KJC Korea
Journal Central

Objective The purpose of this study was to provide appropriate methods of taking decoction in Sasang Constitutional Medicine. Methods We investigated the methods of taking decoction written in Lee Je-ma's writings such as 『Donguisusebowon(東醫壽世保 元)』, 『Donguisusebowon-Sasangchobongwon(東醫壽世保元四象草本卷)』, 『Dongmuyoogo(東武遺稿)』and several papers which related to methods of taking decoction. Results and Conclusions The effects of decoction can be affected by the methods of taking decoction. Therefore, when administering decoction of Sasang Constitutional Medicine to the patient, we should consider the stages of disease and condition of patient. This paper shows the appropriate methods of taking decoction in Sasang Constitutional Medicine. Further studies should be needed to find out the appropriate administration methods of various dosage forms.

This study aimed to provide a basis for treatment of soyang person by investigate published case series of soyangin Methods We have reviewed case series of soyangin in the Journal of Sasang Medicine from 2007 to 2016. Results A total of 16 case series related to soyangin were reported. Among them, herbal medicine was used in 16 papers (100.0%), of which 'Hyeongbangjihwang-tang' was the most frequently used, reported in five papers (31.3%). For acupuncture of 12 papers (75.0%), acupoint 'ST36' was the most frequently used, reported in four papers (33.3%). Conclusions Most of the included case series were effective in treating patients of soyangin. However, the number of papers was insufficient to suggest standardized treatment for "diseases-Sasang medicine pattern-treatment" systems.

Objectives This study was aimed to analyze characteristics of facial shapes in adult women by sasang constitution using hyungsang classification. Methods Using a digital camera, we took a picture of 1,011 women who participated in clinical study on menstrual pain and acquired their 3D facial images with a face-only scanner. They filled out SSCQ-P(sasang constitution questionnaire for patient) for the diagnosis of sasang constitution. Based on the above photographs and 3D images, one of the hyungsang medicine specialist diagnosed according to five diagnostic criteria. The sasang constitution was diagnosed by referring to questionnaires and photographs. Frequency analysis was performed using the statistical analysis system version 9.4 and chi-square test was performed for validity evaluation. Results In taeeumin, the wide face shape(n=261, 74.36%) was much more than the narrow shape(n=90, 25.64%) and the convex face profile(n=164, 85.86%) was much more than the concave profile(n=27, 14.14%). Regardless of sasang constitution, angular face shape(n=501, 50%) was the most, followed by oval shape(n=317, 31.64%). Subjects with big ears(n=291, 29.19%) were the most, while big eyes(n=104, 10.43%) were the least. Subjects with eyes and nose tip upward(n=615, 78.05%) were the most, while eyes and nose tip downward(n=22, 2.79%) were the least. Conclusions Most Korean adult women have angular face, such as square or diamond, with slanted eyes and upturned nose. Taeeumin women have wide facial shape and convex profile.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the premenstrual symptoms according to Sasang constitution and to utilize for understanding the characteristics of Sasang constitution. Methods Thirty one female university students participated in this study and Sasang Constitution and patterns of premenstrual symptoms was determined by Questionnaire for Sasang Constitution Classification (QSCC) II and premenstrual symptoms screening tool, respectively. For statistical analysis, chi-square test, analysis of variance and correlation test has been used. Results There existed significant differences in menstrual symptoms between Sasang constitutions. Taeumin had higher body mass index in severe PMS(Premenstrual Symptoms) group than normal/mild PMS group, and Soyang in and Soeumin are vice versa. Taeumin showed depressed mood and hopelessness, decreased interest in school activities, Soyangin showed decreased interest in home activities, and Soeumin showed decreased interest in social activities. In terms of interfered functional activities, Soyangin had increased feeling overwhelmed or out of control and Taeumin and Soeumin had increased hypersomnia. Conclusion Menstrual symptoms are different among Sasang constitutional types based on PSST(Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool). These results may serve as the basis in identifying and treating premenstrual syndromes related to Sasang constitution.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to survey changes in symptoms caused by Sasang medicines. Methods We recruited 45 subjects who were classified 15 typical Soeumin, Soyangin, Taeumin and did a survey about symptoms. We split Soeumin into 3 groups and prescribed medicines Palmulgunja-tang, Yanggyuksanhwa-tang, Taeumjowi-tang. We did same process in Soyangin and Taeumin. After taking medicines for 4 weeks, we did a survey about physical changes. Results There was no consistent changes in symptoms. But medicines which were not suitable to their Sasang constitution induced known reactions. And medicines which were suitable to their Sasang constitution induced reactions. Conclusions Changes in symptoms appeared after taking medicine, but they can be induced by medicine.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate economic decision-making in accordance with Sasang Constitution through Ultimatum Game. Methods 84 subjects classified as Sasang Constitution played Ultimatum Game in two session which are firstly not facing their opponents(responders) and secondly facing ones. And they were also proposed unfair offers(9:1) in the same two session. Amount of proposal and whether they accept or reject to unfair offers were observed. Results and Conclusions Taeeumin tended to offer more to his/her responder in Ultimatum Game when facing the responder then not. Taeeumin seemed to feel more burnden when he/she was facing the responder while Soyangin or Soeumin didn’t.

Objectives This experimental study was designed to investigate the effect of Phaseolus angularis shell on metabolic syndrome. Methods Each 5 C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to normal diet group, high-fat diet(HFD) control group, high-fat diet plus 15.6 mg/kg/day of Orlistat(HFD-Orlistat) group, high-fat diet plus 100mg/kg/day of Phaseolus angularis shell extract(HFD-PAS_E) group. Weight, the blood chemical and hematologic parameter was med. The mRNA expression was assayed through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results In HFD-PAS_E group, the body weight gain, weight of liver, and the level of LDL-Cholesterol were significantly decreased and the level of HDL-Cholesterol were significantly increased. The size of adipocyte in HFD-PAS_E group was smaller than HFD group’s. In HFD-PAS_E group, the expression of leptin, PPAR-γ, AP2/FABP4 mRNA in liver adipocyte tissue was decreased, the expression of Adiponectin, UCP-2 mRNA in liver adipocyte tissue was increased and the expression of Leptin, C/EBP-a, AP2/FABP4 mRNA in epididymal adipocyte tissue was decreased. Conclusion These results suggest that Phaseolus angularis shell has inhibitory effects on metabolic syndrome by reducing the body weight and the levels of lipid contents in high-fat-diet induced obese mice.

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Yeoldahanso-tang on obesity in rats induced by high fat diet experimentally. Methods The experiment was conducted with rats divided into 5 groups. Rats were evaluated for change of weight, hematologic and serum biochemical parameters. Results Yeoldahanso-tang group showed significant reductions in FER, body weight, adipose tissue weight and size. The level of Creatinine, glucose, ALP, T-cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, Leptin and IGF-1 of Yeoldahanso-tang group was significantly lower than those in HFD-CTL group. The level of HDL-cholesterol, free fatty acid and Adiponectin in Yeoldahanso-tang group was significantly higher than those in HFD-CTL group. As compared with HFD-CTL group, AMPK-α1, UCP2 and adiponectin mRNA in liver of Yeoldahanso-tang group were significantly increased and AP2/FABP4, AMPK-α2 and PPAR-γ mRNA in liver of Yeoldahanso-tang group was significantly decreased. Conclusion These results suggest that Yeoldahanso-tang has inhibitory effects on obesity in high fat diet induced obese mice.

Objectives Five cases of early puberty patients were diagnosed and treated according to Sasang constitutional medicine. Methods Seven year-old girl and four nine year-old girls visited the children's development clinic and were diagnosed as Sasang constitutional types according to clinical investigations. Their breast stages were in the 2nd degree of SMR(sexual maturity rating). Three were Taeeumin and two were Soeumin, so they were prescribed according to their Sasang constitutional types and complaints. Results and Conclusions It could show that early puberty patients can be given treatments and managements according to Sasang constitutional medicine.

Objectives Gait disorders are incapacitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease(PD). Here, we report improvements of patients diagnosed with PD treated by Sasang Constitutional Medicine, focused on gait and balance analysis. Methods The patients diagnosed with PD were treated on the basis of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, and their stance and gait status were analyzed by zebris Medical GmbH. To evaluate other general symptoms related with PD, GAS scale, NRS scale, H&Y scale and UPDRS were used. Results Stride length, velocity, stance phase, lateral symmetry were improved in all 6 patients. Other symptoms related to Parkinson's disease were reduced, along with the improvements in GAS scale, NRS scale, H&Y scale and UPDRS score. Conclusion This case study showed Sasang Constitutional Medicine is effective in various symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Especially in regard to the stance and gait status, the improvements were assessed accurately with Gait analysis.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Choweseuncheng-tang on Underlying Edema and weakness by Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT) in a 74-year-old female patient. Methods Patient was treated with Jowiseungcheong-tang. Patient's symptom was assessed NRS, Tape measurement, Motor grade. The treatment was executed three times everyday from May 19th to May 23th, 2017. Patient was observed from May, 18th to May, 23th. Results After 5 days of using Jowiseungcheng-tang, patient's edema symptoms and weakness were evaluated by NRS, Tape measurement, Motor grade. After the treatment, Tape measurement score decreased. The score of Motor grade increased. However, the score of NRS was nonsignificant. Conclusions The results suggest that Jowiseungcheng-tang can be a valuable option in treating Underlying Edema and weakness by DVT.