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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 Gobinath4
    J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 1-9 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.1

    Abstract : 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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  • Abstract : Objectives: Murraya paniculata (family-Rutaceae), popularly known as orange jasmine, is the most important evergreen plant. The Rutaceae family is economically significant due to its diverse edible fruits and essential oils.Methods: Murraya paniculata extracts (MPE) of leaf have been shown to include phenolic compounds, highly oxygenated flavonoids, flavanones, sesquiterpenoids, polymethoxy glycosides, and coumarins. Cyclocitral, methyl salicylate, trans-nerolidol, cubenol, isogermacrene, -cadinol, and cubeb-11-ene are all abundant in MPE. The usages of various parts of this plant, such as bark, leaves and flower, as a remedy for a variety of ailments as widely recorded in the traditional literature. The plant has anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, antibacterial, anti-implantation, anti-oxidative, cytotoxic, anti-diarrheal, antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties and many others.Results: The goal of the review is to reignite interest in this potential plant, encouraging researchers to continue their research in order to uncover novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment and management of a range of infections. The current review provided a comprehensive overview of this traditional unique plant.Conclusion: The review paves a way for exploring its active chemical elements with substantial pharmacological values further for potential benefits of mankind.

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  • Original Article2023-03-31

    The Chronic and Acute Toxicity of Traditional Medicines Containing Terminalia chebula

    ARONGQIQIGE1,2, Gerelmaa Enebish1, Wang Song3, Wei Cheng Xi3, Anuujin Gantumur1, Oyunbaatar Altanbayar1, Hirofumi Shimomura4, Battogtokh Chimeddorj1, Batnairamdal Chuluun5, Avarzed Amgalanbaatar6*
    J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 18-26 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.18

    Abstract : Objectives: Terminalia chebula, the main ingredient of Altan Arur 5, has been used for many years in traditional medicine. This medicine is more effective than other drugs and is used to treat chronic gastritis and gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcers and esophageal reflux. Other ingredients of Altan Arur 5 are Punica granatum (pomegranate), tulip seeds, black balm, and excreta of Trogopterus xanthipes. The main ingredients of T. chebula are antibacterial and analgesic in traditional medicine. Despite having been used for many years and although many studies have been conducted on the beneficial effects of this medicine and its ingredients, the toxicity of Altan Arur 5 has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to study the toxicity of Altan Arur 5 to ensure that it is safe to use.Methods: Acute and chronic toxicity of Altan Arur 5 were assessed in 10 Kunming mice and 8 Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively, in different doses. In the acute toxicity study, Altan Arur 5 was orally administered to Kunming mice in doses of 12 g/kg, 24 g/kg, and 48 g/kg for 14 days. In the chronic toxicity study, it was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats in doses of 1.25 g/kg, 2.5 g/kg, and 5 g/kg for 12 weeks.Results: No significant differences were observed in the relative organ weights for mice treated with Altan Arur 5 compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, no macro- or microstructural changes were noted in the organs of any group.Conclusion: Our toxicity testing revealed that the traditional medicine Altan Arur 5 has no toxic effects in vivo. Keywords: traditional

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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 Faouzi2
    J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 27-37 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.27

    Abstract : 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.

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  • JoP
    Original Article2023-03-31

    Effectiveness of the Shugan Jieyu Capsule against Psychiatric Symptoms in Epilepsy: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

    Sejin Kim1, Yunna Kim1,2,3*, Seung-Hun Cho1,2,3*
    J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 38-43 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.38

    Abstract : Objectives: Psychiatric symptoms in epilepsy are very common, and the most common symptoms are depression, insomnia, and anxiety. These symptoms not only lower the quality of life of epilepsy patients, but also elevate the risk of epileptic seizures. There are no specific criteria for the available antiepileptic drugs to ameliorate these symptoms in patients with epilepsy, and there is a lack of evidence to support the efficacy and safety of existing drugs. The Shugan Jieyu capsule (SJC) is a traditional herbal medicine composed of Acanthopanax senticosus and Hypericum perforatum and is reported to be effective in relieving psychiatric symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of SJC as a treatment for psychiatric symptoms in epilepsy patients.Methods: Electronic databases will be investigated for publications in English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. The participants of the study are epilepsy patients with psychiatric symptoms diagnosed using any validated criteria. All types of controls will be compared—placebo, conventional treatments, and no treatment—to groups treated with SJC or modified SJC. We will measure the degree of improvement in psychiatric symptoms and check epileptic symptoms, such as the frequency of seizures. The study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers, who will also assess methodological quality using the risk-of-bias tool by Cochrane. We will use Review Manager software (RevMan) to carry out all statistical analyses.Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed in accordance with the PRISMA-P statement.Conclusion: This systematic review is the first study to assess the efficacy and safety of SJC for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms in epilepsy. We expect that this study will provide clinically applicable evidence for patients with epilepsy when selecting drug treatments.

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  • Abstract : Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases worldwide. The disease initiates with bacterial adherence to the tooth surface followed by the formation of dental plaques. Mutans streptococci and Candida albicans are principal oral microorganisms involved in the initiation and development of dental caries. Phytochemicals have been shown to possess promising antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms and can be used for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Herein, we reviewed literature on plants that are traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties or possess promising anticariogenic activity. We selected aerial parts of Scrophularia striata (S. striata) and galls of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) and investigated their antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms.Methods: Water soluble fractions were obtained from hydroalcoholic extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria and their antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was evaluated separately and in combination. The extracts were then used for preparing an herbal mouthwash whose stability and tannic acid content were evaluated over 60 days.Results: Q. infectoria gall extract possesses efficient antimicrobial activity that was synergistically enhanced in the presence of S. striata extract. Mouthwash prepared using these extracts showed desirable organoleptic characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and stability.Conclusion: Extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria galls can be used together for preparing dental products with effective anticariogenic properties. Our study highlights the importance of extensive pharmacological investigations when using herbal products alone or in combination with other chemical substances.

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Aims & Scope

Journal of Pharmacopuncture(JoP) is an international, peer-reviewed open-access journal published in English by the Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute (KPI). The journal has provided high-quality papers quarterly since it was launched in 1997. Its ISSN was changed in September 2010 from 1226-4849 to 2093-6966 when its title was changed from daehanyakchimhakhweiji to Journal of Pharmacopuncture. The journal aims to publish evidence-based, scientific research papers in the multidisciplinary field of traditional and modern medicine through a strict review process by a panel of experts. As an international journal, Journal of Pharmacopuncture also aims to present major advances and new developments contributing to the advancement of complementary and alternative medicine, with a special focus on pharmacology, acupuncture and a combination of pharmacology and acupuncture. The journal is dedicated to disseminating current data and ideas and fostering debate on issues related to complementary and alternative medicine and to providing better information to both the general public and experts. In addition, the journal requires high standards of research ethics to maintain the integrity of science.
The official title of the journal is the 'Journal of Pharmacopuncture' and the abbreviated title is ‘J. Pharmacopunct’. For submission, see the details at http://www.journal-pharm.com

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Journal of Pharmacopuncture
March, 2023
Vol.26 No.1

pISSN 2093-6966
eISSN 2234-6856
Quarterly

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    • JoP
      Original Article2021-06-30

      Quality Control of Pharmacopuncture: A Comparative Study of Good Manufacturing Practice and External Herbal Dispensary Standards

      Ji-Eun Han1, Minjung Park2, Tteul-E-Bom An3, Jong-Hyun Park4, Danny Oh5, Kyeong Han Kim6*, Soo-Hyun Sung1*
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(2): 59-67 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.2.59

      Abstract : Objectives: We aimed to compare the external herbal dispensary (EHD) evaluation criteria for pharmacopuncture and the Korea Good Manufacturing Practice (KGMP) sterile medicine standards to contribute to the establishment of quality control criteria for pharmacopuncture.Methods: We obtained the KGMP standards from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the pharmacopuncture certification criteria from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea. The EHD evaluation items were classified into three categories: facilities, quality control, and validation. The evaluation items were compared with the KGMP sterile medicine criteria to determine their conformance with each other, followed by a discussion among the committee of six experts and their consensus to suggest the items to complement the EHD evaluation criteria.Results: Among the KGMP sterile medicine criteria, 44 were related to the management of the facilities, and 32 pharmacopuncture evaluation items corresponded to these KGMP items (66.7%). Fifty-eight KGMP criteria were related to quality management, and 42 pharmacopuncture evaluation items corresponded to these KGMP items (72.4%). Twenty-five KGMP sterile medicine criteria were related to validation, and 11 pharmacopuncture evaluation items corresponded to these KGMP items (44.0%). Sixteen items under the pharmacopuncture EHD criteria corresponded to the KGMP sterile medicine criteria based on the consent of the experts. Among these, 4 were related to facility management, 6 were related to quality control, and 6 were related to validation.Conclusion: For the safety and quality control of pharmacopuncture, there is a need to select the criteria for the mandatory items among the proposed pharmacopuncture-EHD criteria laws and systems to ensure that the pharmacopuncture materials are produced under the pharmacopuncture-EHD in compliance with the relevant requirements. More studies are needed to secure the safety level of pharmacopuncture materials corresponding to that of conventional medicine.

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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 Saleh3
      J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 94-98 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.94

      Abstract : 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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    • Systematic Review2021-12-31

      Effect of Manual Acupuncture for Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

      Jeong Ho Huh1†, Hye In Jeong2†, Kyeong Han Kim3,4*
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 153-164 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.153

      Abstract : Objectives: Despite the low cost and high accessibility of manual acupuncture (MA) treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this intervention has not been uniformly evaluated in systematic reviews (SR), and no SR has evaluated MA monotherapy for CTS. This review was conducted to summarize the findings and undertake a quality assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment methods for mild-tomoderate CTS to identify clinical evidence for the use of MA in CTS.Methods: We searched five databases for articles on relevant RCTs that were published until June 2021 without imposing specific restrictions, such as age or sex, on CTS patients. RCTs that evaluated MA were included without any restriction on comparator interventions. Measurement tools for evaluating pain reduction and functional improvement or for evaluating efficacy using electrophysiological indicators were included as outcome measures.Results: We included seven RCTs, of which three studies reported both post-treatment improvement effects and statistical significance using p-values for all outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant intergroup differences (p-values for all outcomes) in posttreatment improvement. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects of MA. In all of the RCTs, the reporting rates of the 2c, 2a, and 6a items of STRICTA 2010 were 14%, 29%, and 29%, respectively. PC7 (Daereung) was used to treat CTS in all of the included studies.Conclusion: MA can be used for CTS treatment without serious adverse effects. PC7 was the most commonly used acupoint. In order to ensure objective and reliable reporting, accurate standardization of acupuncture treatment methods acupoint terms should be undertaken in future RCTs.

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    • Systematic Review2021-06-30

      Effect of Complementary Medicine on Pain Relief and Wound Healing after Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review

      Azin Niazi1, Maryam Moradi2*, Vahid Reza Askari3, Neda Sharifi4
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(2): 41-53 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.2.41

      Abstract : Objectives: Cesarean sections are one of the common surgical procedures around the world. Management of cesarean section side effects, including pain, hematoma, delayed wound healing, is of particular importance in maintaining maternal health and ability to care for the baby. The tendency to use complementary medicine strategies is on the rise because of the easy treatment with low side effects. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of clinical trials performed in Iran and worldwide on the effect of complementary medicine on pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.Methods: PRISMA checklist was followed to prepare the report of this systematic review. The search process was carried out on databases on databases of Magiran, SID, Iran Medex, Scopus, Pub Med, Science direct, Medline and Cochrane library using keywords of cesarean, pain, wound healing, Herbal medicine, acupressure, massage, complementary medicine and their Persian equivalent and all possible combinations, from inception until February 2020. We used the Jadad scale to assess the quality of the searched articles. According to the Jadad scale, the articles with a score of at least 3 were included in the study.Results: Finally, 28 clinical trials (with a sample size of 3,245) scored at least 3 on the Jadad scale were included into the analysis. This article reviewed 13 articles on medicinal herbs, 4 articles on massage, 1 article on reflexology, 2 articles on acupressure.Conclusion: According to the present review, the use of medicinal herbs was the most common method of complementary medicine in pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.

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    • Original Article2021-06-30

      Regulatory Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Decreased β-Catenin Expression in Alopecia Models by Testosterone and PMA Treatment in Dermal Papilla Cells

      Yoon-Jong Park1, Jae-Min Ryu1, Han-Heom Na1,2, Hyun-Suk Jung2,3, Bokhye Kim2, Jin-Sung Park4, Byung-Soo Ahn4,5, Keun-Cheol Kim1,2*
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(2): 68-75 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.2.68

      Abstract : Objectives: The hair follicle is composed of more than 20 kinds of cells, and mesoderm derived dermal papilla cells and keratinocytes cooperatively contribute hair growth via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We are to investigate β-catenin expression and regulatory mechanism by CBD in alopecia hair tissues and dermal papilla cells. Methods: We performed structural and anatomical analyses on alopecia patients derived hair tissues using microscopes. Pharmacological effect of CBD was evaluated by β-catenin expression using RT-PCR and immunostaining experiment. Results: Morphological deformation and loss of cell numbers in hair shaft were observed in alopecia hair tissues. IHC experiment showed that loss of β-catenin expression was shown in inner shaft of the alopecia hair tissues, indicating that β-catenin expression is a key regulatory function during alopecia progression. Consistently, β-catenin expression was decreased in testosterone or PMA treated dermal papilla cells, suggesting that those treatments are referred as a model on molecular mechanism of alopecia using dermal papilla cells. RT-PCR and immunostaining experiments showed that β-catenin expression was decreased in RNA level, as well as decreased β-catenin protein might be resulted from ubiquitination. However, CBD treatment has no changes in gene expression including β-catenin, but the decreased β-catenin expression by testosterone or PMA was restored by CBD pretreatment, suggesting that potential regulatory effect on alopecia induction of testosterone and PMA. Conclusion: CBD might have a modulating function on alopecia caused by hormonal or excess of signaling pathway, and be a promising application for on alopecia treatment.

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    • Systematic Review2021-06-30

      Effect of Complementary Medicine on Pain Relief and Wound Healing after Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review

      Azin Niazi1, Maryam Moradi2*, Vahid Reza Askari3, Neda Sharifi4
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(2): 41-53 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.2.41

      Abstract : Objectives: Cesarean sections are one of the common surgical procedures around the world. Management of cesarean section side effects, including pain, hematoma, delayed wound healing, is of particular importance in maintaining maternal health and ability to care for the baby. The tendency to use complementary medicine strategies is on the rise because of the easy treatment with low side effects. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of clinical trials performed in Iran and worldwide on the effect of complementary medicine on pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.Methods: PRISMA checklist was followed to prepare the report of this systematic review. The search process was carried out on databases on databases of Magiran, SID, Iran Medex, Scopus, Pub Med, Science direct, Medline and Cochrane library using keywords of cesarean, pain, wound healing, Herbal medicine, acupressure, massage, complementary medicine and their Persian equivalent and all possible combinations, from inception until February 2020. We used the Jadad scale to assess the quality of the searched articles. According to the Jadad scale, the articles with a score of at least 3 were included in the study.Results: Finally, 28 clinical trials (with a sample size of 3,245) scored at least 3 on the Jadad scale were included into the analysis. This article reviewed 13 articles on medicinal herbs, 4 articles on massage, 1 article on reflexology, 2 articles on acupressure.Conclusion: According to the present review, the use of medicinal herbs was the most common method of complementary medicine in pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.

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    • Review Article2021-09-30

      Literature Review on Korean Medicine Treatment for Alopecia

      Seul Woo Leem1†, Min Kyeong Kim1†, Seo Lim Ko1, Hye In Jeong2, Kyeong Han Kim3,4*
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(3): 93-106 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.3.93

      Abstract : This study aimed to analyze the use of Korean medicine treatments for alopecia in among clinical studies. We identified and analyzed 22 studies from Korean databases; Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Science ON, Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), and Research Information Sharing Service (RISS) and international database; PubMed. We analyzed the Korean medical treatment in each case and determined the tendency to use each intervention. We analyzed 1,464 patients from 22 selected studies. Herbal medicine, acupuncture, external medicine or products, pharmacopuncture, and phototherapy were used for alopecia treatment. The herbal medicines mainly used to treat alopecia were Gagam Cheongyoung-tang, Gagam Hwajung-hwan, and Yukmijihwang-tang·hwan. The acupoints primarily used were GV20, EX-HN1, GB5, KI3, PC6, ST36, GV22, and A-shi. The most commonly used pharmacopuncture therapies were Hwangryunhaedoktang (HH), Carthami Fructus (CF), Bee Venom (BV), and Hominis placenta (HP). The Korean medical treatment for alopecia improved the condition of patients. However, seven studies reported the occurrence of side effects such as pruritus, dazed, drowsiness, headache, pain, and diarrhea. This study shows the potential of Korean medicine for the treatment of alopecia. Further studies with a large sample size and long-term follow-up are warranted to establish the primary treatment guidelines and objective out-come measures for alopecia.

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    • Original Article2021-06-30

      Regulatory Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Decreased β-Catenin Expression in Alopecia Models by Testosterone and PMA Treatment in Dermal Papilla Cells

      Yoon-Jong Park1, Jae-Min Ryu1, Han-Heom Na1,2, Hyun-Suk Jung2,3, Bokhye Kim2, Jin-Sung Park4, Byung-Soo Ahn4,5, Keun-Cheol Kim1,2*
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(2): 68-75 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.2.68

      Abstract : Objectives: The hair follicle is composed of more than 20 kinds of cells, and mesoderm derived dermal papilla cells and keratinocytes cooperatively contribute hair growth via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We are to investigate β-catenin expression and regulatory mechanism by CBD in alopecia hair tissues and dermal papilla cells. Methods: We performed structural and anatomical analyses on alopecia patients derived hair tissues using microscopes. Pharmacological effect of CBD was evaluated by β-catenin expression using RT-PCR and immunostaining experiment. Results: Morphological deformation and loss of cell numbers in hair shaft were observed in alopecia hair tissues. IHC experiment showed that loss of β-catenin expression was shown in inner shaft of the alopecia hair tissues, indicating that β-catenin expression is a key regulatory function during alopecia progression. Consistently, β-catenin expression was decreased in testosterone or PMA treated dermal papilla cells, suggesting that those treatments are referred as a model on molecular mechanism of alopecia using dermal papilla cells. RT-PCR and immunostaining experiments showed that β-catenin expression was decreased in RNA level, as well as decreased β-catenin protein might be resulted from ubiquitination. However, CBD treatment has no changes in gene expression including β-catenin, but the decreased β-catenin expression by testosterone or PMA was restored by CBD pretreatment, suggesting that potential regulatory effect on alopecia induction of testosterone and PMA. Conclusion: CBD might have a modulating function on alopecia caused by hormonal or excess of signaling pathway, and be a promising application for on alopecia treatment.

      Abstract
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    • Systematic Review2021-12-31

      Effect of Manual Acupuncture for Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

      Jeong Ho Huh1†, Hye In Jeong2†, Kyeong Han Kim3,4*
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 153-164 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.153

      Abstract : Objectives: Despite the low cost and high accessibility of manual acupuncture (MA) treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this intervention has not been uniformly evaluated in systematic reviews (SR), and no SR has evaluated MA monotherapy for CTS. This review was conducted to summarize the findings and undertake a quality assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment methods for mild-tomoderate CTS to identify clinical evidence for the use of MA in CTS.Methods: We searched five databases for articles on relevant RCTs that were published until June 2021 without imposing specific restrictions, such as age or sex, on CTS patients. RCTs that evaluated MA were included without any restriction on comparator interventions. Measurement tools for evaluating pain reduction and functional improvement or for evaluating efficacy using electrophysiological indicators were included as outcome measures.Results: We included seven RCTs, of which three studies reported both post-treatment improvement effects and statistical significance using p-values for all outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant intergroup differences (p-values for all outcomes) in posttreatment improvement. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects of MA. In all of the RCTs, the reporting rates of the 2c, 2a, and 6a items of STRICTA 2010 were 14%, 29%, and 29%, respectively. PC7 (Daereung) was used to treat CTS in all of the included studies.Conclusion: MA can be used for CTS treatment without serious adverse effects. PC7 was the most commonly used acupoint. In order to ensure objective and reliable reporting, accurate standardization of acupuncture treatment methods acupoint terms should be undertaken in future RCTs.

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    • JoP
      Original Article2021-06-30

      Quality Control of Pharmacopuncture: A Comparative Study of Good Manufacturing Practice and External Herbal Dispensary Standards

      Ji-Eun Han1, Minjung Park2, Tteul-E-Bom An3, Jong-Hyun Park4, Danny Oh5, Kyeong Han Kim6*, Soo-Hyun Sung1*
      J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(2): 59-67 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.2.59

      Abstract : Objectives: We aimed to compare the external herbal dispensary (EHD) evaluation criteria for pharmacopuncture and the Korea Good Manufacturing Practice (KGMP) sterile medicine standards to contribute to the establishment of quality control criteria for pharmacopuncture.Methods: We obtained the KGMP standards from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the pharmacopuncture certification criteria from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea. The EHD evaluation items were classified into three categories: facilities, quality control, and validation. The evaluation items were compared with the KGMP sterile medicine criteria to determine their conformance with each other, followed by a discussion among the committee of six experts and their consensus to suggest the items to complement the EHD evaluation criteria.Results: Among the KGMP sterile medicine criteria, 44 were related to the management of the facilities, and 32 pharmacopuncture evaluation items corresponded to these KGMP items (66.7%). Fifty-eight KGMP criteria were related to quality management, and 42 pharmacopuncture evaluation items corresponded to these KGMP items (72.4%). Twenty-five KGMP sterile medicine criteria were related to validation, and 11 pharmacopuncture evaluation items corresponded to these KGMP items (44.0%). Sixteen items under the pharmacopuncture EHD criteria corresponded to the KGMP sterile medicine criteria based on the consent of the experts. Among these, 4 were related to facility management, 6 were related to quality control, and 6 were related to validation.Conclusion: For the safety and quality control of pharmacopuncture, there is a need to select the criteria for the mandatory items among the proposed pharmacopuncture-EHD criteria laws and systems to ensure that the pharmacopuncture materials are produced under the pharmacopuncture-EHD in compliance with the relevant requirements. More studies are needed to secure the safety level of pharmacopuncture materials corresponding to that of conventional medicine.

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