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Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Panax ginseng extract (GS-KG9) in the treatment of hepatic dysfunction. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from December 2017 to January 2019. The trial included 60 subjects between the ages of 19 and 70 who had higher alanine transaminase (ALT) levels than the normal upper limit. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: GS-KG9 (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30). The former was administered three GS-KG9 capsules (3 g/day) and the latter three placebo capsules (3 g/day) twice each day orally after meals in the morning and evening for 12 weeks. The primary goal was to observe the changes in ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. The safety of the treatment was assessed and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Results. Out of 60 subjects, nine were excluded from the efficacy analysis because they met the exclusion criteria. Therefore, a total of 51 subjects were evaluated for the effectiveness of the treatment (26 in the GS-KG9 group and 25 in the placebo group). After 12 weeks of treatment, the ALT levels were significantly reduced in the GS-KG9 group compared to the placebo group (p=0.009). The GGT level of the GS-KG9 group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p=0.036). Mild AEs, such as diarrhea, occurred during the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion. The results of this trial suggest that GS-KG9 might be an effective and safe option for mild hepatic dysfunction. This trial is registered with KCT0004080.

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Astragalus-containing Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) combined with chemotherapy (CT) for the treatment of cervical cancer.Methods: Ten electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Korean databases, and Chinese medical databases, were systematically searched up to July 2020. All randomized controlled trials using Astragalus-containing CHM combined with CT to treat cervical cancer were included.Results: A total of 19 trials were included in the analysis. Compared with the control group, the Astragalus-containing CHM combined with CT group showed a significantly increased tumor response (complete and partial response (CR and PR)) (risk ratio [RR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.33, p < 0.00001) and Karnofsky performance score (KPS) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.46–2.17, p < 0.00001). This group also displayed remarkably reduced CT toxicity.Conclusion: Our study suggests that Astragalus-containing CHM might be a potential option for cervical cancer to enhance the curative efficacy and reduce CT toxicity.

From 25% to 50% of adults are affected by prehypertension. Prehypertension increases the risk of hypertension and affects the heart and systemic vascular system. Food mixed tree essence of Dendropa...

Sonography is conventionally used to diagnose fractures by identifying cortical discontinuity of the bone. In this study, fracture sonography in addition to color Doppler and dynamic scanning was performed in settings with limited or no access to radiography. We describe 5 cases of ankle and foot fractures with the use of sonography to identify changes in the fractured site. The width of the fracture space increased on dynamic scanning, and the Doppler signals were generated inside the fracture space on dynamic scanning. In conclusion, color Doppler sonography accompanied by dynamic scanning is a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool in addition to previously described sonographic fracture findings.

Hyperthermia, which is a noninvasive treatment that causes tumor cells to become heated and that works in synergy with anticancer drugs and radiation therapy, is emerging as a promising treatment for patients with cancer. The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin) for the treatment of a patient with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. A 54-year-old man was diagnosed as hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) and was administered neoadjuvant and preoperative radiation with chemotherapy. However, because the treatment with radiation and chemotherapy was not successful, he decided to undergo hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy as a second treatment option. He was suffering from fatigue, dyspepsia, epigastralgia, and jaundice. Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy was administered 32 times over a period of 4 months. The patient experienced no critical complications, and the patient’s condition improved, with the carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and the total bilirubin levels being relatively lowered. In addition, the computed tomography scan showed that the cholangiocarcinoma had not progressed. In conclusion, this case report suggests radiofrequency hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy may be a promising treatment option for patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.

Tongue of Fatigue by Classification of Sasang Constitution and Qi Blood Pattern Identification Na-Rae Choi ＊ , Soo-Jung Park ＊ , Jong-Cheon Joo ＊ , Young-Mi Kwon †＊ Dept. of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University † Dept. of Radiology, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang UniversityObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relevance of Sasang constitution, Qi Blood pattern identification, and tongue diagnosis in subjects complaining of fatigue.Methods Seventy-three subjects who complained of fatigue were assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale, tongue diagnosis, pattern identification questionnaire and Sasang constitution diagnosis. The association of tongue diagnosis with Qi Blood pattern identification and Sasang constitution was evaluated. Results1. There was no significant association between tongue diagnosis and Sasang constitution.2. Tongue color, which is one of the diagnostic indicators in tongue diagnosis, was redder in the Qi stagnation group than in the Qi deficiency and Blood deficiency groups. ConclusionsTongue diagnosis can be utilized in future if proper research regarding Sasang constitution and Sasang constitution pattern identification is conducted.Key Words

Clinical Practice Guideline for Taeyangin Disease of Sasang Constitutional Medicine Hye-Sun Park, Jong-Cheon Joo * , Eui-ju Lee † Dept. of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Jeollanam-do, Naju, Korea * Dept. of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Jeollabuk-do, Iksan, Korea † Dept. of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, KoreaObjectivesThis research was proposed to present clinical practice guideline (CPG) for Taeyangin Disease of Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM). This CPG was developed by the national-wide experts committee consisting of SCM professors.Methods This guideline was performed that search and collection of literature related SCM such as 『Dongeuisusebowon󰡕,textbook of SCM, clinical guidebook of SCM and fundamental research to standardize diagnosis of Sasang ConstitutionalMedicine. Journal search related clinical trial or human complementary medicine of SCM was performed domesticand overseas. Finally, 1 article was selected and included in CPG for Taeyangin disease.Results & ConclusionsThe CPG of Taeyangin disease include classification, definition and standard symptoms of each pattern. Taeyangin disease is classified into exterior-origin lower back (EOLB) disease and interior-origin small intestine (IOSI) diseaseby region of symptom. EOLB can be replaced with Oegam-yocheok and IOSI can be replaced with Naechok-sojangthat is Korean pronuncation. EOLB disease is classified into lower back favorable symptomatology (LBFS) and lower back unfavorable symptomatology (LBUS). Lower back is to say Yocheok, so LBFS can be called Yocheok favorable symptomatology and LBUS can be called Yocheok unfavorable symptomatology. LBUS is to say paraparesissymptomatology or Haeyeok, that is Korean pronunciation, symptomatology. IOSI disease is classified into smallintestine favorable symptomatology (SIFS) and small intestine unfavorable symptomatology (SIUS). Small intestineis to say Sojang, so SIFS can be called Sojang favorable symptomatology and SIUS can be called Sojang unfavorable symptomatology. SIUS is to say regurgitation symptomatology or Yeolgeok, that is Korean pronunciation, symptomatology.Key Words: Sasang Constitutional Medicine, Clinical Practice Guideline, Taeyangin

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the effi cacy and the safety of constitutional herbal tea for treating chronic fatigue with no diagnosed cause, which is called Mibyeong in Korea. Methods: Males and females with ages between 40 and 59 years who had complained of fatigue for 1 month consistently or for 6 months intermittently without a definite cause were recruited. At the same time, a Chalder fatigue scale (CFS) score of 19 was essential for participation in this study. Sixty five subjects completed the entire pro cess, including blood tests and tests with medical devices. Five assessments of health status were accomplished over 8 weeks by using the CFS and the visual analogue scale (VAS). To ensure that the constitutional herbal tea was being safely used, we conducted and analyzed renal function and liver function tests. For the diagnosis of the Sasang constitution, the Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used, and a specialist in Sasang constitutional medicine made the final diagnosis based on the SCAT result. Constitutional herbal tea was served four weeks after the first visit. The subjects took the constitutional herbal tea twice a day for one month. Results: The results are as follows: The CFS and the VAS scores were significantly improved for the subjects in the constitutional herbal tea. No abnormalities were found on the blood tests to evaluate safety after taking the constitutional herbal tea. The improvements in the CFS and the VAS scores due to the constitutional herbal tea had no significant differences according to the Sasang constitution. Conclusion: Constitutional herbal tea may be used to reduce fatigue and improve health and has no adverse effect on either the kidney or the liver.

Sasang Constitutional Characteristic of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Soo-Jung Park, Ho-Hyun Jeong * , Eun-Su Jang † , Sang-Hyuk Kim † , Sung-Chul Kim, Jong-Cheon JooDept. of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, Wonkwang University Jeonju Korean Medicine Hospital, * Dept. of Acupuncture and Moxibustional Medicine, Wonkwang University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital, † KM Health Technology Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental MedicineObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the Sasang constitution and psychological traits of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and to utilize the results in treatment and management. MethodsThe differences of Sasang Constitution distribution, psychological characteristics, comorbid disorders between ALS group of 26 patients and general group of 1132 persons were investigated and analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant different distribution of Sasang Constitution between ALS group and general group but there was Yang-like personality tendency in ALS group than general group. In overall constitution, ALS group had the high prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders and diabetes than general group. In Soyangin constitution, ALS group had a high prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders than genral group. In Taeeumin constitution, ALS group had a high prevalence rate of diabetes and hypertension than general group.ConclusionALS patients have the Yang-like personality. It is due to the adaptation of personality on the environmental changeor coping strategy on diseases rather than the characteristics of congenital Sasang Constitution.Key Words: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Sasang Constitution, Personality, Comorbid disorder

Objectives This research was proposed to present Clinical Practice Guideline(CPG) for Soeumin Disease of Sasang Constitutional Medicine(SCM): Yang Depletion Symptomatology. Methods This CPG was developed by the national-wide experts committee consisting of the society of Sasang Constitutional Medicine. it was performed by search and collection of literature related SCM, opinion of SCM experts and journal search. And it was followed by CPG`s guideline. Results & Conclusions No article was selected and included in CPG for Yang Depletion Symptomatology of Kidney Heat-based Exterior Heat disease in Soeumin disease. CPG of Yang Depletion symptomatology in Soeumin Disease include classification, definition and standard symptoms of each pattern. Yang Depletion symptomatology is classified into severe and critical pattern by severity. Yang Depletion Symptomatology severe pattern is classified into initial phase pattern and intermediate phase pattern. And Yang Depletion Symptomatology critical pattern is classified into advanced phase pattern.

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Calculus Bovis-Fel Uris-Moschus pharmacopuncture (BUM) on the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in normal and cerebral ischemic rats and to investigate a possible pathway involved in the effects of BUM. Methods: The changes in the rCBF and the MABP fol lowing BUM into Fengfu (GV16) were determined by using a laser-Doppler flow meter and a pressure trans ducer, respectively. Results: BUM significantly increased the rCBF and de creased the MABP in normal rats in a dose-dependent manner. The effect on the rCBF was significantly inhib ited by pretreatment with methylene blue (0.01 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, but was not affected by pretreatment with indomethacin (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. The BUM-induced decrease of the MABP was changed neither by methylene blue nor by indomethacin pretreatment. In the cerebral ischemic rats, the rCBF was stably increased upon cerebral reperfusion in the BUM group in contrast to the rapid and marked increase in the control group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that BUM into Fengbu (GV16) increased the rCBF in a dose-dependent manner in the normal state; furthermore, it improved the stability of the rCBF in the ischemic state upon reperfusion. Also, the effects of BUM on the rCBF were attenuated by inhibition of guanylate cyclase, suggesting that the effects involved the guanylate cy clase pathway.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to find correlations between gastrointestinal disorders, pain, sleep disorder, fatigue, and to figure out characteristics of fatigue in Sasang Constitution using medical devices data. Methods Sixty three subjects were divided into fatigue group and non-fatigue group, both groups had to undergo blood tests, questionnaire, Sasang constitutional analysis tool (SCAT), pulse wave analyzer examination, heart rate variability examination, nail fold capillary microscopic examination. Results 1) The results of questionnaire about fatigue, gastrointestinal disorder, pain, sleep disorder, quality of life had significant differences between fatigue and non-fatigue groups. 2) Soeumin had more serious gastrointestinal problem and Soyangin had more serious sleep disorder in fatigue groups than non-fatigue groups. 3) According to blood test results, there was no difference between fatigue and non-fatigue groups. 4) Elastic parameter of pulse wave analyzer and nail fold capillary microscopic examination showed significant differences between fatigue and non-fatigue groups in Soyangin. Conclusions We reach the conclusion that fatigue is usually accompanied by gastrointestinal disorder, pain, sleep disorder, deterioration in the quality of life. In Soeumin, treating gastrointestinal disorders can be helpful for treatment of fatigue. In Soyangin, improving sleep disorder may be more effective way to treat fatigue.

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to validate the Sasang Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), based on the diagnosis of Sasang constitutional medicine clinical specialist.

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effect of four pharmacopuncture drugs (scolopendrid, Calculus Bovis-Fel Uris-Moschus (BUM), bee venom 25%, and sweet bee venom 10%) on the cerebral hemodynamics, including changes in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and in the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). Methods: The changes in the rCBF and the MABP were determined by using a laser-Doppler flowmeter and a pressure transducer, respectively. Results: Scolopendrid (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) caused no significant changes in the rCBF and the MABP, whereas BUM (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) decreased the rCBF and the MABP, bee venom 25% (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) increased the rCBF and lowered the MABP, and sweet bee venom 10% (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) increased the rCBF and had no significant effect on the MABP. Conclusions: The rCBF and the MABP were influenced differently by the administration of various pharmacopunctures. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

This study was performed to determine whether a pulse analyzer was useful 1) to characterize the variables of pulse wave of cerebral infarction patieno (CI), compared with those of healthy subjects, as well as 2) to determine Sasang Constitution in CI and healthy subjects. 1. Calibrated in Gwan, the amount of energy(Energy), height of main peak(H1), height of aorticvalley(H2), height of aortic peak(H3), total area of pulse wave(At), and area of main peak width(Aw) of the CI group were higher than those of the healthy group. 2. Calibrated in Cheek, Energy, H1, H2, H3, height of valve valley(H4), At, Aw, and main peak angle(MPA) of the CI group were higher than those of the healthy group. 3. Among the healthy (subjects) group, Taeumin showed the highest contact pressure(CP) and height of valve peak(H5) calibrated in Chon. The main peak width divided by whole time of pulse wave(MPW/T) calibrated in Gwan and Cheok, was highest in Soyangin and was lowest in Taeumin. The H3 divided by H1(H3/H1) and the time to valve valley minus the time to main peak and divided by T[(T4-T1)/T] calibrated in Cheek were highest in Soyangin. The time to main peak(T1) was longest in Soumin. 4. Among the CI group, At calibrated in Chon was widest in Taeumin and was narrowest in Soumin The time to aortic peak(T3) calibrated in Cheek was longest in Soumin and was shortest in Soyangin. The time to valve peak(T5) was shortest in Soyangin. 5. There were main effects of cerebral infarction in the area of systolic period(As) and area of diastolic period(Ad) calibrated in Chon, Energy calibrated in Cwan, and Energy, H1, H2, H3, (H4+H5)/Hl, and MPA calibrated in Cheek. 6. There were main effects of Sasang Constitution in (T4-T1)/T, area of systolic period(As), and Ad calibrated in Chon. 7. The interactions between the cerebral infarction and Sasang Constitution were observed in H5/H1 , T, At, As, Ad, and MPA calibrated in Chon, H4, T4, (T4-T1)/T, As, and Ad calibrated in Cwan, and 74,75, and MPW calibrated in Cheok. Therefore, we concluded that pulse analyzer was useful to determine the risk degree of cerebral infarction and Sasang Constitution.

Sasang constitutional medicine is a major branch of Korean traditional Oriental medicine. The differences of disease susceptibility to be shown in Sasang constitution may be due to genetic factors. Therefore, the authors examined relationship between candidate genes of cerebral infarction (CI) and Sasang constitution. The homozygous deletion allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE/DD), homozygous threonine allele of the angiotensinogen gene (AGN/TT), and the e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE/e4) are reported to be associated with ischemic heart disease. CI is another atherosclerotic disease; and the effects of these polymorphisms on CI have been confusing. This study investigated whether ACE/DD, AGN/TT, and ApoE/e4 genotypes are associated with CI and whether genetic risk is enhanced by Sasang constitutional classification. The authors ascertained these genotypes in patients with CI (N=211), diagnosed by brain computed tomography. Control subjects for the infarction group were randomly selected from 319 subjects matched for age, sex, and history of hypertension with patients. The ACE/DD genotype was not associated with CI. However, there was significant association between ApoE polymorphism and CI (chi2=15.089, p

Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms (GST) were examined in 98 cases with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) to test the hypothesis that GST polymorphisms confer a risk to an individual to develop CVD. Tobacco smoke is a major cause of both cancer and vascular disease. We therefore were stratified the subjects with CVD for smoking status, and then examined whether polymorphisms in this detoxification enzyme gene, GST, influence risk of CVD. Neither GSTM1 nor GSTT1 genotypes in the CVD group was significantly different from the control group (n=230), even in smokers. We attempted the combined analyses for GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes in CVD for smoking status. No significant association observed between the combined genotypes and CVD. We also classified the subjects and control group into four types according to Sasang Constitutional Medicine, Korean Traditional Oriental Medicine, and investigated the association among GST genotypes, CVD, and Sasang constitutional classification. Our observations do not confirm the effect of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes as a risk factor for CVD, even in smokers. Furthermore, we first attempted to evaluate the efficacy of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, and to find an association with CVD.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effect of Hwangryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture. Hwangryunhaedok-tang is used in all heating diseases. Chest Heating Sensation is a unique concept in Oriental Medicine. So we applied Hwangryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture to treat the Chest Heating Sensation. We used DITI(Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging) to estimate the temperatures of chest surface for the outcome assessment. We came to know that the chest surface temperatures were all reduced in both cases after Herbal-Acupuncture treatment. The reduced average temperature was 1.5℃ in case 1 and 0.9℃ in case 2. The above result indicates that Hwangryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture treatment has an effect on Chest Heating Sensation, thus continuous Hwangryunhaedok-tang Herbal-Acupuncture study will be needed for more clinical applications.

During the last decade, a growing corpus of evidence has indicated an important role of cytokines in the development of brain damage following cerebral ischemia. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a potent immunomodulator and pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in many pathological processes. In this study, we examined whether promoter region polymorphism in the TNF-alpha gene at position -308 affects the odds of cerebral infarction (CI) and whether genetic risk is enhanced by Sasang constitutional classification. Two hundred and twelve CI patients and 610 healthy controls were genotyped and determined according to Sasang constitutional classification. A significant decrease was found for the TNF-alpha A allele in CI patients compared with controls (p = 0.033, odds ratio, OR: 0.622). However, there was no significant association between TNF-alpha polymorphism and Sasang constitution in CI patients. Our finding suggests that TNF-alpha promoter region polymorphism is responsible for susceptibility to CI in Koreans.

Sasang constitutional medicine is a major branch of Korean traditional oriental medicine. Constitutions of Sasang medicine refer to Taeyangin, Taeumin, Soyangin, and Soumin. The differences of disease severity to be shown in the constitution may be due to genetic factors. Therefore, we examined interrelationship among cerebral infarction, CI, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism, and Sasang constitutional classification. We investigated the association between ACE genotype and CI by case-control study in a Korean population. We also classified CI patients and control group into groups according to Sasang constitutional medicine. 208 CI patients and 643 controls without CI were examined. ACE genotype was determined by 7.5 % polyacrylamide gel separation after DNA amplification. The ACE/DD genotype was not associated with CI. The frequency of Taeumin of Sasang constitutional medicine in patients with CI was significantly higher than that in controls (chi2=41.202, p0.001). However, the Taeumin constitution did not enhance the relative risk for CI in the subjects with ACE/DD genotype. Although we did not find any association between ACE gene polymorphism and CI in Koreans, there were significant differences in allele frequencies between Koreans and Europeans, but not Japanese and Chinese populations. Furthermore, we first attempted to evaluate the efficacy of Sasang constitutional medicine, and to find an association with CI.