For Reviewers & Editors
Review Rules for the Journal of Pharmacopuncture
Article. 1. Objective
The following rules are for review and publication based on Article 5 Clause 4 and Article 26 from the Bylaws of the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute.
Article. 2. Reviewer Selection and Appointment
- Reviewers are recommended by the Editorial Board and appointed by the Editor-in-Chief. Reviewers are limited to leading researchers in this field with a track record of published papers. The names of the reviewers are not disclosed.
- No one can assume the roles of Editorial Board member and reviewer at the same time. However, exceptions can be made by the Editor-in-Chief.
- The reviewer invited from the Editor-in-Chief or Editorial Board should submit the decision whether to review or decline to review the article within 3 days. If the reviewer accept the invitation, the reviewer should complete reviewing within 14 days.
- When invited reviewers do not give a review of the assigned paper within 14 days after agreeing to do the review, they are no longer considered as reviewers and continued access to the concerned paper will not be allowed.
Article. 3. Review Process
- Reviewers are assigned to a submitted paper for peerreview. Anything indicating identification of authors is removed from the papers assigned for review. The invited reviewers should give a review of the assigned paper within 15 days after agreeing to do review.
- Reviewers classify the paper as accepted in present form, minor revision (accepted after modest revisions), major revision (reconsidered for acceptance after major changes), and rejected at this stage.
- When the paper is evaluated as minor revision (accepted after modest revisions), the reviewers should specify where should be made corrections. Revised papers are put under a second review by the reviewers or the Editorial Board members to determine whether they are acceptable in revised form.
- When a paper is evaluated as major revision (reconsidered for acceptance after major change), the reviewers should specify where should be made corrections. Revised papers are put under a second review by the reviewers or the Editorial Board members to determine whether they are acceptable in revised form.
- When the paper is rejected at this stage, the reviewers should cite specific reasons as to how the decision was reached.
- Review results will be sent to the authors once the required reviews are completed.
- Reviewers should post review results on the post system of the Journal of Pharmacopuncture. Emails from reviewers and authors are considered as digital signatures.
Article. 4. Criteria for Review
As a peer-reviewed journal, review is a critical element in the editorial process at Journal of Pharmacopuncture. In approaching a review, you can refer to the followings as an objective criteria.
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Research process, results and conclusion should be firmly structured.
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1) Research subject
(1) High levels of understanding for research assignment
(2) A certain framework set for carrying out research
(3) A concise and clear statement of research objectives
(4) A scope of research -
2) Data collection and methods
(1) Appropriate date and information collection and organized use of trial outcomes
(2) Academic approaches based on a certain theory
(3) A detailed description of how extraordinary methods or apparatus are used in trials. A clear statement of the definitions of terms and trial data used in the paper
(4) A clear statement of any factors in the course of the trials -
3) Date analysis and discussion
(1) A right demonstration of creativity and logicality in research with a proper analysis of collected data by using good methods and discussion of the objective of the research
(2) An objective analysis of collected data on a variety of angles -
4) References Citations for how the questions were addressed in other studies
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5) Conclusion
(1) A review of how the research conclusion was reached based on collected data and analysis results
(2) A concise and comprehensive summary taking into account the whole picture
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1) Research subject
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The paper writing process should be sufficiently valid, appropriate, and ethical.
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1) Validity
- A use of organized and scientific methods and flawless procedures.
- A review of how the precise conclusion was gained from the research results -
2) Originality
- Originality is required for the development of academic res-earch. -
3) Objectivity
- Facts and evidence build a good paper. -
4) Fairness
- The disregard other theories because prejudices and misguided stereotypes is discouraged. Even if they are different, they should be treated equally. All information or theories should be evaluated fairly. -
5) Preciseness
- Data collection procedures and trials should be prepared and followed meticulously, with clear information (statistics, citations, names, titles of books and papers) being presented. -
6) Ethics
- Research results should be stated as they are. Other arguments or theories belonging to the other parties should not be treated as your own. -
7) Reproducibility
- If needed, anyone should be able to reproduce what was done in the trials and the papers. Evidence to support arguments, sources of information, research procedures and methods, approaches to research, evaluation standards, etc. should be clearly stated. -
8) Terms
- Terms and sentences that are concise and simple are required in a paper. The research process, results and conclusions should be clearly stated based on the format standards.
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1) Validity
Article. 5. Review Fee
The fee for the review is not paid to the reviewers. However, exceptions can be made by the Editor-in-Chief.
Article. 6. Review Ethics
The review process follows the ethics protocol of the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute. These rules can be revised by adding corrections to the rules related to editing and review.
Additional Clause 1
These rules can be revised by adding corrections to the rules related to editing and review.
Additional Clause 2
These rules are immediately effective as of December 13, 2008.
Additional Clause 3
These rules are immediately effective as of March 31, 2020.
Additional Clause 4
These rules are immediately effective as of July 09, 2024.
Journal Info
Editorial Office
Most Read / Downloaded
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Case Report2023-03-31
Suggested Integrative Approach for Hand Abscess with Cupping Therapy: a case study
Emad Ahmed Fathy Hussein1*, Shahira Hassan Ibrahim Negm1, Tabish Ishaq Shaikh2, Ahmed Helmy Saleh3J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 94-98 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.94Abstract : A forty-three-year-old male patient was diagnosed with an acute abscess in the dorsum of the right hand. On the 5th day of conventional pharmacological therapy the patient was still suffering, and was referred to the Outpatient department (OPD) to evacuate and drain the abscess and treat the edema around the area with Hijama (wet cupping therapy, WCT). The hand abscess was successfully cured within a week using an integrative approach of wet cupping therapy together with conventional drug therapy.
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Review Article2023-03-31
A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Rajkapoor Balasubramanian1*, Naina Mohamed Pakkir Maideen2, Sudha Muthusamy3, Mirunalini Gobinath4J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 1-9 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.1Abstract : Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs frequently among women of reproductive age and is a polygenic, multifactorial, endocrine, and metabolic disorder. PCOS is becoming more common as a result of risk factors such as current lifestyle, overnutrition, and stress. The use of traditional herbal medicine is higher among the global population. Hence, this review article focuses on the potential of Nigella sativa to manage women with PCOS.Methods: A literature search was carried out using databases including Medline, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Embase, and Science Direct, as well as reference lists, to identify relevant publications that support the use of N. sativa in the management of women with PCOS.Results: Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the major bioactive constituent of black seed (N. sativa), thymoquinone, has potential for managing women with PCOS. Moreover, N. sativa may help to manage oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in women with PCOS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Conclusion: N. sativa has potential for use as a herbal medicine for managing women with PCOS as an integrative medicine along with traditional and modern medicine in conjunction with calorie restriction and regular exercise.
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Original Article2023-03-31
Phytochemical, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicity of Moroccan Arbutus unedo Leaves
Latifa Doudach1, Hanae Naceiri Mrabti2,3*, Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli4, Mohamed Reda Kachmar5, Kaoutar Benrahou2, Hamza Assaggaf6, Ahmed Qasem6, Emad Mohamed Abdallah7, Bodour Saeed Rajab6, Khouloud Harraqui8, Mouna Mekkaoui9, Abdelhakim Bouyahya10, Moulay El Abbes Faouzi2J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 27-37 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.27Abstract : Objectives: Moroccan Arbutus unedo is an essential medicinal plant; however, little is known about the biological properties of its leaves mentioned in Moroccan traditional medicine.Methods: Various standard experiments were performed to evaluate the phytochemical, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and acute and sub-chronic toxicity characteristics of A. unedo leaves.Results: Phytochemical screening led to the identification of several phytochemical classes, including tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones, with high concentrations of polyphenols (31.83 ± 0.29 mg GAEs/g extract) and flavonoids (16.66 ± 1.47 mg REs/g extract). Further, the mineral analysis revealed high levels of calcium and potassium. A. unedo extract demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting α-amylase (1.350 ± 0.32 g/mL) and α-glucosidase (0.099 ± 1.21 g/mL) compared to the reference drug Acarbose. Also, the methanolic extract of the plant exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity than the aqueous extract. Precisely, three of the four examined bacterial strains exhibited substantial susceptibility to the methanolic extract . Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values indicated that A. unedo harbor abundant bactericidal compounds. For toxicological studies, mice were administered with A. unedo aqueous extract at single doses of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg. They did not exhibit significant abnormal behavior, toxic symptoms, or death during the 14-day acute toxicity test and the 90-day sub-chronic toxicity test periods. The general behavior, body weight, and hematological and biochemical status of the rats were assessed, revealing no toxicological symptoms or clinically significant changes in biological markers observed in the mice models, except hypoglycemia, after 90 days of daily dose administration.Conclusion: The study highlighted several biological advantages of A. unedo leaves without toxic effects in short-term application. Our findings suggest that conducting more comprehensive and extensive in vivo investigations is of utmost importance to identify molecules that can be formulated into pharmaceuticals in the future.
Abstract
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Review Article2023-03-31
A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Rajkapoor Balasubramanian1*, Naina Mohamed Pakkir Maideen2, Sudha Muthusamy3, Mirunalini Gobinath4J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 1-9 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.1Abstract : Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs frequently among women of reproductive age and is a polygenic, multifactorial, endocrine, and metabolic disorder. PCOS is becoming more common as a result of risk factors such as current lifestyle, overnutrition, and stress. The use of traditional herbal medicine is higher among the global population. Hence, this review article focuses on the potential of Nigella sativa to manage women with PCOS.Methods: A literature search was carried out using databases including Medline, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Embase, and Science Direct, as well as reference lists, to identify relevant publications that support the use of N. sativa in the management of women with PCOS.Results: Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the major bioactive constituent of black seed (N. sativa), thymoquinone, has potential for managing women with PCOS. Moreover, N. sativa may help to manage oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in women with PCOS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Conclusion: N. sativa has potential for use as a herbal medicine for managing women with PCOS as an integrative medicine along with traditional and modern medicine in conjunction with calorie restriction and regular exercise.
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Review Article2023-06-30
A Review on Acupuncture Efficiency in Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome
Natália M. de Oliveira1,2*, Jorge Machado1,2,3, Lara Lopes1,2, Maria Begoña Criado2,4J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(2): 105-123 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.2.105Abstract : Objectives: Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a frequent endocrine pathophysiology among women of fertile age, is associated with woman’s lifespan endocrine, metabolic and psychological implications. Long-term usage side effects of allopathic strategies and their low efficacy made complementary medicine treatments a relevant subject for these patients. The main aim of this work is to review the efficiency of the acupuncture treatment reported in the latest studies on literature regarding PCOS patients.Methods: A comprehensive literature search, in English language, about the use of acupuncture on the management of PCOS, was conducted in October 2020 using EBSCO, Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, Embase, databases for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials between 2015 and 2020 (09/2015-10/2020), following the PRISMA protocol.Results: This research led us to an analysis, according to PICOS, of six final papers selected among 178 in total. The articles addressed distinct aspects of the PCOS condition, diverse acupuncture techniques and different main and secondary outcomes in agreement to the respective main objective. According to this review, acupuncture seems to be useful for the treatment of this debilitating and chronic health condition which affects millions of women worldwide, many of them part of the workforce in their community.Conclusion: Despite of the display of these positive results addressing acupuncture treatments to manage PCOS major symptoms - whether they are reproductive, metabolic, or mental health features - more research is urgent. Randomized, double blinded controlled trials with improved quality design and following STRICTA and/or CONSORT recommendations are necessary to engage acupuncture as a standardized and scientific validated technique in PCOS condition.
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Case Report2023-03-31
Suggested Integrative Approach for Hand Abscess with Cupping Therapy: a case study
Emad Ahmed Fathy Hussein1*, Shahira Hassan Ibrahim Negm1, Tabish Ishaq Shaikh2, Ahmed Helmy Saleh3J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 94-98 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.94Abstract : A forty-three-year-old male patient was diagnosed with an acute abscess in the dorsum of the right hand. On the 5th day of conventional pharmacological therapy the patient was still suffering, and was referred to the Outpatient department (OPD) to evacuate and drain the abscess and treat the edema around the area with Hijama (wet cupping therapy, WCT). The hand abscess was successfully cured within a week using an integrative approach of wet cupping therapy together with conventional drug therapy.