KJC Korea
Journal Central

Objectives We aimed to analyze the meanings of the energy and fluid metabolism in the Discourse on Viscera and Bowels of Donguisusebowon, and to find the clues for the explanation of the pathology and symptomatology of Taeeumin. Methods The Discourse on Viscera and Bowels of Donguisusebowon was reviewed and examined for relevant information on the energy and fluid metabolism from the structural and the functional point of view respectively. And, based on the derived meanings of the energy and fluid metabolism, the pathology and symptomatology of Taeeumin were analyzed. Results and Conclusions 1. The meanings of the energy and fluid metabolism can be explained by the different attributes of the energy and fluid produced from the esophagus and the small intestine, and the different function of exhaling-dispersing and inhaling-concentrating in the different tract of circulation such as Lung affiliation (esophagus, skin, ear and lung) and Liver affiliation (small intestine, flesh, nose and liver). 2. The Exterior disease of Taeeumin starts with the weakness of exhaling-dispersing function at the skin, and leads to the dysfunction of the esophagus and the lung sequently. The dysfunction of the lung aggravates that of the skin and the esophagus. 3. The Interior disease of Taeeumin begins with excess of the inhaling-concentrating functions at the flesh and the small intestine, and leads to the dysfunction of the lung, which induces the dysfunction of exhaling-concentration at the skin and esophagus. And, this disparities between exhaling-dispersing and inhaling-concentrating functions exasperate the problem at the flesh and the small intestine.

Objectives This study proposes developing Sasang Medical Diagnosis Program using Facial form for increase in Sasang Constitution Diagnosis objectivity and putting the Diagnosis Program into practical use. The author presents a review of extant research on Sasang constitution diagnosis utilizing facial feature analysis and suggests an agenda for further research. Methods For this thesis, a collection of dissertations on the subject of 'Usage of facial form for constitution diagnosis' published until September of 2012 such as RISS4U, OASIS, KISTI, Korean TK were reviewed. The final 33 dissertations were classified into two categories, basic or clinical research and then analyzed. Results 9 out of 33 dissertations were of basic research and 24 were of clinical research. 1) As result of review of references, a uniform tendency was found in facial form according to Sasang Constitution. 2) In the grade of practical use, facial element is repeatedly used and the facial element of important use has constitutional differences. 3) Standard faces per Sasang Constitution were derived as result of 2-dimensional research. 4) 3-dimensional research focused on improvement of accuracy and reliability of 3D-AFRA, and there has been an attempt to develop a prototype for identification. Conclusions For practical use of facial feature in Sasang Constitution Diagnosis,1) Standardization of diagnosis through establishing Sasang Medical Diagnosis clinical protocol must be preceded. After the standardization, practical purpose and direction of facial form in general may be decided. 2) Information on high quality facial form of constitutional and conditional patients must be collected to form extensive database. 3) Subdivided symptomatology, as well as Sasang Constitution must be considered for diagnosis in order for diagnosis technique to acquire clinical practicality.

Objectives This study is aimed to develop the algorithm to diagnose Taeeumin’s symptomology, by the method of literature research on Sasang Constitutional Medicine. Methods Applying the sequential differentiations of Taeeumin’s symptomology, or exterior-interior disease differentiation, favorable-unfavorable pattern differentiation, and mild-severe-dangerous-urgent pattern differentiation, 『Donguisusebowon』 and related literatures have been reviewed. Results and Conclusions 1) 1st step: Taeeumin's exterior pattern and interior pattern are differentiated by the indexes of whole-body cold or heat pattern, sweating, and facial complexion. 2) 2nd step: The favorable pattern of the Taeeumin’s exterior disease can be detected by indexes of the existence of fever, generalized pain while the unfavorable one by indexes of the abnormal condition of digestion and feces, and fearful throbbing. The favorable pattern of the Taeeumin’s interior disease can be diagnosed based on indexes of eye pain, dry nose, dry throat, and heat symptoms that occur in various parts of the body, while the unfavorable one by indexes of thirsty, urination, feces and specific symptoms which can be induced by dryness. And in the both unfavorable patterns the dark complexion on the faces is revealed. 3) 3rd step: The mild-severe patterns of the favorably exterior disease are differentiated in terms of the condition of fever, while the mild-severe patterns of the favorably interior disease are in differentiated based on whether abnormal symptoms are revealed in the gastrointestinal tract. Both of the unfavorably dangerous-urgent patterns in exterior and interior diseases are differentiated by the symptoms such as tinnitus, dim vision, weakness of legs and back pain, and lack of strength in legs and thighs.

Objectives This study was performed to find out the correlation between the use of herbal extracts and the Sasang constitution of patients in Japan. Methods We recruited 315 subjects who had been visiting the Center for Kampo Medicine for the treatment, Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. They answered SSCQ-P(Sasang Constitution Questionaire for Patients) questionnaire, a sasang constitution specialist interviewed them and diagnosed the sasang constitution. And the 80 herbal extracts subject's having taken were classified into four type Sasang constitutional herbal formulas according to 『Donguisusebowon』, the ingredients in a formula that have different role(sovereign, minister, assistant and courie) and effect and indication of formula. Results 1. Among the total 315 subjects, the number of Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeeumin, and Soeumin was 3(1.0%), 85(27.0%), 90(28.6%), and 137(43.5%). 2. Among the 80 herbal extracts subject's having taken, the number of each Soyangin, Taeeumin, and Soeumin herbal formulas was 30, 7 and 43. 3. 1 Soyangin and 2 Soeumin herbal formulas were prescribed in 3 Taeyangin subjects group. 29 Soyangin, 4 Taeeumin, 52 Soeumin herbal formulas were prescribed in 85 Soyangin subjects group. 39 Soyangin, 6 Taeeumin, 45 Soeumin herbal formulas were prescribed in 90 Taeeumin subjects group. 51 Soyangin, 6 Taeeumin, 80 Soeumin herbal formulas were prescribed in 137 Soeumin subjects group. Conclusions The Soeumin rate in Japan was significantly higher than that in Korea. There was no significant correlation between the use of herbal extracts and the Sasang constitution in Japan.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of 4 herbal formulas for Sasang constitutional medicine (Yeoldahanso-tang: YDHST, Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang: YGSHT, Cheongsimyeonja-tang: CSYJT and Taeeumjowi- tang: TEJWT). Methods The antioxidant activities of herbal formulas were studied by measuring free radical scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH. The inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation was evaluated by the formation of TBARS, REM and fragmentation of apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB). Effects of herbal formulas on macrophage lipid accumulation were determined in native LDL and LPS co-incubated macrophages using Oil Red O staining. Results The scavenging activities on ABTS and DPPH of herbal formulas were increased in dose-dependent manner (YDHST>YGSHT>CSYJT>TEJWT). Herbal formulas reduced the oxidation properties of LDL induced by CuSO4. YDHST, YGSHT and CSYJT showed strong suppressive effect on LDL oxidation than TEJWT. In addition, YDHST, YGSHT and CSYJT significantly inhibited foam cell formation in LDL/LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions These results demonstrate that YDHST, YGSHT and CSYJT have potentials on anti-atherosclerosis by antioxidative effect and suppressive effect on LDL oxidation.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of oral administration of Yongyukjowi-tang(YJT) on the immune activity in aged Sprague-Dawley rat(SD rat). Methods SD rats were divided into three groups: Yongyukjowi-tang groups(YJT groups), distilled water groups(control groups) and Vitamin C groups(positive control groups) which were administered an oral dose(1㎖/1day) to 6, 48 and 68 weeks old SD rats for four weeks. After four weeks, the number of total leukocyte, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and the level of cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ) were measured in spleen tissue of each SD rats. Results and Conclusions 1) The number of total leukocyte significantly increased in 52 weeks old YJT group and 72 weeks old YJT group in comparison with those of the control group. 2) The number of CD3+ cell significantly increased in 72 weeks old YJT group in comparison with those of the control group and the positive control group. 3) The number of CD8+ cell significantly increased in 52 weeks old YJT group in comparison with those of the control group. 4) The level of IL-2 significantly increased in 72 weeks old YJT group in comparison with those of the control group and the positive control group. 5) The level of IL-4 significantly increased in 52 weeks old YJT group in comparison with those of the positive control group. These results suggest that oral administration of YJT has an effect on increase of immune activity in aged rat.

Objectives Although Yeoldahanso-tang (YDHST) has been widely used for treatment of obesity and its related diseases such as hyperinsulinemia and hypertension for Taeeumin, no scientific evidence has reported yet to support its ability to work against these metabolic disorders. Our study was aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of YDHST extract on the cellular differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes. Methods 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes by adding insulin, dexamethasone and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) for 8 days in the absence or presence of YDHST extract. Anti-obesity effects of YDHST extract were evaluated by Oil Red O staining, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity, triglyceride contents, and leptin production. Results YDHST extract remarkably prevented lipid accumulation with no cytotoxicity in the differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, YDHST extract decreased contents of triglyceride 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Consistently, YDHST extract caused a significant inhibition of GPDH activity and leptin production in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Sasang constitutional herbal formula YDHST for Tae-eumin has anti-obesity activity by regulation of the adipogenesis process in vitro. Additional study will be required to further confirm the inhibitory effect on adipocyte differentiation by using in vivo animal model.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory or inductive potentials of Yuldahanso-tang (YDT) and Chungsimyonja-tang (CST), herbal formulas for Taeeumin, on cytochrome P450 (CYP450) drug metabolizing enzyme. The mechanisms for the herbal formula-drug interaction has not been well reported in spite of the chance for co-administration with conventional drugs. Methods To evaluate the interaction potential of YDT-drug or CST-drug, the fluorescence-based enzyme assays on CYP450 isozymes including CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 were established in vitro. The inhibitory effects of herbal formulas were characterized with IC50 values. Results YDT showed inhibitory effects on CYP2D6 and CYP2E1-mediated metabolism, while it exhibited week inhibition on CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 relatively. CST exerted relatively weak inhibitory effects on the four CYP450 isozymes compared to that of YDT. Conclusions These results suggest that the herbal formula-drug interaction could be occur when YDT are co-administered with drugs mediated by CYP2D6 or CYP2E1.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to give account of effects of the Korean herbal medicine therapy which is based on the Sasang constitutional medicine for the patient who has suffered from scale of back caused by psoriasis. Method Psoriasis patient was diagnosed Soeumin based on his nature and emotion, physical characteristics, symptoms. He was medicated Soeumin Goepungsan. Results and Conclusions Psoriasis patient who was treated with Soeumin Goepoong-san showed improvement in Psoriasis symptom and general condition. This case study describes the effectiveness on psoriasis symptom by using Soeumin Goepoong-san.

Objectives The aim of this study was to report the improvement of fever, myalgia, performance status, and headache after treatment with Osuyubujaijung-tang and Geopoong-san in a Soeumin with Peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, medical laboratory and image scans of 80-year-old male patient diagnosed as peripheral T-cell lymphoma. He couldn't conduct any conventional chemotherapy due to poor performance status, ECOG 4. Results The symptoms of myalgia, poor performance status, and neck pain improved, and fever was reduced with Osuyubujaijung-tang. Headache was subsided with Geopoong-san. Conclusions A patient with peripheral T-cell lymphoma suffering from fever, myalgia, poor performance status, neck pain and headache showed the improvement of symptoms with treatment of Osuyubujaijung-tang and Geopoong-san. After 4 months treatment, the patient could conduct self care, physical activity and social affairs.

Objectives This study is about two patients of drug-induced secondary parkinsonism caused by antipsychotic drugs. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical effects of Sasang constitutional medicine. Methods These two patients were treated by Sasang constitutional herbal medications based on 「Donguisusebowon」. We evaluated the symptoms through the score of the Unified Parkinson´s Disease Rating Scale(UPDRS). Results and Conclusions The patients' chief complaints were improved. This study shows that Sasang constitutional herbal medications are an effective treatment for drug-induced secondary parkinsonism patients, but further studies are still necessary.