Adverse Effects of Ma-huang according to Dose : A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study (마황용량에 따른 이상반응에 관한 예비연구: 무작위배정이중맹검시험)
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- The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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- v.27 no.1
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- pp.188-196
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- 2006
Background: Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in oriental medicine for over a hundred years. Ma-huang preparations contain approximately 1.25% ephedrine alkaloids. Recently, the ephedra alkaloids have received much press lately due to adverse effects in those using whole extracts as 'dietary supplements' for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement, and these reports are troubling given the increasing use of Ma-huang by the general public. The purpose of this report is to determine the proper dosage to minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value. Objectives : The object of this study was to find an effective yet low risk dosage of Ma-huang. Methods : The study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The subjects of this study were 26 adults between 20 to 40 of age who agreed to participate in this study. They were allocated through randomization into three groups. Each group took three opaque capsules three times a day. A group (N=9) took one Ma-huang capsule and two placebo capsules, B group (N=8) took two Ma-huang capsules and one placebo capsule, C group (N=9) took three Ma-huang capsules. The total trial periods was two days. To compare the adverse effects of Ma-huang according to dosage, blood pressure and pulse were checked, and other adverse effects were assessed using a morning questionnaire, patient's global assessment scale and Wong-Baker faces pain rating. Results : The following result were obtained: 1. After taking 18 g of Ma-huang per day, pulse rate had a significant increase. 2. After taking more than 6 g of Ma-huang per day, palpitation would be increased significantly. 3. After taking more than 18 g of Ma-huang per day, tiredness would be increased significantly. Conclusion: According to the results, 12 g of Ma-huang per day will minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value.
The aim of this study was to collect and analyze the clinical studies of traditional herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments for colorectal cancer patients searched in Pubmed and Cochrane library in English. We collected the clinical studies, including randomized controlled trial, case control study and cohort study, in the PubMed and Cochrane library using keywords 'Colorectal Cancer', 'Korean Medicine', 'Traditional Chinese Medicine', 'Kampo' and 'Acupuncture'. Then we analyzed them according to the objective of the therapy, i.e. improving therapy prognosis, reducing chemotherapy's adverse event and reducing operational adverse event. In case RCT, we evaluate the quality of the study with jadad scale. Total 18 studies were selected. There were 3 studies about improving therapy prognosis, 6 studies about reducing chemotherapy's adverse event and 9 studies about reducing operational adverse event. Traditional medicine might improve therapy prognosis in terms of the survival rate, relapse/metastasis rate, quality of life and immune function. The specific herbal formula, 'Goshajinkigan' might not be successful about reducing chemotherapy's adverse event, peripheral neurotoxicity. 'Hangeshanshinto' might reduce the duration of oral mucositis but it is not clear to reduce the incidence of that. 'PHY906' might reduce the incidence of diarrhea. Acupuncture might reduce operational adverse event such as gastrointestinal dysfunction and pain. And 'Daikenchuto' might not be successful in reducing operational adverse event, gastrointestinal dysfunction. Further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of traditional herbal medicine and acupuncture for colorectal cancer patients.
The subjects of the study were the 120 mothers who had children hospitalized in 6 hospitals in P city during the period from Feb. 1. to May 30. 1996. The purpose of the study are(1) the problems encountered when they carried out Home Care after discharge and (2) the degrees of demand that they had against Home Care Services. In order to investigate the purposes above-mentioned the researchers used the 55 items of Home Care services belonging to 10 areas selected by Korea Home-Care Association in 1994. The items were modified and supplemented to 4-point scale. The selected data were analyzed by SPSS : PC+ and the following results were derived. 1. The subjects payed great attention to 5 items such as 'pain control, OPD visits, diet-control problems' among the 15 sources of anxiety that they had against Home Care services after discharge. Especially, 'OPD visits and knowledge deficit' would to be overcome by the nursing activities of the Home Care Nurses. 2. The acknowledge level of the subjects to the Home Care Project that governmental plans to carry out was surveyed and found as under 50. 0% responded they heard about Home Care Nursing System. 60.8% said that they thought the system was 'very necessary' and 'somewhat necessary'. 65.0% said they would like to use the system. However, the acknowledge level of 50.0% is still low and is thought to need further national promotion and propagation. 3. The demand of the subjects against 55 Home Care Services was investigated and found as