Abstract : Objectives: Cognitive impairments, ranging from mild to severe, adversely affect daily functioning, quality of life, and work capacity. Despite significant efforts in the past decade, more than 200 promising drug candidates have failed in clinical trials. Herbal remedies are gaining interest as potential treatments for dementia due to their long history and safety, making them valuable for drug development. This review aimed to examine the mechanisms behind the effect of Polygonum multiflorum on cognitive function. Methods: This study focused primarily on the effects of Polygonum multiflorum and its chemical constituents on cognitive behavioral outcomes including the Morris water maze, the passive avoidance test, and the Y maze, as well as pathogenic targets of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) like amyloid deposition, amyloid precursor protein, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive decline. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of the mechanisms behind Polygonum multiflorum’s impact on cognitive function was conducted. We reviewed the most recent data from preclinical research done on experimental models, particularly looking at Polygonum multiflorum’s effects on cognitive decline and AD. Results: According to recent research, Poligonum multiflorum and its bioactive components, stilbene, and emodin, influence cognitive behavioral results and regulate the pathological target of cognitive impairment and AD. Their mechanisms of action include reducing oxidative and mitochondrial damage, regulating neuroinflammation, halting apoptosis, and promoting increased neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Conclusion: This review serves as a comprehensive compilation of current experiments on AD and other cognitive impairment models related to the therapeutic effects of Polygonum multiflorum. We believe that these findings can serve as a basis for future clinical trials and have potential applications in the treatment of human neurological disorders.

Abstract : Objectives: This study introduces the history and types of Korean pharmacopuncture and reports trends of research on Korean pharmacopuncture.Methods:Pharmacopuncture studies were searched from the first year of each search engine to 2014 by using seven domestic and foreign search databases. Selected studies were divided into the history of pharmacopuncture, kinds and features of pharmacopuncture, research types, and experimental and clinic studies and were then classified by year of publication, type of pharmacopuncture, disease, and topic.Results:Pharmacopuncture can be classified into four large groups: meridian field pharmacopuncture (MFP), eight-principles pharmacopuncture (EPP), animal-based pharmacopuncture (ABP) and mountain- ginseng pharmacopuncture, which is a single-co mpound pharmacopuncture (SCP). The largest numbers of studies were reported from 1997 to 2006, after which the numbers decreased until 2014. Of experimental studies, 51.9%, 18.7%. 14.3%, 9% and 3.4% were on SCP, ABP, MFP, formula pharmacopuncture (FP), and EPP, respectively. Of clinical studies, 54.7%, 15.3%. 14.9% 10.0% and 1.5% were on ABP, MFP, EPP, SCP, and FP (1.5%), respectively. Among clinical studies, case reports and case series accounted for 76.5%, followed by randomized controlled trials (RCTs, 16.4%) and non-RCT (13.9%). Musculoskeletal diseases, toxicity and safety tests, anti-cancer effects, and nervous system diseases were mainly treated in experimental studies while musculoskeletal diseases, nervous system diseases, toxicity and safety tests, and autonomic nerve function tests were addressed in clinical studies. Bee venom (BV) was the most frequently-used pharmacopuncture in mechanism studies. Pharmacopuncture was mainly used to treat musculoskeletal diseases.Conclusion: Pharmacopuncture and studies of it have made great progress in Korea. Studies on BV pharmacopuncture and musculoskeletal diseases accounted for most of the studies reported during the review period. Research on the types of pharmacopuncture and diseases has to be expanded. Especially, studies on the use of MFP and EPP for treating patients with various diseases are needed.

Abstract : Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity and wound healing properties of Achillea millefolium essential oil (AMEO) in full-thickness wound model in rat. The antibacterial activity of AMEO was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the broth dilution method.Methods: The 2 cm × 2 cm full-thickness excisional wounds were created on the back of animals. Topical therapy was applied twice a day using 1%, 2%, and 3% w/w AMEO ointments, and the measurement of the wounds area was carried out every 3 days, after that the wound closure percentage was calculated in these days. Hydroxyproline content and histopathological evaluation of wound tissue samples were carried out on day 7 and 14 post wounding. Eucerin was used for the treatment of vehicle control group and negative control group received no treatment.Results: Our results revealed the bacteriostatic activity of AMEO against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Wound healing activity evaluation of AMEO showed the significant increase (p < 0.05) in the wound closure percentages in rats treated with AMEO 1% and 2% comparing to those of non-treatment group. In addition, hydroxyproline contents of tissue significantly (p < 0.01) increased in AMEO 1% and 2% comparing to non-treatment group. Histopathological evaluations of wound tissue samples on day 7 and 14 demonstrated higher accumulation of collagen fibers, reduction of edema and inflammation and also formation of tissue appendages in 1% and 2% AMEO treated groups in comparison with non-treatment group.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that AMEO has the potential to be used as a safe and effective wound healing agent.

Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation with and without acupuncture in a hospital setting.Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed at Rehabilitation center “Kamenskoe Plato” in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 160 patients with Post COVID-19 condition were randomly equally divided into an acupuncture with complex rehabilitation methods and a only complex rehabilitation methods group in the period from March 1, 2022 to July 1, 2022. Either groups was performed for an 10-14 days period. The outcome measures were the Bartel index, the Borg scale, Modified Dyspnea Scale and the 6-minute walking test. Adverse events also were monitored and documented.Results: We found statistically significant improvement after the rehabilitation course with acupuncture in the all scales. And in the group without acupuncture, only on two scales: MDS and Borg scale.Conclusion: Rehabilitation with acupuncture is possible and effective in patients recovering from post-COVID-19. Our findings may be useful to guide clinicians taking care of patients with post-COVID-19.

Abstract : Objectives: Cucumis sativus L. (C. sativus) is vegetable commonly used for managing blood pressure and often consumed in combination with standard antihypertensive therapy, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting their use. Combination of herbs and standard medication could have positive or negative effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of C. sativus and the combined effect with losartan in the hypertensive rat model induced by angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that, upon binding to its receptor, constricts blood vessels leading to elevation of blood pressure. Methods: In an antihypertensive study, rats received C. sativus orally at doses of 9, 18, 27, and 36 mg/kg (full dose); while in a combination study, animals received losartan 2.25 mg/kg combined by either with C. sativus 9 or 18 mg/kg. The standards group received losartan 2.25 mg/kg or 4.5 mg/kg (full dose). Results: Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method. C. sativus significantly attenuated angiotensin II-induced hypertension as observed in groups receiving C. sativus at 9, 18, 27, and 36 mg/kg at 30 minutes after induction showed the average change (Δ) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with respect to time zero were 28.8/18.3, 24.8/15.8, 22.8/15.5, and 11.5/9.0 mmHg, respectively. Whereas the average change (Δ) of SBP and DBP in the rats receiving the combination of half doses of C. sativus and losartan were 8.8/9.0 mmHg, respectively. These diminished effects were better than a full dose of C. sativus and comparable with a full dose of losartan (6.5/7.8 mmHg). Conclusion: The present findings indicate that C. sativus dose-dependently blocks blood pressure elevation induced by angiotensin II. The combination of half dose of C. sativus and losartan has an additive effect in lowering blood pressure.

Abstract : Neurological disorders represent a substantial healthcare burden worldwide due to population aging. Acorus gramineus Solander (AG) and Acorus tatarinowii Schott (AT), whose major component is asarone, have been shown to be effective in neurological disorders. This review summarized current information from preclinical and clinical studies regarding the effects of extracts and active components of AG and AT (e.g., α-asarone and β-asarone) on neurological disorders and biomedical targets, as well as the mechanisms involved. Databases, including PubMed, Embase, and RISS, were searched using the following keywords: asarone, AG, AT, and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and anxiety, epilepsy, and stroke. Meta-analyses and reviews were excluded. A total of 873 studies were collected. A total of 89 studies were selected after eliminating studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Research on neurological disorders widely reported that extracts or active components of AG and AT showed therapeutic efficacy in treating neurological disorders. These components also possessed a wide array of neuroprotective effects, including reduction of pathogenic protein aggregates, antiapoptotic activity, modulation of autophagy, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, regulation of neurotransmitters, activation of neurogenesis, and stimulation of neurotrophic factors. Most of the included studies were preclinical studies that used in vitro and in vivo models, and only a few clinical studies have been performed. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge on AG and AT therapeutic effects as a basis for further clinical studies, and clinical trials are required before these findings can be applied to human neurological disorders.

Abstract : Objectives: Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoleaceae) is cultivated to produce “yerba mate”. Due to its nutritional, energizing, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects, it is used in the elaboration of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The oxidative stress related to protein glycation and production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to the development of several diseases. The objective of this work was to compare the antioxidant and anti-AGEs activity of a decoction of fruits (F) and leaves (L). Methods: The antioxidant activity was assayed by the DPPH assay and the inhibition of egg yolk lipid peroxidation (ILP), and anti-AGEs activity, through the inhibition of the formation of fructosamine (IF), β-amyloid (Iβ), protein carbonylation (IC) and AGEs (IA). Polyphenols were quantified by HPLC. Results: Maximum response ± SEM: For F 0.01 μg/mL: IF = 42 ± 4%, IC = 17 ± 2% and for 10 μg/mL: IA = 38 ± 4%, Iβ = 67 ± 7%. For L 0.1 μg/mL: IF = 35 ± 2%, IC = 19 ± 2% and for 100 μg/mL: IA = 26 ± 3%, Iβ = 63.04 ± 2%. The DPPH IC₅₀ = 134.8 ± 14 μg/mL for F and 34.67 ± 3 μg/mL for L. The ILP IC₅₀ = 512.86 ± 50 μg/mL for F and 154.8 ± 15 μg/mL for L. By HPLC L presented the highest amounts of flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. F and L showed strong anti-AGEs activity, affecting the early stages of glycation at low concentrations and the late stages of glycation at high concentrations. The highest activity for both F and L was seen in the IF and Iβ. F presented the highest anti-AGEs potency. L presented the highest antioxidant potency, which was related to the highest content of polyphenols. Conclusion: The fruits of I. paraguariensis could be a source of antioxidant and anti-AGEs compounds to be used with medicinal purposes or as functional food.

Abstract : Objectives: The Korean Industrial Standard (KS) for sterile acupuncture needles was established in 2009 based on research on the quality control of acupuncture needles. We aimed to determine the quality of acupuncture needles available in South Korea in 2021 by examining their surface condition and chemical composition using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).Methods: In South Korea, there are 23 brands of acupuncture needles, and we examined 10-15 needles from each brand, resulting in a total of 285 needles. The microstructures of the needles were assessed by SEM. Using SEM images, we evaluated the acupuncture needle tips for the following defects/aspects: scratches, lumps, detached coating, bent tip, and tip sharpness. EDS was used to determine the chemical composition of the selected acupuncture needles.Results: Overall, 88.4% of 285 needles were found to have at least one type of abnormality. The most frequently observed abnormalities were scratches and dents on the surface (68.1%), followed by detached coating (63.2%), and lumps (61.8%); blunt tips were observed in about 24% of them. Of 252 needles with at least one defect, 86.9% had two or more types of defects. The ratio of the number of needles with any defect to that of needles without any defect varied among brands, ranging from 50% to 100%. Regarding foreign materials, higher proportions of Si and O were observed on the needles, indicating incomplete or detached silicone coating.Conclusion: The quality of acupuncture needles varied among brands, suggesting that further improvements can be made through various inspection methods.