• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.205-209
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• 2003

The Korean peninsula, located between the vast Chinese mainland and Japan, has a unique cultural background that goes back five thousand years. In ancient times, the region was deeply influenced by Chinese culture, and traditional medicine in Korea was no exception. The Korean character, HAN GUL (24 alphabets), was invented at in the early 1400s by The Great King Sejong (1397-1450) of the Chosun dynasty. But few changes were made to traditional medicines for about 500 years thereafter. At the start of the 20th century, missionaries from western countries introduced new concepts and techniques of medicine. During the last century, there was enormous development in modern medical sciences. Even today, however, natural medicine -including folk medicine (or traditional Chinese medicine) - plays an important role in Korean health care. In this paper, we will review and discuss traditional Korean medicines as it has evolved over the past three thousand years.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.141-155
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• 2008

Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine(CAM) constitutes a major source of health care in developing countries. Its therapies, products and practices are increasing used in industrialized countries, typically by around 50% of the population. However, controls on the provider of CAM services and supply and promotion of complementary medicines are weak in these countries. These trends evoke important public health questions relating to benefits and detriments, safety and quality from medical, financial, and social perspectives. In the western counties, investment in research is increasing, and some guideline is now available for ensuring their quality, efficacy, and safety according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine as legally demanded. National policies and legislation are being developed in many countries and often include partnerships between biomedical and traditional health practitioners. The purposes of the study were to review the policies on CAM, to examine the responses of the government to cope with use of CAM in industrialized countries. Lastly, some implications and recommendation are suggested.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.717-729
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• 2013

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive and low-cost technique that estimates body composition based on the distribution of water and electrolytes in the body by analyzing body's electrical responses to source voltages. In this work, we carried out a systematic literature review on BIA researches in traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM). For comparison, firstly we introduced the concept and principle of BIA, and offered a general overview of research trends in western medical perspectives. We searched through the databases of Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System and DataBase Periodical Information Academic for the articles published between 1994 and 2013, with keywords such as 'BIA', 'bioelectrical impedance' and 'impedance'. Among the rough-searched 274 articles, we finally selected 21 articles appropriate to the intended research field. The selected articles were categorized into diagnosis in Sasang medicine, impedance analysis in meridian system, and change of body composition after taking herbal medicine. We found that most of BIA researches in TEAM were preliminary and remained in the peripheral levels which is far behind the western medical research activities. Therefore, more efforts are needed to study BIA in association with major subjects such as pattern identification or physiological/pathological phenomena. In addition, methodological breakthrough of BIA is possible by applying the diagnostic concepts of the TEAM in relation to the balance of Qi and Blood.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.99-114
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• 2020

Objectives : To investigate treatment approaches of psoriasis, and to provide universal and holistic standards to assist in optimizing patient care and future research. Methods : Review articles of psoriasis regarding pathophysiology, risk factor or treatment were searched from Pubmed (January 2016 to June 2020). Treatment approaches were investigated based on the searched articles. Additional data collecting was done for further discussion by searching Pubmed and Google scholar with keywords relevant to the approaches, and the relevant references of articles retrieved were manually inspected to be included. Results : Modalities to directly regulate the relevant helper T cell or inflammatory cytokines can constitute the treatment approaches of psoriasis. Modalities to treat gastrointestinal tract inflammation, to correct metabolic syndrome and to improve epidermal lipid abnormality via whole body lipid metabolism can also constitute the treatment approaches of psoriasis. Probable adverse effects of long term use of western medication should be addressed carefully, and alleviating the hazards of western medication can be a treatment approach of psoriasis. Conclusion : Treatment of psoriasis should take account of systemic aspects such as gastrointestinal tract and lipid metabolism. Treatment approaches of psoriasis established on the pathophysiological basis can serve as universal standards.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.403-414
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• 2003

Background : Proteasome inhibitors can promote either cell survival or programmed cell death, depending on both the specific type and proliferative status of the cell. However, it is not well known whether inhibition of proteasome activity is related to apoptosis in lung cancer cells. In addition, the exact mechanisms responsible for apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibition are not well understood. In the present study, we have examined the effect of proteasome inhibition on lung cancer cells and tried to test the mechanisms that may be associated with the apoptosis of these cells. Methods : We examined the effect of proteasome inhibition with MG132 or PS-341 on cell survival in A549 and NCI-H157 lung cancer cells using MTT assay, and analyzed the cleavage of PARP by Western blot analysis to find evidence of apoptosis. Next, we evaluated the activation of caspase 3 by Western blot analysis and the activity of JNK by immunocomplex kinase assay. We also examined the changes in anti-apoptotic pathways like ERK and cIAP1 by Western blot analysis after inhibition of proteasome function. Results : We demonstrated that MG132 reduced cell survival by inducing apoptosis in A549 and NCI-H157 cells. Proteasome inhibition with MG132 or PS-341 was associated with activation of caspase 3 and JNK, reduced expression of activated ERK, and downregulation of cIAP1. Conclusion : Apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibition may be associated with the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways like caspase 3 and JNK and the inactivation of anti-apoptotic pathways in lung cancer cells.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.68-74
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• 2003

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether herbal medication may injure the liver function and kidney function. We clinically studied the changes of biochemistry and complete blood cell count in patients who were hospitalized in Korean hospital. Methods : The subjects were 160 patients admitted in Kangnam Korean hospital, Kyung Hee, whose mean duration of medication was 70 days(min 30, max 252). All patients had been checked biochemistry and complete blood cell count for 30 days since their hospitalization. Results : Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and Creatinine(Cr) decreased significantly on discharge, compared with the values of admissoin(P<0.05). Total protein significantly elevated on dischrge compared with the values of admisson(P<0.05). Conclusions : This study suggests that even though there are few toxic herbal medicines, in general, herbal medications which are prescribed by oriental medicine doctors should be carefully administered not to hurt liver and kidney function.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 2003

Objective : In Western medicine, the cause of obesity include overeating, lack of exercise, genetic factor, endocrinal impediment and psychological factor. Since the society becomes more complexed and the tensions among social members gets intensified, psychological factor getting more important. In Oriental medicine, Seven Emotion(七情, in oriental medical term) as an emotional stressor was thought to be a factor of obesity. Therefore the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Seven Emotion and obesity in detail. Methods : overview the stress with the view of Oriental medicine and research the relationship between Seven Emotion as an emotional stressor and obesity. Results : 1. Seven Emotion can be understood as an emotional stress in Western medicine. If Seven Emotion is excessive, its extreme mental stimulation causes physical illness. 2. Having influence upon the function of internal organs, excessive Seven Emotion causes obesity. Since it hinders normal flow of Gangi(肝氣), Seven Emotion disturbs healthy function of Bi-Wi(脾胃) and normal fluctuation of Qi. Consequently, obesity is resulted from the accumulation of fat since normal metabolism of body is disrupted. 3. In Seven Emotion-Anger(怒), Joy(喜), Anxiety(憂), Thought(思), Sorrow(悲), Fear(恐), Surprise(驚)-give rise to Gan-bi-bul-wha(肝脾不和), Sim-hi-yang-huh(心脾兩虛), Bi-qi-huh(碑氣虛), Dam-sup-jeo-po(痰濕沮胞) and Wi-wha-sang-youm(胃火上炎) in type of symptom in obesity and therefore, cause obesity.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.79-87
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• 2019

Although there has been many studies about the co-administration of herb formula and western medicine, there is none about obesity. The aim of this study was to report the effects of co-administration of herb formula containing ephedra sinica and lorcaserin on two obese patients for about 2~4 months. During the treatment, we checked body weight and body composition, and collected blood samples to evaluate liver, kidney, thyroid function and lipid profile. This treatment not only decreased body weight but also improved body composition and lipid profile in both patients. There was no hepatic or renal toxicity, nor any serious side effects of treatment. This study demonstrated that co-administration of herb formula containing ephedra sinica and lorcaserin is a safe and effective therapy to lose weight and improve metabolic parameters for obese patients. Further large-scale clinical trials are needed to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of the combination of herbal and western medicines.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.37
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• pp.345-375
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• 2009

In relation to body conception, the introduction of western medicine to Joseon Korea started off some points in disputes: the one was whether the western anatomy was positive or not, the other was whether the cognition was ruled by heart or brain. In the long run of these disputes, that who had clarified the change of body conception was Choi Han Kee. His new conception of body was characterized as follow: on the one hand, it emphasized the mechanical conception of body; on the other hand, it emphasized the cognitive ability of body. But that his conception of body had obscure points: that is, its mechanical conception was intervened by chi(神氣), and his doctrine of cognition searched for the origin of cognition in balance of chi of the body. He had set up this conception of body by the combination of western medicine and chi, but the combination did not seem to be perfect. This point had appeared again in his conception of physics that he thought the basis of medicine. He had pursed the combination of chemical element and chi, but it could not be accomplished successfully unless he had abandoned the organicist conception of chi. In conclusion, his new conception of body was not free from the suspicion of a incomplete tentative construction.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.39-49
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• 2011

Objectives : Vascular dementia is the second common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. It assumed that the ratio of prescription drugs on vascular dementia are quite different from each hospital in Western medicine or Oriental medicine, respectively. The aim of this research is to collect and analyze the ratio of prescription drugs on vascular dementia in Western medicine or Oriental medicine in university hospitals. Methods : We collected and analyzed the data related to prescriptions on vascular dementia in the department of neurology in three university hospitals(A, B, C) and in the department of internal medicine in two Oriental medicine hospitals(Daegu Haany Oriental Hospital, Dong Eui Oriental Hospital). Results : In the department of neurology in A university hospital, donepezil(69.1%), memantine(14.0%), rivastigmine(12.3%), galantamine(4.5%) were prescribed in order. In B university hospital, galantamine(57.8%) donepezil(33.3%), rivastigmine(6.7%), donepezil with memantine(4.4%) were prescribed. In C university hospital, donepezil(62.0%), rivastigmine(25.0%), galantamine(7.0%) memantine(6.0%) were prescribed. The average frequencies of prescribed medication in the department of neurology in A, B, C university hospitals were donepezil(54.8%), galantamine(23.1%), rivastigmine(14.7%), memantine(7.4%). In Oriental medicine hospitals, various prescriptions have been used for vascular dementia. Among them, Ansincheongnoetang (安神淸腦湯) and Gamijihangeumja(加味地黃飮子) were often prescribed in Daegu Haany Oriental Hospital, and Bojungikgitang(補中益氣湯) in Dong Eui Oriental Hospital, too. Conclusions : Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and NMDA receptor inhibitor like memantine have been used as a drug of choice for vascular dementia in all surveyed university hospitals. In oriental hospitals, various prescriptions have been used for vascular dementia.