Eun-Mee Lim

Antiinflammatory effects of Epimedium brevicornum water extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophages

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (Berberidaceae) possesses estrogenic properties. It is one of the most widespread herbal remedies used in Oriental medicine. The present study investigated the effects of Epimedium brevicornum water extract (EB) on proinflammatory mediators secreted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages. EB significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)‐3, IL‐10, IL‐12p40, interferon‐inducible protein‐10, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine, vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL (p < 0.05). These results suggest that EB has antiinflammatory activity related to its inhibition of NO, cytokine, chemokine and growth factor production in macrophages. Copyright

Effects and Safety of Gyejibongnyeong-Hwan on Dysmenorrhea Caused by Blood Stagnation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. This study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and controlled trial with two parallel arms: the GJBNH group and the placebo group. This trial recruited 100 women aging 18 to 35 years with primary dysmenorrhea caused by blood stagnation. The investigational drugs, GJBNH or placebo, were administered for two menstrual periods (8 weeks) to the participants three times per day. The participants were followed up for two menstrual cycles after the administration. Results. The results were analyzed by the intention-to-treat (ITT) dataset and the per-protocol (PP) dataset. In the ITT dataset, the change of the average menstrual pain VAS score in the GJBNH group was statistically significantly lower than that in the control group. Significant difference was not observed in the SF-MPQ score change between the GJBNH group and the placebo group. No significant difference was observed in the PP analyses. In the follow-up phase, the VAS scores of the average menstrual pain and the maximum menstrual pain continually decreased in the placebo group, but they increased in the GJBNH group. Conclusion. GJBNH treatment for eight weeks improved the pain of the dysmenorrhea caused by blood stagnation, but it should be successively administered for more than two menstrual cycles. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with Current Controlled Trials no. ISRCTN30426947.

Effects of Ouhyul Herbal Acupuncture on Experimentally Induced Endometrosis in Rats

Purpose : Endometriosis is characterized by the ectopic growth of uterine tissue in various extrauterine locations. This study examined the macroscopic, hormonal and immunological effects of Ouhyul Herbal Acupuncture(OHA) therapy on rats with experimentally induced endometriosis. Methods : Endometrial tissue was implanted in the serosal wall of the small intestine in rats. The rats were divided randomly into an experimental group and control group. The experimental group was treated with OHA on Kwanwon(CV4) three times per week and the control group was administrated normal saline every day. After 6 weeks, the size of the ectopic uterine tissue was estimated and the serum progesterone, estradiol and cytokines(, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-l0) concentrations were analyzed. Results : The size of the ectopic uterine tissue in the experimantal group was slightly smaller than that in the control group. The estradiol, IL-4 and IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower and the IL-l0 concentration was significantly higher in the serum of the experimental group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of the other cytokines. Conclusion : These results suggest that OHA might be an effective method for treating dometriosis.

Effects of Bee Venom Acupuncture on Surgically Induced Endometriosis in Rats

Purpose : Bee Venom Acupuncture(BVA) is known to affect inflammation and immune system. This study examined the macroscopic, hormonal and immunological effects of BVA on rats with surgically induced endometriosis. Methods : Endometrial tissue was implanted in the serosal wall of the small intestine in rats. The rats were divided randomly into an experimental and control group. The experimental group was treated with BVA injection on kwanwon(CV4) three times per week, and the control group was given an oral dose of normal saline every day. 6 weeks later, the size of the ectopic uterine tissue was estimated, and the serum progesterone, estradiol and cytokine(, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-l0) concentrations were analyzed. Results : The size of the ectopic uterine implants in the experimental group was much smaller than that in the control group. The estradiol, IL-2 concentrations were significantly lower and the IL-6, IL-I0 concentrations were significantly higher in the serum of the experimental group than in the control group, there was no significant difference in the concentration of the other cytokine. Conclusion : These results suggest that BVA is an effective treatment for endometriosis.

A Study about Effects of Gamiguibi-tang on Stress and Digestive Disorder of Women Students with Oligomenorrhea

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to recognize menstrual pattern, stress, digestive disorder of female college students who have oligomenorrhea and effects of Gamiguibi-tang. Methods: We researched 30 female students who responded to have menstrual irregulation at college by questionnaires investigating their menstruation, stress, digestive disorder, and changes of symptoms before and after taking Gamiguibi-tang. Results: 1. There was statistical correlation between menstrual pattern and Qi-Stasis Questionnaire symptoms. 2. There was statistical correlation between menstrual pattern and digestive disorder symptoms. 3. There was statistical correlation between improvement of Qi-Stasis Questionnaire symptoms and usage of Gamiguibi-tang. 4. There was statistical correlation between improvement of digestive disorder symptoms and usage of Gamiguibi-tang. Conclusions: This study showed the stress and digestive disorder symptoms are effectively relieved by Gamiguibi-tang. By this result we expect that Gamiguibi-tang can be used for oligomenorrhea caused by stress or digestive disorder.