 264.7 cells.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.111-119
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• 2014

Objectives : I investigated whether Bee Venom can synergistically strengthen the cytotoxic effects of NK-92 cells, enhancing the inhibition of the growth of Lung Cancer Cells including A549 and NCI-H460 through induction of death receptor dependent extrinsic apoptosis and NO generation in the Nitro-oxide pathway. Methods : Bee Venom inhibited cell proliferation of A549 or NCI-H460 Human Lung Cancer Cells as well as NK-92 Cells. Moreover, when they were co-punctured with NK cells and concomitantly treated by 3 ${\mu}g/ml$ of Bee Venom, more influence was exerted on inhibition of proliferation of A549 or NCI-H460 Human Lung Cancer Cells than BV or NK cell co-culture alone. Results : The expression of Fas, TNFR2, DR3, DR6 in A549 Lung Cancer Cells was significantly increased by co-culture of NK-92 cells and treatment of 3 ${\mu}g/ml$ of Bee Venom, compared to co-culture of NK-92 cells alone, whereas the expression of Fas, TNFR2, DR6 in NCI-H460 Lung Cancer Cells was significantly increased by co-culture of NK-92 cells, representing no synergistic effects in the co-culture of NK-92 cell and concomitant treatment of 3 ${\mu}g/ml$ of Bee Venom. Coincidently, caspase-8, a expression of pro-apoptotic proteins in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway demonstrated same results as the above. Meanwhile, In NO generation, there is little change of NO generation in co-culture of NK-92 cells with A549 cells as well as the co-culture of NK-92 cell with them and concomitant treatment of 3 ${\mu}g/ml$ of Bee Venom, whereas increase of NO generation was shown in co-culture of NK-92 cells with NCI-H460 cells as well as the co-culture of NK-92 cell with them and concomitant treatment of 3 ${\mu}g/ml$ of Bee Venom, although synergistic effects by Bee Venom was not found. Conclusions : These present data provide that Bee Venom could be useful candidate compounds to enhance lung cancer growth inhibiting ability of NK-92 cells through DR expression and the related apoptosis.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.111-116
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• 2008

Objectives This study obserbed the efficiency of Sweet Bee Venom pharmacopuncture on the treatment of 70 Molluscum Contagiosum cases. Methods 70 patients admitted for Molluscum at Love Blossoming Oriental medicine clinic from February 2007 to October 2007 were administered with Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture and measured an analyzed changes in symptoms. Results 1. Regardless of age or duration of Molluscum Contagiosum, all 70 patients showed improvement. 2. Recurrence of Molluscum Contagiosum was not noticeable when treated with Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture, and the duration of treatment was significantly shorter than treation with conventional allopathic ointment. Conclusion Based on above findings, we can deduce Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture has superior anti-viral effects on th pox virus of Molluscum Contagiosum.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.155-165
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was conducted to carry out quantitative evaluation and safety of Bee Venom Acupuncture. Methods : Content analysis was done using HPLC, measurement of $LD_{50}$, and histological observations were made on the skin and muscles. Results : 1. According to HPLC analysis, each BVA-1 contained approximately $0.36{\mu}g$, and BVA-2 contained approximately $0.54{\mu}g$. But the volume of coating was so minute, slight difference exists between each needle. 2. LD50 of mouse with BVA-1 was 16 counts and this is equivalent to 640 needles/kg, making Bee Venom Acupuncture safe treatment apparatus. 3. Regardless of the number of needles, there was no sign of blood stasis or inflammation detected on the skin and muscle tissues. Conclusion : Above results indicate that the Bee Venom Acupuncture can complement shortcomings of syringe usage as a part of Oriental medicine treatment, but extensive researches should be done for further verification.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.227-238
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• 2001

Objective : There was no report on the treatment of Fascioscapulohumeral (FSH) Muscular Dystrophy by Oriental medicine. But the treatment conducted on the patient admitted to the Sangji Oriental Medicine Hospital from January 9, 2001 to February 23, 2001, a significant treatment result was yielded and would like to suggest treatment plan for the future treatments. Methods : Under the assumption that Korean Bee-Venom Therapy may be affective for treating FSH Muscular Dystrophy, the following points were administered : SI10(노유), SI11(天宗), BL23(腎兪), BL26(關元兪), ST36(足三里), LI4(合谷), Liv3(太衝), SI9(肩貞). CFC(Carthami Flos;紅花 and Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu;鹿茸) herbal extract was treated on the other acupuncture points. Sa-Am(Four needle technique) Acupuncture (tonifying SI5 and ST42, sedating GB41 and ST43) was done every day. For herbal medicine, TaeEumIn ChoWiSeungChung-Tang was given based on the constitutional diagnosis. Results : After 7 weeks of treatment, a remarkable improvement was made for facial muscular movement and muscular strength of the scapular and another regions. Conclusions : 1. Significant improvement in the muscular strength for the case of FSH Muscular Dystrophy was obtained with through Korean Bee-Venom Therapy, Four needle technique, and herbal medication. 2. For progressive muscular dystrophy, it is necessary to practice muscular strength recovery exercise in conjunction with Korean Bee-Venom Therapy. 3. Although this case yielded favorable result, further observation and study must be made to concretely prove the effectiveness of Korean Bee-Venom Therapy for treating muscular dystrophies.