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Long used in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, the brown seaweed Hizikia fusiformis (also known as Sargassum fusiforme or Hizikia fusiforme) is also referred to as "Hijiki." Given its abundant environmental and bioactive characteristics, it has received considerable attention. This systematic review aimed to present comprehensive data from the existing literature on the environmental and bioactive characteristics of H. fusiformis. Using three databases to search for published studies on related fields between 2002 and 2023, 1344 papers were screened and narrowed down to a set of 49 papers by the predetermined criteria. Evidence shows that H. fusiformis is a promising resource in the environmental protection and bioactive domains. Overall, more research and methods are needed to organically combine the development of H. fusiformis in the environmental and bioactive fields to gain greater economic benefits and environmental protection capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera (MO) has been an important plant for food and traditional medicine in Asian countries, including Indonesia. The leaves of these plants are reported to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and micronutrients and have been proven to have nootropic properties. Therefore, we investigated whether MO could provide protective effects on SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to H2O2. In this study, we observed cotreating water‐extracted MO leaves on the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that this treatment enhanced the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. In addition, it suppressed the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic gene‐related genes, specifically Bcl‐2 associated protein X (BAX) and caspase 3. Furthermore, it promoted neuroplasticity by increasing the brain‐derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in SH‐SY5Y cells. The protein expression of phosphorylated‐Akt and phosphorylated‐CREB, essential genes in neuroplasticity, was also increased in cells treated with H2O2 and MO. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of MO against oxidative stress are attributed to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, as well as its ability to modify the neuronal signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordyceps militaris , an entomopathogenic fungus, has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine. Recent research indicates that the fruit bodies of C. militaris are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and nucleosides, which may offer health benefits. However, the specific components responsible for its immunostimulatory effects and the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study explored the immunomodulatory activity of a fruit body extract from C. militaris , named Ryukyu-kaso (RK), and examined the effect of the β-glucan receptor Dectin-1 on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Our results demonstrated that RK, which contains 1,3-β-glucan, effectively stimulated BMDCs to secrete pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines and upregulated surface markers indicative of maturation and activation. Notably, these immunostimulatory effects were completely absent in BMDCs derived from Dectin-1-knockout mice, confirming that Dectin-1 is crucial for RK-induced immunomodulation. These findings provide new insights into the immunostimulatory mechanisms of C. militaris and underscore the potential of RK as a natural immunomodulatory agent for various therapeutic applications. [Display omitted] • Ryukyu-kaso extract (RK) from C. militaris contains 1,3-β-glucan on its surface. • RK stimulates cytokine secretion and maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. • Dectin-1 is essential for RK-induced immunostimulatory effects on dendritic cells. • RK is a potential natural immunomodulatory agent for various therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eclipta prostrata is traditionally used in Asian medicine to treat skin diseases. Given the side effects and bacterial resistance of conventional treatments, especially in aging populations, alternative therapies are needed. This study assesses the antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of E. prostrata extracts, focusing on optimizing extraction and fractionation methods for better efficacy. Dried whole plants were extracted with ethanol. Antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, S. epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using a DPPH radical scavenging assay, and cytotoxicity was tested in Vero cells using an MTT assay. The MIC values for crude ethanol extracts ranged from 1.56 to 3.12 mg/ml, and from 0.78 to 1.56 mg/ml for fractionated compounds, indicating increased antibacterial efficacy in fractionated compounds. Antioxidant assays showed an IC50 of 0.666 mg/ml for crude extracts and 0.174 mg/ml for fractionated compounds, indicating higher antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content was 23.25±2.03 mg GAE/g for crude extracts and 95.56±1.09 mg GAE/g for fractionated compounds. Cytotoxicity assays showed IC50 values of 0.10±0.02 mg/ml for crude extracts and 0.06±0.01 mg/ml for fractionated compounds. This study advances extraction and fractionation methods, yielding extracts with significantly increased antibacterial and antioxidant properties. E. prostrata extracts, particularly fractionated compounds, show promising therapeutic potential, though high cytotoxicity in some fractions requires further investigation. These findings support the potential of E. prostrata in modern pharmaceutical formulations for treating skin conditions, especially those associated with aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractCritical scholarship has long pointed to the problematic ways in which mainstream International Relations (IR) takes Westphalian state politics to be universally applicable, yet existing analyses fall short of providing an alternative grounding for IR. Departing from the close relationship between medicine and politics, this article advances two arguments. First, Westphalian IR is based on a particular Western conception of biomedicine. Second, biomedicine is treated as the hallmark of modern science, which exacerbates the discipline’s gatekeeping against ‘alternative’ scholarship that does not look like this particular description of science. By mobilising the notion of ‘cosmology’, we suggest that East Asian medicine (EAM), informed by Daoist yin-yang dialectics, can help to rethink the alleged universality of IR’s biomedical metatheoretical foundations. Specifically, we illustrate how the Westphalian state body and its territorial politics are made possible by biomedical knowledge, and how EAM’s relational cosmology and method of employing creative images helps to conceive shared communal bodies and re-evaluate territorial conflicts. Ultimately, this article argues for the necessity of a plurality of cosmological viewpoints in IR to overcome exclusionary oppositions in both the practice and study of global politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bloodletting is a non-pharmacological treatment commonly used for acute stroke in traditional East Asian medicine. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bloodletting in acute stroke recovery. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of eight electronic databases up to 4 June 2024 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Review Manager 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis, with methodological quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and the GRADE approach. Results: Seventeen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. The bloodletting group showed statistically significant improvements in neurological deficits compared to the non-bloodletting group, as measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mean difference [MD]: −2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.13 to −1.02) and the treatment effective rate (risk ratio: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.22). Motor function also improved significantly in both upper (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MD: 12.20, 95% CI: 9.67 to 14.73) and lower extremities (MD: 3.86, 95% CI: 2.16 to 5.56). The effect on daily living activities was not significant overall, but benefits were observed in patients treated within three days of stroke onset (Barthel Index, standardized MD: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.01 to 1.69). No significant differences in the frequency of adverse events were observed between the groups. Conclusion: Bloodletting may be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for patients with acute stroke receiving conventional Western medical treatment. However, further research is necessary because of the small sample sizes and low quality of the included studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Cyclophosphamide (CP) is used as antineoplastic agent. However, anticancer therapy is largely impeded by its toxicity arising from oxidative stress. Strategies that can attenuate this off‐target effect of CP could be helpful. Commelina benghalensis L. is widely used in oriental traditional medicine for management of jaundice, fever, inflammation, leprosy and snake bites; its potential against chemotherapy‐induced hepatotoxicity is unknown. The present study evaluates the hepatoprotective effect of hydro‐ethanolic extract of C. benghalensis (HECB) in a rat model of CP‐induced hepatotoxicity.Chemical characterization of HECB was carried out followed by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Hepatic functional tests including phenobarbitone‐induced sleeping time were done and anti‐oxidant reserves were estimated after oral treatments at 50 and 100 mg/kg for eight weeks. Inflammatory markers and mitochondrial integrity (complex I activity, nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 [Nrf2] and mitochondrial transcriptional factor A [TFAM] levels) were analyzed in the tissue lysates.Flavonoids and phenolic compounds were found at higher concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL with a significant free radical scavenging activity as displayed by DPPH assay. Administration of CP has resulted in increased liver weight, elevated serum hepatic enzyme activity along with inflammatory markers, decreased hepatic anti‐oxidant reserves, and impaired mitochondrial activity. Correspondingly, daily oral administration of HECB ameliorated these parameters and restored anti‐oxidant reserves. Further, hepatic mitochondrial activity, Nrf2 and TFAM levels were also improved. The hepatoprotective effect of HECB was further confirmed by histopathological analysis and phenobarbitone‐induced sleeping time.Conclusively, the study provides preliminary evidence regarding the hepatoprotective activity of HECB and the contribution of its anti‐oxidant potential towards this pharmacological effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 30 years, the number of years lived with disability due to osteoarthritis (OA) has doubled, making it an increasing global health burden. To address this issue, interventions that inhibit the progressive pathology driven by age-related low-grade inflammation, the primary mechanism of OA, are being actively pursued. Recent investigations have focused on modulating the age-related low-grade inflammatory pathology of this disease as a therapeutic target. However, no agent has successfully halted the disease's progression or reversed its irreversible course. Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (RJ), a promising East Asian herbal medicine, has been utilized for several diseases due to its potent anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to determine RJ's capacity to inhibit OA symptoms and associated inflammation, exploring its potential for further development. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated RJ's anti-OA activity and modulation of multifaceted inflammatory targets. RJ significantly inhibited pain, gait deterioration, and cartilage destruction in a monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA rat model, with its analgesic effect further confirmed in an acetic acid-induced writhing model. RJ exhibited consistent anti-inflammatory activity against multiple targets in serum and cartilage of the OA rat model and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase-13, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide synthase 2, suggests that RJ's alleviation of OA manifestations relates to its multifaceted anti-inflammatory activity. These results indicate that RJ merits further investigation as a disease-modifying drug candidate targeting OA's inflammatory pathology. To further characterize the pharmacological properties of RJ, future studies with expanded designs are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products have provided abundant sources of lead compounds for new drug discovery and development over the past centuries. Curcumin is a lipophilic polyphenol isolated from turmeric, a plant used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. Despite the low oral bioavailability, curcumin exhibits profound medicinal value in various diseases, especially liver and gut diseases, bringing an interest in the paradox of its low bioavailability but high bioactivity. Several latest studies suggest that curcumin's health benefits may rely on its positive gastrointestinal effects rather than its poor bioavailability solely. Microbial antigens, metabolites, and bile acids regulate metabolism and immune responses in the intestine and liver, suggesting the possibility that the liver-gut axis bidirectional crosstalk controls gastrointestinal health and diseases. Accordingly, these pieces of evidence have evoked great interest in the curcumin-mediated crosstalk among liver-gut system diseases. The present study discussed the beneficial effects of curcumin against common liver and gut diseases and explored the underlying molecular targets, as well as collected evidence from human clinical studies. Moreover, this study summarized the roles of curcumin in complex metabolic interactions in liver and intestine diseases supporting the application of curcumin in the liver-gut system as a potential therapeutic option, which opens an avenue for clinical use in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chuna manual therapy (CMT), a Korean manual therapy technique predominantly used for treating low back pain (LBP) and related disorders, lacks well-conceived research focusing on its comparative effectiveness, safety, and economic evaluation, particularly with respect to complex CMT with established CMT diagnostic algorithms. This study aims to illustrate a protocol for a randomized clinical study for comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of complex CMT with simple CMT and usual care. Methods: This is a protocol for a three-armed, multicenter, assessor-blinded, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial study. A total of 81 patients suffering from non-acute LBP with pelvic biomechanical lesions (PBL), characterized by a pain duration of at least two weeks and a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 5 or higher, will be recruited from two Korean medicine hospitals. These participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: complex CMT plus usual care (UC; n = 27), simple CMT plus UC (n = 27), or UC groups (n = 27). They will undergo treatment for 4 weeks, and follow-up assessments will be performed 8 weeks after treatment completion. The primary outcome will be the NRS score of LBP, and secondary outcomes will include the Oswestry Disability Index, Patient Global Impression of Change, credibility and expectancy questionnaire, three-dimensional posture analysis indicators, quality of life assessment, economic evaluation, and safety assessments. Discussion: This will be the first study to assess the comparative effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of complex CMT compared to UC and simple/complex CMT in patients with LBP and PBL. We will also analyze useful diagnostic methods to help in clinical practice for CMT diagnosis. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT0009210. Registered on February 28, 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The rose myrtle Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is a medicinal plant used in traditional Asian medicine. The active compound in R. tomentosa leaf extracts is rhodomyrtone, a chiral acylphloroglucinol. Rhodomyrtone exhibits an impressive breadth of activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antiplasmodial, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. Its antibacterial properties have been extensively studied. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review on rhodomyrtone and summarized the current knowledge about this promising acylphloroglucinol antibiotic and its diverse functions in this review. Results: Rhodomyrtone shows nano to micromolar activities against a broad range of Gram-positive pathogens, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, and possesses a unique mechanism of action. It increases membrane fluidity and creates hyperfluid domains that attract membrane proteins prior to forming large membrane vesicles, effectively acting as a membrane protein trap. This mechanism affects a multitude of cellular processes, including cell division and cell wall synthesis. Additionally, rhodomyrtone reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-17A, IL1β, and IL8. Generally showing low toxicity against mammalian cells, rhodomyrtone does inhibit the proliferation of cancer cell lines, such as epidermal carcinoma cells. The primary mechanism behind this activity appears to be the downregulation of adhesion kinases and growth factors. Furthermore, rhodomyrtone has shown antioxidant activity and displays cognitive effects, such as decreasing depressive symptoms in mice. Conclusions: Rhodomyrtone shows great promise as therapeutic agent, mostly for antibacterial but also for diverse other applications. Yet, bottlenecks such as resistance development and a better understanding of mammalian cell toxictiy demand careful assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant tumor found in the bones of children and adolescents. Unfortunately, many patients do not respond well to treatment and succumb to the illness. Therefore, it is necessary to discover novel bioactive compounds to overcome therapeutic limitations. Liriope platyphylla Wang et Tang is a well-known herb used in oriental medicine. Studies have shown that metabolic diseases can be clinically treated using the roots of L. platyphylla. Recent studies have demonstrated the anticarcinoma potential of root extracts; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-osteosarcoma activity of a single compound extracted from the dried roots of L. platyphylla. We purified Spicatoside A (SpiA) from the dried roots of L. platyphylla. SpiA significantly inhibited the proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SpiA also regulated the expression of various downstream proteins that mediate apoptosis (PARP, Bcl-2, and Bax), cell growth (cyclin D1, Cdk4, and Cdk6), angiogenesis (VEGF), and metastasis (MMP13). The Proteome Profiler Human Phospho-Kinase Array Kit showed that the AKT signaling protein was a target of SpiA in osteosarcoma cells. We also found that SpiA suppressed the constitutive activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR-p70S6K1 signaling pathway. We further validated the effects of SpiA on the AKT signaling pathway. SpiA induced autophagosome formation and suppressed necroptosis (a form of programmed cell death). SpiA increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-induced inhibition of ROS generation reduced SpiA-induced AKT inhibition, apoptotic cell death, and anti-metastatic effects by suppressing cell migration and invasion. Overall, these results highlight the anti-osteosarcoma effect of SpiA by inhibiting the AKT signaling pathway through ROS generation, suggesting that SpiA may be a promising compound for the treatment of human osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordyceps militaris, recognized for its diverse and potent medicinal properties, plays a critical role in herbal medicine. This study investigates the genus Cordyceps, particularly focusing on C. militaris, a species widely utilized in East Asian traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. C. militaris is rich in bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides, ergosterol, and mannitol, which contribute to its broad physiological activities. The research aims to explore the diversity of host species in the cultivation of C. militaris and assess their impact on the biological activity and chemical composition of the fungus. The study highlights the variability in the efficacy of bioactive compounds due to different cultivation conditions and host species, emphasizing the need for standardized cultivation practices. Advances in genetic engineering and fermentation technology have significantly enhanced the production of these metabolites, supporting the sustainable scale-up of C. militaris cultivation. Future research should continue to explore the molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds, identify new clinical applications, and improve production efficiency and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review provides insights for researchers, healthcare professionals, and cultivators on optimizing C. militaris for medicinal and commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The collaborative treatment of Korean medicine (KM) and Western medicine (WM) in Korea has gained prominence since its initiation. However, comprehensive evaluations of patient satisfaction and care effectiveness remain limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and the need for collaborative KM-WM treatment in the fourth phase of the national pilot project. Methods: A multicenter survey was conducted among 321 patients from 15 institutions participating in the fourth phase of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, spanning from 1 August 2023 to 31 October 2023. Patient satisfaction and needs were assessed using a validated, semi-structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used in the analysis. Results: The overall satisfaction with collaborative KM-WM treatment was notably high (91.25%). Among the participants, 91.58% indicated the necessity of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, whereas 90.66% pointed out the need to incorporate inpatient services into collaborative care. Expansion of the pilot project to additional institutions and primary healthcare settings was substantially demanded (85.36% and 80.06%, respectively). Treatment effects (β, 0.344; 95% CI: 0.237–0.451), appropriate treatment time (β, 0.140; 95% CI: 0.051–0.229), medical procedural efficiency (β, 0.227; 95% CI: 0.126–0.328), and promotional activities (β, 0.175; 95% CI: 0.101–0.250) significantly contributed to overall patient satisfaction (each, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The fourth phase of the KM-WM project reflects high patient satisfaction and a substantial need for collaborative treatment. Further research should include longitudinal studies and employ mixed-methods approaches to better understand, evaluate, and improve collaborative KM-WM treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microvascular angina (MVA) is the most common cause of cardiac ischemic chest pain in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and lacks of effective treatment means. Medicine food homology (MFH) involves substances with both nutritional and medicinal qualities that have the potential to improve MVA symptoms as medicines, dietary supplements. However, research on MFH formula (MFHF) for MVA is not available. The study aims to generate a core MFHF for MVA through data mining and offer scientific backing for the utilization of edible medications in the prevention and alleviation of MVA. 11 databases were utilized to construct a database of MFH drugs, and the MFHF was generated through frequency analysis, association rule analysis, and clustering analysis. The composition of the formula is Codonopsis Radix, Astragali Radix, Platycodonis Radix, Persicae Semen, Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, we identified five major active components of MFHF: Adenosine, Nonanoic Acid, Lauric Acid, Caprylic Acid, and Enanthic Acid, along with nine core targets (NFKB1, ALB, AKT1, ACTB, TNF, IL6, ESR1, CASP3, and PTGS) for the improvement of MVA. These 5 active components have various biological activities, such as reducing oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, analgesia effect, inhibiting platelet aggregation, vasodilatation, vascular endothelial protection, and cardio-protection. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that MFHF mainly acted on the response to xenobiotic stimulus, integrative component of the plasma membrane, RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific DNA binding, pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, human cytomegalovirus infection, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which are the main pathogenesis of MVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Anemia is a global health issue affecting diverse populations, particularly older adults, and conventional treatments often show limited efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the utilization and effectiveness of Sipjeondaebotang (SDT), a prescription drug used in traditional East Asian medicine, in treating various types of anemia. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Six electronic databases were searched for clinical studies on SDT, while focusing on human participants and excluding animal and cellular studies. Sixteen studies, including nine randomized controlled trials, two controlled clinical trials, two case series, and three case reports, involving 863 participants, were analyzed. These studies were primarily conducted in China, Korea, and Japan. Results: According to the analysis, SDT improved hemoglobin levels across all types of anemia studied, with all controlled studies showing significant improvements compared with the control groups. Additionally, SDT reduced blood loss, improved recovery times, and decreased transfusion requirements in patients with post-operative anemia, with lower adverse event rates than those in the control groups. These findings suggest that SDT may enhance hematological parameters and improve overall patient outcomes. Conclusions: In conclusion, SDT may be an effective treatment for anemia that improves hemoglobin levels and patient outcomes. However, further high-quality, large-scale studies are necessary to standardize SDT prescriptions, confirm the optimal treatment duration, and validate its efficacy and safety across different anemia types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agastache rugosa, a traditional Asian herbal medicine, is primarily used for digestive problems; yet, its cognitive benefits remain unexplored. This study evaluated the anti-amnesic effects of A. rugosa extract (ARE) on scopolamine (SCO)-induced memory impairment in mice. Mice received 100 or 200 mg/kg ARE orally for 5 days, followed by SCO injection. The ARE demonstrated significant antioxidant (DPPH IC50: 75.3 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory effects (NO reduction). Furthermore, the ARE significantly improved memory performance in the passive avoidance test (escape latency: 157.2 s vs. 536.9 s), the novel object recognition test (novel object preference: 47.6% vs. 66.3%) and the Morris water maze (time spent in the target quadrant: 30.0% vs. 45.1%). The ARE reduced hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity (1.8-fold vs. 1.1-fold) while increasing choline acetyltransferase (0.4-fold vs. 1.0-fold) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype I (0.3-fold vs. 1.6-fold) expression. The ARE improved hippocampal neurogenesis via doublecortin- (0.4-fold vs. 1.1-fold) and KI-67-positive (6.3 vs. 12.0) cells. Therefore, the ARE exerts protective effects against cognitive decline through cholinergic system modulation and antioxidant activity, supporting its potential use as a cognitive enhancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma, a traditional medicine in Asian countries, has been used to prevent and treat various ailments for centuries. Ganoderma neo-japonicum (synonym Ganoderma bambusicola), also known as purple Lingzhi, is a species that is currently underutilised when compared to Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi). However, in recent decades, this mushroom has garnered significant attention due to its ethnomedicinal uses, especially in Southeast Asia regions like Malaysia. The taxonomy and nomenclature of this mushroom have been extensively studied. Numerous publications have reported that G. neo-japonicum displays a variety of medicinal properties, including antioxidation, anticancer, anti-hyperglycaemic, genoprotective, hepatoprotective, neuritogenic, and antidiabetic effects, both in vitro and in vivo. With the surge of research findings on this mushroom, this review aims to provide a systematic bibliometric analysis of G. neo-japonicum, published between 1991 to 2021. Additionally, the taxonomic description of this mushroom is discussed in detail. Our review reveals that G. neo-japonicum contains polysaccharides (α/β-D-glucans), triterpenoids, and sterols/ergosterol. However, the existing literature suggests that these active compounds have not yet been explored to their full potential as drug candidates. Moreover, most of the studies are preclinical and have several drawbacks. In conclusion, G. neo-japonicum possesses valuable pharmacological activities that merit further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Turkey tail mushroom has a history of use in traditional medicine in Asian and Europe. • Trametes versicolor contains phenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and other compounds with anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiaging, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. • Summarizes the economic, nutritional and health significance, highlighting untapped medicinal potential of Turkey tail mushroom. • Polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharopeptide krestin (PSK) derived from trametes have been extensively researched on their effect on cancer cells. Medicinal mushroom are known for their therapeutic capabilities and one such notable example is the Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor). This fascinating medicinal fungus, belonging to the genus Trametes that has been in used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia. Turkey tail mushroom look-alikes due to the existence of diversity and variation in species.It is crucial to observe key morphological features for proper identification of fruiting bodies. The presence of phenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and other compounds in Turkey tail enrich its biological activities as a potent anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiaging, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabeticpropeties. Recent studies have explored the various metabolic activities of T. versicolor, highlighting important polysaccharides such as Polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and Polysaccharopeptide Krestin (PSK), which have been thoroughly researched for their effects on cancer cells. This review attempts to disclose the importance of Turkey tail mushrooms and their untapped medicinal potential to further benefit immunology studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Medicine and Biology (WHL) at the University of Minnesota (UMN) is a special collections library founded in the mid-1960s. It has been continuously collecting rare East Asian items over the last fifteen years, and now constitutes more than half of the UMN rare East Asian collection. The materials in WHL were primarily acquired for their relevance to medicine and biology but may also be beneficial to other disciplines. Most of the WHL items are understudied and less well known to the public. This article will feature four items to showcase the collection's strength and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes, an essential component of staple diets, hold a prominent place in global cuisines. Soybean stands out as a widely cultivated legume and is valued for its high protein content, dietary fiber, and rich micronutrients. Several varieties of soybean are available, of which black and yellow varieties show dominance in varied countries and cultures. Over time, the cultivation and consumption of black soybeans have markedly reduced compared to the yellow variety. Despite its rich nutritional and therapeutic indices, it has lost its usage over time. Traditionally, it was utilized in oriental medicine for detoxification and anti‐inflammatory potential. However, the antinutrients present in black soybean limit its utilization in the food sector due to their interference with overall nutrient absorption. Several studies in the last few decades have focused on reducing the content of antinutritional factors. However, the information on the use of different processing techniques, both singly and in blends, to reduce antinutrients and enhance the bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of bioactive compounds and varied nutrients is limited and fragmented. Furthermore, studies have highlighted black soybeans' protective effects against various degenerative diseases. However, the studies on the effect of processing to enhance its antioxidative properties to make them a sought‐after food commodity with nutraceutical potential and therapeutic efficacy are limited and widely scattered. The review aims to consolidate knowledge of diverse processing methods to improve their nutritional and bioactive profile for wider applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Further, it has also highlighted its nutraceutical properties for developing varied functional foods against degenerative diseases to have better therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercus infectoria Olivier (Fagaceae) nutgall, a traditional Asian medicine, is renowned for its efficacy in treating wounds and skin disorders. Although the gall extract has shown promising results in accelerating wound healing in diabetic animal models, its mechanisms, particularly the effects on redox balance, remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Q. infectoria gall ethanolic extract (QIG) on wound healing in fibroblasts, with a specific emphasis on its modulation of oxidative stress. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated L929 cells were used as an in vitro model of oxidation-damaged fibroblasts. QIG exhibited potent antioxidant activity with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay values of 305.43 ± 7.48, 508.94 ± 15.12, and 442.08 ± 9.41 µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/µg, respectively. Elevated H2O2 levels significantly reduced L929 cell viability, with a 50% lethal concentration of 1.03 mM. QIG mitigated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, showing protective effects in pre-, post-, and co-treatment scenarios. QIG significantly reduced H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production and inflammation-related gene expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, at 25 µg/mL, QIG remarkably improved wound closure in H2O2-treated L929 cells by approximately 9.4 times compared with the H2O2 treatment alone (p < 0.05). These findings suggest QIG has potential therapeutic applications in wound healing, mediated through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menopausal insomnia significantly impacts the quality of life in women. East Asian herbal medicines (EAHMs) have been traditionally used in Asian countries, but their efficacy and safety require systematic evaluation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of EAHM for treating menopausal insomnia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across 10 electronic databases from inception until 19 July 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating EAHM for menopausal insomnia were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was sleep quality, insomnia severity, and sleep architecture. Secondary outcomes included total effective rate (TER), menopausal symptoms, and adverse effects. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and the results were calculated as mean differences (MDs) or risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Also, the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: A total of 70 RCTs involving 6,035 participants met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently used EAHMs were modified Suan Zao Ren Tang, and the most frequently used herbal component was Zizyphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa Hu ex H. F. Chou [Rhamnaceae; Zizyphi Semen]. Compared with sedativehypnotics, EAHM significantly improved sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (MD -2.18, 95% CI -2.56 to -1.80), and reduced menopausal symptoms, as assessed by the Kupperman Index (MD -4.92, 95% CI -6.03 to -3.80). Similar results were seen when EAHM was added to sedative-hypnotics. When EAHM was additionally used in sedativehypnotics, similar benefits were shown for PSQI (MD -2.46, 95% CI -3.09 to -1.82) and the Kupperman Index (MD -4.64, 95% CI -5.07 to -4.21). EAHM was generally safer than sedative-hypnotics, with significantly fewer adverse reactions (RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.07-0.34). However, the certainty of evidence was moderate to low. Conclusion: EAHMs, alone or with sedative-hypnotics, may be effective and safe for improving sleep quality and managing menopausal symptoms. Future studies should include diverse populations, rigorous methodologies, and explore mechanisms of action to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound-guided high-dose Shinbaro 2 pharmacopuncture on the pain, dysfunction, and quality of life in patients with low back pain and radiating pain due to an acute herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD). A 39-year-old male patient with low back pain and radiating pain caused by an acute HIVD was treated with Korean and Western integrative medicine, with a focus on ultrasound-guided high-dose Shinbaro 2 pharmacopuncture at Kambin's triangle. The treatment lasted 16 weeks, including a 12-day hospitalization. The low back pain and radiating pain were evaluated using the numeric rating scale (NRS). The lumbar function and quality of life were assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the EuroQol five-dimension index (EQ5D). Satisfaction was gauged using the patient global impression of change (PGIC). After treatment, the NRS score decreased from 10 to 1, whereas the ODI and EQ5D scores improved from 84.44 to 28.89 and from 0.303 to 0.871, respectively. The PGIC was rated as 1, indicating considerable improvement. Notably, the changes observed during hospitalization were significant. This report suggests that ultrasound-guided high-dose Shinbaro 2 pharmacopuncture at Kambin's triangle significantly improves the pain, dysfunction, and quality of life in patients with an acute HIVD, demonstrating its potential usefulness among Korean medicine practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low fertility is a critical social problem worldwide, and infertility has a prevalence of 15%. This cross-sectional study aimed to understand the factors affecting the usage and satisfaction of Korean medicine (KM) in subfertile women. An online survey was conducted from 3 November to 8 November 2021. The survey collected basic information, KM treatment experience, and satisfaction from women who experienced poor pregnancy. The t-test and chi-square test (χ2-test) were used to determine the overall characteristics of the subjects and factors affecting the utilization and satisfaction of KM treatment. Of the total of 29,465 people, 4922 read the survey email, and 601 responded. After excluding 51 respondents with questionable response patterns, 550 respondents were included in the final analysis. Of these, 43.1% (n = 237) had experience with conventional treatment, and 16.5% (n = 91) had received KM treatment. The group that received both KM treatment and CM treatment (n = 59, 24.9%) was significantly more prevalent than the group that received KM treatment alone (n = 32, 10.2%) (p = 0.00). Women who had given birth more than once or held a master's degree were significantly more willing to participate in the 'KM Support Project for Subfertility' program. Our findings suggest that subfertile patients prefer integrated treatment that combines KM and CM treatments. Further studies are needed to assess the status of integrative medicine treatment, satisfaction with each KM intervention, factors for low satisfaction, and patient requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and disorders such as osteoporosis pose significant challenges worldwide. East Asian Herbal Medicine (EAHM), with its rich history and holistic approach, offers promising avenues for enhancing bone regeneration. In this critical review article, we analyze the intricate mechanisms through which EAHM compounds modulate bone health. We explore the interplay between osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, dissect signaling pathways crucial for bone remodeling and highlight EAHM anti-inflammatory effects within the bone microenvironment. Additionally, we emphasize the promotion of osteoblast viability and regulation of bone turnover markers by EAHM compounds. Epigenetic modifications emerge as a fascinating frontier where EAHM influences DNA methylation and histone modifications to orchestrate bone regeneration. Furthermore, we highlight EAHM effects on osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells and immune cells, unraveling the holistic impact in bone tissue. Finally, we discuss future directions, including personalized medicine, combinatorial approaches with modern therapies and the integration of EAHM into evidence-based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on the fruiting bodies of the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lingzhi led to the isolation of a new norsteroid, namely ganonorsterone A (1), together with one known steroid, cyathisterol (2). The structure and absolute configuration of compound 1 were assigned by extensive analysis of MS, NMR data, and quantum-chemical calculations including electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and calculated 13C NMR-DP4+ analysis. Bioassay results showed that compound 1 displayed moderate inhibition on NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to elucidate the present clinical situation, future challenges, and potential need for diagnostic support software in Kampo medicine. Methods: We conducted an online survey (comprising 28 questions) of Japanese physicians from the 23 to 24 January 2024 via MedPeer. The participants' responses were stratified according to their age distribution. Results: We evaluated data for 652 respondents. The most common respondent age groups were those in their 30s and 40s. The most common specialty of respondents was internal medicine (43.7%). Only 33.7% of respondents had received education on Kampo medicine at university. Most respondents (90.0%) were not licensed as certified physicians or members of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine. Most respondents (86.7%) currently prescribed Kampo formulas (current users); only 3.8% had no experience in prescribing Kampo formulas. The conditions for which Kampo formulas were frequently prescribed were muscle cramps, constipation, medically unexplained symptoms/menopausal syndrome, appetite loss/malnutrition, and fatigue. However, 48.3% of current users did not use traditional Kampo patterns (sho). The most frequent issues reported by respondents were the lack of scientific evidence and standardization of diagnostic methods in Kampo medicine. Respondents indicated the need for postgraduate education and implementation of diagnostic support software for using Kampo patterns by non‐specialists in Kampo medicine. Conclusion: There was a discrepancy between the high frequency of Kampo formula prescriptions and the low use of traditional Kampo patterns in Japan. Diagnostic support software is likely to become a useful method of improving appropriate Kampo formula prescriptions by non‐specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, several previously undiscussed concerns in acupuncture research have been brought to light. Among these, the core issue stems from the ambiguity surrounding the identity of acupoints. Hence, the question "What is the identity of acupoints?" remains of particular importance in acupuncture research. To answer this question, we reviewed the original concept of acupoints explained in Oriental medicine, from which acupuncture treatment originated, and examined scientific research on acupuncture and acupoints. We then proposed a perspective on the identity of acupoints and speculated about a possible reason for their elusive nature: qi, which congregates at and flows in and out of acupoints, might be bioelectricity, making these points inherently difficult to measure anatomically or histologically. Consequently, acupoints are suggested to be spaces where bioelectricity congregates, thus inevitably exhibiting electrical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments in East Asian traditional medicine (EATM) originate from principles for treating abscesses and carbuncles. Understanding the therapeutic principles of Liu Juan Zi Gui Yi Fang (GYF) is essential for optimizing EATM treatment strategies for IBD, but quantitative analysis is lacking. This study aims to extract quantitative information on therapeutic strategies from GYF and present the EATM conceptual framework for IBD treatment. Oral prescriptions for carbuncles were selected, and their constituent herbs and indications were standardized and tokenized for analysis. An EATM expert group classified prescriptions based on the similarity of herbs and indications. Hierarchical and k-means cluster analyses were performed based on herb similarity. The herb–indication (H-I) network for all prescriptions was constructed. Additionally, H-I subnetworks based on the expert group's classifications and the k-means clustering results were constructed and compared to identify treatment goals and the herbs used for each goal. The results showed that the treatment focused on abscess status, wound healing, and patient's recovery capacity, with 'fever' and 'deficiency' as the main indications addressed by tonifying and anti-inflammatory herbs. The therapeutic principles identified in this study can serve as a foundation for developing future herbal intervention units. Further preclinical and clinical research is needed to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old Uyghur language emerged as a result of translating religious texts. Additionally, there are also written works and fragments that are categorized as non-religious. The collection of texts and fragments includes letters, legal documents, celebration records, calendars, and medical texts. Medical texts are based on ancient medical traditions from different cultures, such as folk medicine, Assyrian, Indian, and Chinese. These texts include the names of plants, animals, minerals, drugs, diseases, treatments, and medical interventions. The earliest research on Old Uyghur medical texts involved the editing of texts. Subsequent to this, there were studies focused on lexicon, encompassing plant names, drug compositions, and related subjects. Furthermore, studies in the field of medical history were conducted to examine the development of these texts in Central Asian Turkish medicine. It is worth noting that Old Uyghur medical texts have largely been published and analyzed for lexical and medical history up to this day. This article presents four previously unpublished fragments on Old Uyghur medicine. The fragments, known as Mainz 353 (T II D 177-1), U 116 (T II K x 12), U 238 (T II D 177; Glas: T II D 177 g), and U 239 (T II D 177; Glas: T II D 177 X), are now part of the Berlin Turfan Collection. This paper presents the transcription, transliteration, Turkish translation, explanations, and dictionary of the aforementioned fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korean medicine (KM) is used to treat anxiety disorders, but there is limited research on its effects. This study aimed to examine the associations between improved QoL and reduced clinical symptoms and KM in patients with anxiety disorders. The medical records of patients with anxiety who were treated with KM (acupuncture, psychotherapy, Chuna therapy, aromatherapy, or herbal medicine) for at least 4 weeks were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, QoL, and cost outcomes were measured at baseline and at weeks 4 and 12 (Anxiety: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI X-1 (state), X-2 (trait)], Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]; anger: State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory State [STAXI-S (state), T (trait)], Anger Expression Inventory [AXI-K-I (anger-in), AXI-K-O (anger-out), AXI-K-C (anger-control); depression: Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI II], QoL: QoL-related instruments Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions utility score [EQ-5D], Euro QoL Visual Analog Scale [EQ-VAS]). The total costs for each item were calculated in terms of NHIS-covered costs and patients' out-of-pocket costs from the perspective of the healthcare system. The medical records of 67 patients were evaluated. The KM treatments were found to be associated with decreased anxiety (STAI X-1; STAI X-2; BAI, p < 0.0001), depression (BDI-II, p < 0.0001), and anger (AKI-K-I; AKI-K-O, p < 0.05) and increased QoL (EQ-5D; EQ-VAS, p < 0.0001). An average of USD 1360 was paid for the KM treatments for 4 weeks. The study findings suggested that KM may improve clinical symptoms and QoL outcomes in patients with anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeokwisan (YWS) is an herbal medicine prescription consisting of six oriental herbal medicines, developed to treat reflux esophagitis. We focused on developing an analytical method capable of simultaneously quantifying 13 compounds in YWS samples using high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) and exploring their antioxidant effects. All compounds examined in both analytical systems were chromatographically separated on a SunFireTM C18 (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) column and an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) column using gradient elution of a water–acetonitrile mobile phase. Antioxidant effects were evaluated based on radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS tests) and ferrous ion chelating activity. In two analytical methods, the coefficient of determination of the regression equation was ≥0.9965, the recovery range was 81.11–108.21% (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 9.33%), and the precision was RSD ≤ 11.10%. Application of the optimized analysis conditions gave quantitative analysis results for YWS samples of 0.02–100.36 mg/g. Evaluation of the antioxidant effects revealed that baicalein and baicalin exhibit significant antioxidant activity, suggesting that they play an important role in the antioxidant effects of YWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the plant resources and diversity of Sejila Mountain in southeast Tibet. The study collected 282 plant species from the mountain, with the dominant families being Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, and Rosaceae. The study also identified 178 species of medicinal plants, including 33 species of Tibetan medicine. The findings highlight the need for stronger research, conservation, and sustainable development efforts to protect and utilize these plant resources. [Extracted from the article]

Houttuynia cordata Thunb., also known as Yuxingcao in Chinese, occupies a pivotal role in Asian traditional medicine and cuisine. The aerial parts and underground stems of H. cordata exhibit remarkable chemical diversity, particularly in essential oil. Nevertheless, the mechanisms regulating essential oil biosynthesis in H. cordata remain unclear. In this study, we present a quantitative overview of the proteomes across four tissues (flower, stem, leaf, and underground stem) of H. cordata, achieved through the application of the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). Our research findings indicate that certain crucial ribosomal proteins and their interactions may significantly impact the production of essential oils in H. cordata. These results offer novel insights into the roles of ribosomal proteins and their associations in essential oil biosynthesis across various organisms of H. cordata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the search for cases of drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with ethical Kampo formulas in Japan. Kampo formulas are commonly prescribed in Japan, but few studies have explored their association with AKI. The researchers utilized the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database to identify cases of AKI related to Kampo formulas. They found 38 cases of AKI among 2,472 cases of Kampo formula prescriptions. The study highlights the need for screening for kidney damage when other organ damages occur after initiating Kampo formulas. [Extracted from the article]

Cnidium monnieri fructus is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for treating female genital disorders, male impotence, frigidity, and skin-related conditions in East Asia. However, the role of C. monnieri fructus extract (CMFE) in melanin synthesis is not well elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the anti-melanogenesis effect and mechanism of action of CMFE in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. Intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity were measured in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells treated with various concentrations of CMFE (0.5–5 μg/mL). mRNA and protein levels of tyrosinase and MITF were evaluated using qRT-PCR and ting. CMFE's effect on the proteasomal degradation of tyrosinase was confirmed using a proteasomal degradation inhibitor, MG132. CMFE treatment activated p38, a protein associated with proteasomal degradation. Treatment with CMFE at up to 5 μg/mL showed no significant cytotoxicity. CMFE significantly reduced α-MSH-stimulated melanin production (43.29 ± 3.55% decrease, p < 0.05) and cellular tyrosinase activity (31.14 ± 3.15% decrease, p < 0.05). Although mRNA levels of MITF and tyrosinase increased, CMFE suppressed tyrosinase protein levels. The suppressive effect of CMFE on tyrosinase protein was blocked by MG132. CMFE inhibited melanogenesis by promoting the proteasome degradation of tyrosinase through p38 activation. These findings suggest that CMFE has the potential to be a natural whitening agent for inhibiting melanogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of degenerative arthritis. It is characterized by persistent pain, joint dysfunction, and physical disability. Pain relief and inflammation control are prioritised during osteoarthritis treatment Mume Fructus (Omae), a fumigated product of the Prunus mume fruit, is used as a traditional medicine in several Asian countries. However, its therapeutic mechanism of action and effects on osteoarthritis and articular chondrocytes remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed the anti-osteoarthritis and articular regenerative effects of Mume Fructus extract on rat chondrocytes. Mume Fructus treatment reduced the interleukin-1β-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, matrix metalloproteinase 13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs 5. Additionally, it enhanced collagen type II alpha 1 chain and aggrecan accumulation in rat chondrocytes. Furthermore, Mume Fructus treatment regulated the inflammatory cytokine levels, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and nuclear factor-kappa B activation. Overall, our results demonstrated that Mume Fructus inhibits osteoarthritis progression by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways to reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and prevent cartilage degeneration. Therefore, Mume Fructus may be a potential therapeutic option for osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a systemic allergic disease that has a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Current treatments include antihistamines and nasal steroids; however, their long-term use often causes undesirable side effects. In this context, traditional Asian medicine (TAM), with its multi-compound, multi-target herbal medicines (medicinal plants), offers a promising alternative. However, the complexity of these multi-compound traits poses challenges in understanding the overall mechanisms and efficacy of herbal medicines. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of these multi-compound herbal medicines specifically used for AR at a systemic level. We utilized a modified term frequency–inverse document frequency method to select AR-specific herbs and constructed an herb–compound–target network using reliable databases and computational methods, such as the Quantitative Estimate of Drug-likeness for compound filtering, STITCH database for compound-target interaction prediction (with a high confidence score threshold of 0.7), and DisGeNET and CTD databases for disease-gene association analysis. Through this network, we conducted AR-related targets and pathway analyses, as well as clustering analysis based on target-level information of the herbs. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was conducted using a protein–protein interaction network. Our research identified 14 AR-specific herbs and analyzed whether AR-specific herbs are highly related to previously known AR-related genes and pathways. AR-specific herbs were found to target several genes related to inflammation and AR pathogenesis, such as PTGS2, HRH1, and TBXA2R. Pathway analysis revealed that AR-specific herbs were associated with multiple AR-related pathways, including cytokine signaling, immune response, and allergic inflammation. Additionally, clustering analysis based on target similarity identified three distinct subgroups of AR-specific herbs, corroborated by a protein–protein interaction network. Group 1 herbs were associated with the regulation of inflammatory responses to antigenic stimuli, while Group 2 herbs were related to the detection of chemical stimuli involved in the sensory perception of bitter taste. Group 3 herbs were distinctly associated with antigen processing and presentation and NIK/NF-kappa B signaling. This study decodes the principles of TAM herbal configurations for AR using a network pharmacological approach, providing a holistic understanding of drug effects beyond specific pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assumptions of the body and spirit in dance/movement therapy (DMT) impact how we examine dance and their application for healing. This paper compares DMT that developed within Judeo-Christian worldviews and gimoo (qi-moo, or spirit-dance) that originated from Eastern, Confucian, Korean traditional medicine and Korean traditional dance. Cross-cultural critical reflections can offer new insights on different ways of observing and assessing movement for health as body-based practitioners and dance/movement therapists. The authors reflect on how our socio-culturally situated knowledge of the body and worldviews of health, dance, and healing frame how and what movement we see. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral pain disorder. There is a theory that BMS is a form of nociplastic pain. A standard treatment for BMS has not yet been established. Kampo medicine is a traditional oriental medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Rikkosan—a traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo)—in the treatment of BMS. A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 20 patients who were diagnosed with BMS and treated with Rikkosan alone (total daily dose; 7.5 g) three times daily for approximately 4 weeks (29.5 ± 6.5 days). Rikkosan was dissolved in hot water and taken internally. They had an average age of 63 years, and 90% were being treated for other illnesses, but their medication status was the same during this study period, except for Rikkosan. No adverse events were observed in patients. Numerical rating scale (NRS) or visual analog scale (VAS)/10 scores decreased significantly between the time of the initiation of Rikkosan and one month after (−2.1 ± 1.2, p < 0.05). Rikkosan has a short-term effect of reducing NRS by two levels in BMS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established a protocol for the traditional Korean medicine examination (KME) and methodically gathered data following this protocol. Potential indicators for KME were extracted through a literature review; the first KME protocol was developed based on three rounds of expert opinions. The first KME protocol's feasibility was confirmed, and data were collected over four years from traditional Korean medicine (KM) hospitals, focusing on healthy adults, using the final KME protocol. A literature review identified 175 potential core indicators, condensed into 73 indicators after three rounds of expert consultation. The first KME protocol, which was categorized under questionnaires and medical examinations, was developed after the third round of expert opinions. A pilot study using the first KME protocol was conducted to ensure its validity, leading to modifications resulting in the development of the final KME protocol. Over four years, data were collected from six KM hospitals, focusing on healthy adults; we obtained a dataset comprising 11,036 healthy adults. This is the first protocol incorporating core indicators of KME in a quantitative form and systematically collecting data. Our protocol holds potential merit in evaluating predisposition to diseases or predicting diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit of Phyllanthus emblica L. (FEPE) has a long history of use in Asian folk medicine. The main bioactive compounds in FEPE are polyphenols, known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic activities. The present study aimed to investigate the intervention effect of FEPE (100 and 200 mg/kg) on hyperlipidemia for 8 weeks and preliminarily explored the potential mechanism by microbiome-metabolome analysis. The results showed that a high-dose FEPE (200 mg/kg) effectively alleviated dyslipidaemic symptoms and body weight gain in hyperlipidemic mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Microbiome analysis showed that FEPE altered the structure of the intestinal microbiota, which included an increase in specific probiotics (such as Akkermansia, Anaerovorax, and Bacteroides) and a decrease in harmful bacteria (including A2, Acetitomaculum, Candidatus_Arthromitus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lachnospiraceae_NK4B4_group, Rikenella, and Streptococcus), as well as a reduction in the level of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In addition, significant changes in the hepatic metabolome were observed, and eight key metabolites associated with betaine metabolism, lysine degradation, methionine metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism pathways were primarily filtered. The correlated analysis identified several key "microbiota-metabolite" axes in the treatment of hyperlipidemia by FEPE extract. In conclusion, the present study is expected to provide a basis for treating hyperlipidemia with FEPE from the perspective of the microbiome-liver metabolome axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Background: In Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai traditional medicine of Southeast Asian countries, Stemonaceae plants have long been employed. Various studies have proved that these herbal plants contain Stemona alkaloids with valuable medicinal value. Although some review articles on Stemona alkaloids have appeared in the literature, they are quite outdated. The current study offers a comprehensive review of the isolation and bioactivities of Stemona alkaloids. The article might be useful for chemists who work in alkaloid chemistry as well as pharmaceutical areas. Methods: " Stemona alkaloids" was the most useful keyword to search for literature data. References have been collected from various resources such as Google Scholar, SciFinder, and PubMed. More than 120 electronic publications were obtained from these resources. Results: More than 250 Stemona alkaloids from 8 groups have been isolated and structurally elucidated from Stemonaceae plants. Extracts from these plants as well as isolated compounds possess a wide range of bioactivities, such as antituberculosis, antibacterial, antifungal, and antihelmintic properties activities. Conclusion: In this review article, we have summarized 116 studies on the isolation and bioactivities of Stemona alkaloids in the literature. More than 250 Stemona alkaloid compounds have been isolated and identified. In addition, the article also gives an overview of the bioactivities of Stemona alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global trend towards longer life expectancies, there's an increasing emphasis on not just living longer, but also maintaining health and wellbeing into older age. This study explores the efficacy of Ninjin'yoeito (NYT) in the early stages of frailty, a critical period for preventive interventions. Taking account of the knowledge gap regarding the association between early frailty and NYT, we use data from workplace health checkups to examine the relationship between pre-frailty severity and NYT adaption. The objective of our research is to enhance the comprehension of early treatments using NYT to prevent the progression of frailty. A total of 314 employees of the Kyoto Industrial Health Association who received workplace health checkups between November 2021 and March 2023 and consented to this study were included in the analysis. Information on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), NYT-specific symptoms assessment, the Japanese version of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and the Kihon Checklist (KCL) were obtained. The correlation analysis revealed that there was a strong positive correlation between the number of applicable NYT indications and the GHQ-12 score (r = 0.5992, p < 0.0001). Similarly, a moderate positive correlation was observed between the number of applicable NYT indications and the KCL score (r = 0.5030, p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, both GHQ-12 (β = 0.49, SE = 0.06, t = 7.66, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.62, p = 0.000) and KCL (β = 0.54, SE = 0.12, t = 4.29, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.79, p = 0.000) showed significant positive associations with the variance in the number of applicable NYT indications, indicating that higher scores on these measures were related to a greater number of indications. NYT has the potential to be utilized not only as a therapeutic intervention for frailty, but also as a preventive measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of East Asian herbal medicine (HM) for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children and adolescents. Methods: Twelve electronic databases were searched in 28 May 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of HM in children with IDA. The primary outcome measures for treatment included blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, whereas the secondary outcomes included the total effective rate (TER), incidence of adverse events (AEs), average healing time, and hematologic indicators related to IDA. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and R studio 4.3 software, and subgroup analyses were performed according to the different groups (type of intervention and duration of treatment). The effect size measures used were the risk ratio, mean difference, and standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias was assessed using a revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tools. Results: The meta-analysis included 28 studies. Five studies compared the efficacy of HM alone with that of oral iron alone, whereas 23 compared the efficacy of a combination of HM and oral iron with that of oral iron alone. The meta-analysis revealed that the HM treatment group showed significant improvements in all outcome measures compared to those observed in the oral iron group. Moreover, HM significantly reduced the incidence of gastrointestinal AE, compared to that associated with oral iron. Among the 28 studies, the most commonly used HM prescription was Xingpi Yanger Granules, and the most commonly used botanical drug was Astragali Radix, followed by Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba and Angelicae Sinensis Radix. Conclusion: This meta-analysis identified evidence of the efficacy and safety of HM in children with IDA. Compared to conventional oral iron therapy, HM improved IDA-related blood markers and TER, with fewer AEs and shorter mean healing times. However, further well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to strengthen the evidence of the efficacy and safety of botanical drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the trajectories of the encounter of Soviet state and its 'modern,' 'scientific' medicine with Islamic tibb in Central Asia, providing an overview of the different facets and manifestations of these pathways throughout the lifespan of the Soviet Union. The survey elucidates how the initial expansion of Soviet medicine followed by a later erosion of the Soviet healthcare system came into play to underline the complex relationships of Soviet health workers and indigenous medical practitioners as well as their rivalry and negotiations for legitimacy and authority across different settings and contexts. It argues that by virtue of castigating tibb as a remnant of the 'backward past' as well as demonising and suppressing tabibs, Soviet medical authorities eventually appropriated the traditional medical knowledge of the region and denigrated Central Asian indigenous medicine to the realm of 'non-traditional' by the end of the Soviet era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radial pulse diagnosis is the most common method to examine the human health state in Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM). A cold stress-related suboptimal health state (subhealth) is often undetectable during routine medical examinations, however, it can be detected through the palpation of specific pulse waves, particularly a 'tight pulse', in TEAM. Therefore, this study examined a correlation between 'tight pulse' and vascular changes in the radial artery (RA) induced by a cold pressor trial (CPT). Twenty healthy subjects underwent sequentially control trial and CPT with room-temperature and ice-cold water, respectively, on the right forearm. The radial pulse and vascular changes were then examined on the left arm. The radial pulse scores for frequencies of 'tight pulse' with strong arterial tension increased after the CPT compared with the control trial. The pulse scores were reversely correlated with the RA thickness and volumes in ultrasonography, but not with changes in the systolic/diastolic blood pressure. The RA thickness-based vascular surface and three-dimensional images visualized a 'tight pulse' showing the vasoconstriction and bumpy-/rope-shaped vascular changes in the radial pulse diagnostic region after the CPT. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential integration of clinical radial pulse diagnosis with ultrasonography for cold-related subhealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]