• 대한약침학회지
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.53-63
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• 2000

Carthami tinctorii Fructus is known for its good effect on diseases such as fracture, menorrhalgia, menoschesis, puerperium aneilema and so on. The study of irritation and toxicity of Carthami oil aquapuncture solution applied topically to the skin and the eye mucous membrane were carried out to prove the safety of Carthami oil aquapuncture solution in clinical use. Animal for the research was the rabbit and the solution for the test was made from Carthami semen. 6 animals were used for the skin test and 9 animals were used for the eye mucous membrane test. In results, both tests proved that Carthami oil aquapuncture solution makes no irritable reaction on skin and eye mucous membrane of rabbit. We consider that this result is helpful for saying about the safety of Carthami oil aquapuncture solution in clinical use.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.37-42
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• 2013

Objective: The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect and the mechanism of Geumgoeshingi-whan (GGSGW) Pharmacopuncture at the acupoint GV 4 on the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: SHR were injected with normal saline solution (Control-SHR group)or GGSGW Pharmacopuncture (GGSGW-SHR group) at the acupoint GV 4. The systolic arterial blood pressure and renal parameters were measured for two weeks. Results: The systolic arterial blood pressure was decreased significantly after GGSGW Pharmacopuncture at the acupoint GV 4 in SHR, followed by a significant rise in creatine clearance. The plasma levels of aldosterone were decreased significantly after GGSGW Pharmacopunctureas were the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Conclusion: These results suggest that the blood pressure was decreased significantly after GGSGW Pharmacopuncture at the acupoint GV 4 in SHR and that the depressor response of the blood pressure was related to decreases in the plasma levels of aldosterone and ANP.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.15-24
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• 2011

Background: Type I allergy is involved in allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis which are accompanied by an acute and chronic allergic inflammatory responses. Rehmannia glutinosa is a traditional medicine in the East Asian region. This study examined whether a Rehmannia Glutinosa pharmacopuncture solution (RGPS) had anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory effects in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Methods: We determined the effect of RGPS on cell viability using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We also examined the effect of RGPS on the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and the secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using ELISA. In addition, we evaluated the effect of RGPS on the mRNA expression of various cytokines; IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-${\alpha}$ using RT-PCR. Furthermore, we assessed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}$B using Western blotting after RGPS treatment. Results: We found that RGPS ($10^{-4}$ to $10^{-1}$ dilution) did not cause any cytotoxicity. We observed significant inhibition of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release and suppression of the protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and mRNA expression of multiple cytokines in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells after RGPS treatment. Additionally, RGPS suppressed not only the phosphorylation of MAPKs, but also the transcriptional activation of NF-${\kappa}$B in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that RGPS inhibits degranulation and expression of cytokines including IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ via down-regulation of MAPKs and NF-${\kappa}$B activation in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. In conclusion, RGPS may have beneficial effects in the exerting anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory activities.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.23-28
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• 2012

Objective: This experimental study was designed to investigate the safety and the effectiveness of Samjeong pharmacopuncture solution (SPS) manufactured by using a the lowtemperature extract on process. Methods: To identify the safety and the effectiveness of using SPS as eye drops, we performed applied eye irritation tests on rabbits and antibacterial tests for Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Candida albicans. The eye irritation test was performed according to the toxicity testing regulation of the Korea Food & Drug Administration (2009. 8. 24, KFDA 2009-116). After SPS had been applied on the left eye of the rabbits, eye irritation in the cornea, iris and conjunctiva was observed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 7th day. After SPS had been dropped on bacterial species that cause keratitis, the minimum inhibition concentration and the size of the inhibition zone were measured. The anti-bacterial potency was also measured by taking the size of inhibition zone. Results: After SPS had been administered on the left eye of the rabbits, none of nine rabbits were found to show abnormal signs or weight changes. After SPS had been administered on the left eye of the rabbits, no eye irritation in the cornea, iris and conjunctiva was observed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 7th day. No specific response was detected in MIC for bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Candida albicans after SPS had been applied. Conclusions: This study suggests that SPS is a non-toxic and non-irritant medicine that does not cause any of eye irritation in rabbits, but it has no antibacterial effects on bacterial species that are well known to cause keratitis. These results suggest that more research is required on extracts from herbal medicines for treating keratitis.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.41-53
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• 2008

Objective&Methods The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of HK-1001 Pharmacopuncture at GB34(Yangleungchean) on hyperlipidemia in rats. The author performed several experimental items to analyze the levels of various components and enzymes in serum, urine and liver, as well as the histological changes of liver and aorta. Results 1. HK-1001 Pharmacopuncture infusion solution increased the cell viability rate, DPPH radical scavenging activity and HMG-CoA reductase inhibition rate in rat liver cells. 2. The levels of total cholesterol, free cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, phospholipid in serum and AI(atherogenic index) were decreased, and the ratio of HDL to TCL(HDL/TCL) and the level of TG in serum were increased as compared with those of the control group. 3. In the HK-1001 group, serum GOT was significantly lower than those of the HG group and the saline group, and serum ALP was significantly higher than that of the HG group. 4. Hepatic GSH and catalase activities were significantly increased as compared with those of the saline group. Conclusion From the above results, it is suggested that HK-1001 Pharmacopuncture at GB34 has a therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.396-403
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• 2022

Objectives: Gout is an inflammatory arthritis of the joints and soft tissues occurring due to deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, which are caused by persistent hyperuricemia. Soyeom pharmacopuncture is one treatment method that has been traditionally used for pain management in Oriental medicine. However, studies on its effect in reducing gout pain have been insufficient. Therefore, we selected Soyeom pharmacopuncture among natural products used in Korea as the new target of our study. Methods: The effects of Soyeom pharmacopuncture were examined in mouse models of acute gout induced by injection of MSU crystals into footpads. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α production were examined by immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as hallmarks of NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokine activation. Results: Soyeom pharmacopuncture reduced foot edema in gout-induced mice, as well as IL-1β, nitrite, IL-6, and TNF-α production. Moreover, Soyeom pharmacopuncture also reduced MSU-induced gout inflammatory gene expressions, specifically those in the NF-kB pathway. Conclusion: Pharmacopuncture may serve as a new solution for other inflammatory diseases as well. Through active follow-up studies, we could thoroughly understand the clinical value of Soyeom pharmacopuncture.

• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.185-206
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• 2021

Objectives: The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacopuncture treatment for insomnia disorder to derive clinical evidence and recommendation grades. Methods: Studies that verified effects of pharmacopuncture on primary insomnia were included. Characteristics and quality of included studies were assessed using Risk of Bias (RoB). Results: A total of 25 studies were selected. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and effective rate were primarily used for outcome measurement. Vitamin B12 was the most used pharmacopuncture material. The most frequently used acupuncture point was Anmian (Ex-HN). The volume of the acupuncture solution ranged from 0.25 mL to 2 mL. Acupuncture treatment depth was 0.5 cm to 2 cm. In three studies, the procedure was performed at 16:00. Meta-analysis of studies revealed that the effective rate of the pharmacopuncture group was significantly higher than the group using sleeping pills group (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.45, p=0.04, I²=69%). PSQI was decreased in the intervention group (MD=-2.19, 95% CI: -2.90 to -1.48, p<0.00001, I²=0%). Effective rates of pharmacopuncture and acupuncture groups were higher than that of the acupuncture group (RR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.17, p=0.0002, I²=0%). PSQI was decreased in the intervention group (MD=-1.87, 95% CI: -2.36 to -1.38, p<0.00001, I²=0%). Although the effectiveness rate of the pharmacopuncture group was not significantly higher than that of the acupuncture group (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.27, p=0.1, I²=9%), the PSQI was decreased in the pharmacopuncture group (MD=-2.10, 05% CI: -3.29 to -0.91, p=0.0005, I²=34%). The quality of clinical studies was poor. Conclusions: Based on results of this study, it is proper to use 0.5 to 2 mL of pharmacopuncture solution such as Danshen and Ciwujia with a depth of 0.5 to 2 cm at around 4 p.m. to treat insomnia disorder, focusing on Anmian (Ex-HN) and Sameumgyo (SP6).

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.15-23
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• 2010

Objectives : In order to confirm the anti-cancer effect of Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid, this study was proceeded. Methods : A549 lung cancer cells were cultured to be treated by Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid as dose dependent manner for 72 hours. And then the cell viability, nucleus fragmentaion, p21 and p53 protein expression, Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression, procaspase-3 PARP protein expression. Results : 1. Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid decrease A549 cell viability as dose dependent manner. 2. Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid induced the nucleus fragmentation in A549 lung cancer cells as dose dependent manner. 3. Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid increase the p21 and p53 protein expression. 4. Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid decrease the Bcl-2 protein expression but cannot affect the Bax protein expression. 5. Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid increase the activation of caspase-3 and PARP protein. Conclusions : As the above results, it was conclused the Trichosanthes kirilowii pharmacopuncture fluid had the anti-cancer effects to induce apoptosis.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.51-59
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was performed to analyze the toxicity and to find the lethal dose of the test substance Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture when used as a single-dose in 6 week old, male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: All experiments were conducted at Biotoxtech (Chungwon, Korea), an institution authorized to perform non clinical studies, under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). SD rats were chosen for the pilot study. Doses of Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture extracts, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mL, were administered to the experimental group, and 0.5 mL doses of normal saline solution were administered to the control group. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Results: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the groups. Also, no significant changes in body weights were observed among the groups, and no significant differences in hematology/biochemistry, necropsy, and histopathology results were noted. Hematologically, some changes in the male rats in two experimental groups were observed, but those changes had no clinical or toxicological meaning because they were not dose dependent. Histopathological tests on the injected parts showed cell infiltration in the male rats in one of the experimental groups; however, that result was due to spontaneous generation and had no toxicological meaning. Therefore, this study showed that Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture had no effect on the injected parts in terms of clinical signs, body weight, hematology, clinical chemistry, and necropsy. Conclusion: As a result of single-dose tests of the test substance Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture in 4 groups of rats, the lethal dose for both males and females exceeded 0.5 mL/animal. Therefore, the above findings suggest that treatment with Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture is relatively safe. Further studies on this subject are needed.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.57-66
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was performed to analyze single dose toxicity and the lethal dose of Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture in rats. Methods: All experiments were conducted at the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR), an institution authorized to perform non-clinical studies, under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen for the pilot study. Doses of Scolopendrid pharmacopuncture, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mL, were administered to the experimental group, and 1.0 mL doses of normal saline solution were administered to the control group. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethic Committee. Results: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the groups. No significant changes in the weight, hematological parameters or clinical chemistry were noted between the control group and the experimental group. To check for abnormalities in organs and tissues, we used microscopy to examine representative histological sections of each specified organ; the results showed no significant differences in any of the organs or tissues. Conclusion: The above findings suggest Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture is a relatively safe to use for treatment. Further studies on the subject should be conducted to yield more concrete evidence.