• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.83-106
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• 2024

Objectives : This paper aims to examine the meaning of Shengmaisan in relation to original qi based on the discussion of Zhangyuansu, Lidongyuan and other doctors. Methods : Discussion of Shengmaisan made by Zhang, Li and others were examined. Afterwards, the medicinal properties of renshen, maimendong, and wuweizi as written in the Bencaogangmu, Donguibogam, Benjingshuzheng and texts of Zhang and Li were studied in relation to original qi. Related concepts such as '肺中伏火'·'補肺中元氣不足'·'補天眞元氣'·'夏食寒' were analyzed as well. Results & Conclusions : 1. Various pathology related to deficiency in original qi could act as internal pathogen for Shengmaisan application with which external factors such as summerheat and dampness heat meet results in most damage in the Lung metal. Therefore the upper body Lung is emphasized as pathogen. 2. The pathology of Shengmaisan application is depletion of humor, which should be refined, due to summer or dampness heat in a state of original qi deficiency which damages the Lungs, disabling its function of managing clear and pure qi. 3. The disease pattern for Shengmaisan in relation to original qi, according to other doctors, includes symptoms related to the Lungs such as dryness in the mouth due to excessive perspiration, blankness, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, coughing, fast breathing, along with general bodily symptoms such as heavy sensation of the body, lethargy, difficulty walking, limping. These general bodily symptoms are due to either qi deficiency of the Lung, or humor deficiency due to failure of qi convergence in the lower body, or symptoms caused by Jing deficiency in severe cases. Symptoms related to problems in the lower body could manifest as dysfunction in urination and defecation, weakness in the limbs caused by original qi deficiency. 4. The Lungs circulate the clear and pure qi, converging qi and creating humor to assist the Triple Burner's Qi-Humor metabolism, enabling smooth communication of original qi throughout the body. With the original qi well tonified, the shen mechanism which is rooted in original qi allows for autonomous and consistent qi circulation within the body. Therefore, both Zhang and Li emphasized the importance of original qi. The property of Shengmaisan is explained as 'supplement qi/create liquid, convergence of yin/stop perspiration'. Zhang and Li explained its property as managing the circulation of original qi, to tonify Lungs' original qi and origin of water-humor.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.63-78
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• 2011

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Maekmundong-tang (MMDT) on an elastase-induced COPD model. Materials and Methods: The extract of MMDT was treated to A549 cells and elastase-induced COPD mice model. Then, various parameters such as cell-based cytoprotective activity and histopathological findings were analyzed. Results: MMDT showed a protective effect on elastase-induced cytotoxicity in A549 cells. This effect was correlated with analysis for caspase 3 levels, collagen and elastin contents, protein level of Cdk1, and gene expression of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in A549 cells. MMDT treatment also revealed a protective effect on the elastase-induced COPD mice model. This effect was evidenced via histopathological finding including immunofluorescence stains against elastin, collagen, and caspase 3, and protein level of Cdc2 in lung tissue. Conclusion: These data suggest that MMDT has pharmaceutical properties on COPD. This study can provide scientific evidence for the efficacy of MMDT for clinical application to patients with COPD.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2002

Objectives: Maekmoondong-tang and Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang are herbal decoctions which have been used as traditional therapeutic agents for asthma. This study was performed to investigate the effects of Maekmoondong-tang and Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang on immune Cell & serum OA-specific 19B in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in rat asthma model. Methods: Rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OA); at day I the sensitized group and Maekmoondong-tang and Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang groups were systemically immunized by subcutaneous injection of 1mg OA and 300mg of $Al(OH)_3$ in a total volume of 2ml. At the same time, 1ml of 0.9% saline containing $6{\times}10^9$ B. pertussis bacilli was injected by i.p. for 14 days. After systemic immunization, the rats received local immunization by inhaling 0.9% saline aerosol containing 2% (wt/vol) OA. A day after local immunization, BAL fluid was collected from the rats. A day after local immunization, rats were orally administered with each of Maekmoondong-tang and Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang extract for 14 days. Lymphocyte, CD4+T-cell CD8+ T-cell counts, CD4+/CD8+ ratio in BALF, change of serum OA-specific IgE level, and CD4+T-cell CD8+T-cell percentage in the peripheral blood were measured and evaluated. Results: Maekmoondong-tang and Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang showed a suppressive effect on the rat asthma model. Maekmoondong-tang decreased total cell, lymphocyte, CD4+T-cell, CD8+T-cell in BALF, and serum OA specific 19B level as compared with the control group, whereas Maekmoondong-tang decreased CD4+/CD8+ ratio in BALF with statistical nonsignificance as compared with the control group. 1 decreased total cell, CD4+T-cell, CD4+/CD8+ ratio in BALF, and serum OA specific IgE level, whereas Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang decreased ymphocyte, and CD8+T-cell in BALF with statistical nonsignificance as compared with the control group. CD4+T-cell and CD8+ T-cell percentage in peripheral blood were not changed significantly in all the experimental groups. Conclusions: This study shows that Maekmoondong-tang and Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang have a suppressive effect on asthma. Maekmooruiong-tang and Jeongcheonhwadamgangki-tang would be useful asthma treatment agents.