Jung-Hee Yoo

Studies on absorption, distribution and metabolism of ginseng in humans after oral administration

AIM OF THE STUDY This study was aimed to characterize the absorption, distribution and metabolism of ginseng in human subjects using pharmacokinetic experiments based on the metabolism by microflora obtained from the feces. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined how intestinal microflora transforms ginsenoside-Rb1 (G-Rb1) and ginseng extracts into Compound k (C-K) using in vitro experiments with microbial flora obtained from the feces of 32 male subjects. Subsequently, Cmax, Tmax and the area under the blood concentration curve (AUC) for C-K in plasma were estimated by quantitative analysis using LC-MS/MS. The correlation between C-K transforming activity and the AUC of C-K in plasma and other properties were analyzed. RESULTS C-K was absorbed into the blood 24h after oral administration of ginseng, with average values for Tmax, Cmax, and AUC as follows: 10.76+/-2.07 h, 27.89+/-24.46(ng/ml), and 221.98+/-221.42(microg h/ml), respectively. There was a correlation between the C-K transforming activity of G-Rb1 and the C-K transforming activity of ginseng extract by intestinal microflora (Spearmans correlation coefficient=0.402, p<0.05). CONCLUSION The absorption of the final metabolites ginseng is independent of the metabolite transforming activity of intestinal microflora, but the Tmax, Cmax and AUC of the transformed metabolites are dependent on the activity of each individuals microbial flora.

Sasang constitutional types can act as a risk factor for insulin resistance

The prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) was found to differ across different constitutional types defined by the Sasang constitutional medicine, a sub-division of the Korean traditional medicine, implying that the constitutional type of an individual is a trait that can act as an independent risk factor for IR.

The Sasang Constitutional Types Can Act as a Risk Factor for Hypertension

It has been suggested that an approach to hypertension based on the constitutional make-up of an individual may be effective. We conducted a retrospective chart review to explore the association of Sasang constitution with hypertension. The results show that the prevalence of hypertension was highest in the Taeeum (TE) constitutional type, and that the TE constitutional type can act as an independent risk factor for hypertension (OR in TE group = 1.37 (CI 1.06–1.78) (vs. non-TE group)). This indicates that the Sasang constitutional type could explain the variability in individual susceptibilities to hypertension, suggesting a novel constitution-based approach to hypertension.

Perspective of the Human Body in Sasang Constitutional Medicine

The Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM), a medical tradition originating from Korea, is distinguished from the traditional Chinese medicine in its philosophical background, theoretical development and especially, the fundamental rationale that analyzes the structure and function of the human body within a quadrifocal scheme. In SCM, the structure of the body is comprehended within the Sasang quadrifocal scheme, and the function of the body is understood within the context of the energy–fluid metabolism and the water–food metabolism controlled by the four main organs (lung, spleen, liver and kidney). Also, the concept of Seong–Jeong is used to explain the structural and functional variations between different constitutional types that arise from the constitutional variations in organ system scheme, which are in turn caused by deviations in the constitutional Seong–Jeong. Therefore, understanding the SCM perspective of the human body is essential in order to fully appreciate the advantages of the constitutional typological system (which focuses on individual idiosyncrasies) found in SCM.

Sasang Constitutional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Comparative Overview

Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) is a holistic typological constitution medicine which balances psychological, social, and physical aspects of an individual to achieve wellness and increase longevity. SCM has the qualities of preventative medicine, as it emphasizes daily health management based on constitutionally differentiated regimens and self-cultivation of the mind and body. This reviews goal is to establish a fundamental understanding of SCM and to provide a foundation for further study. It compares the similarities and differences of philosophical origins, perspectives on the mind (heart), typological systems, pathology, and therapeutics between SCM and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is based on the Taoist view of the universe and humanity. The health and longevity of an individual depends on a harmonious relationship with the universe. On the other hand, SCM is based on the Confucian view of the universe and humanity. SCM focuses on the influence of human affairs on the psyche, physiology, and pathology.

Effectiveness and Safety of Electroacupuncture on Poststroke Urinary Incontinence: Study Protocol of a Pilot Multicentered, Randomized, Parallel, Sham-Controlled Trial.

This pilot multicentered, randomized, parallel, sham-controlled trial is intended to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture therapy for poststroke patients with urinary incontinence. Forty stroke survivors aged >19 years will be recruited in 2 hospitals in the Republic of Korea. Patients who experienced stroke within 2 years and satisfy criteria of urinary frequencies ≥2 with either 3 to 4 points on the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale or 13 points or more on the Korean version of the International Prostate Symptom Scale (K-IPSS) will be identified, along with other eligibility criteria. Patients will be randomly allocated to either a treatment or control group to receive 10 sessions of electroacupuncture or sham therapies, respectively. Patients and outcome assessors will be blinded. The primary outcome is the change of Total Urgency and Frequency Score between the baseline and the trial endpoint. The K-IPSS, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Short Form, and the Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Outcome Score will be evaluated for effectiveness assessment. Adverse events will be reported after every session. The Blinding Index will also be calculated. Data will be statistically analyzed with 0.05 significance levels by 2-sided testing.

Corrigendum to “Acupuncture for Spasticity after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials”

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/870398.].

The Reliability and Validity Test of Sasangin Diagnostic Questionnaire for Specialist(SDQ_S)

The Reliability and Validity Test of Sasangin Diagnostic Questionnaire for Specialist(SDQ_S) Yun-Seong Pak*, Je-Shin kim*, Byung-Joo Park*, Jung-Hee Yoo†, Jun-Hee Lee‡, Byung-Hee Koh‡, Eui-Ju Lee‡ *Dept. of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University †College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University ‡Dept. of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop the Sasangin Diagnostic Questionnaire for Specialist(SDQ_S) and to evaluate the reliability and validity of SDQ_S for standardization of sasang constitutional diagnosis by korean medicine Specialist in clinical practice. Methods SDQ_S was developed through discussions of three sasang constitutional medical specialist. We recruited 210 subjects aged from 20 to 70, and conducted the evaluation of SDQ_S and sasang constitutional diagnosis. For the reliability test, internal consistency was examined by calculating the cronbach’s α coefficient on 88 items excepted measurements of trunk, and independence and agreement was examined by chi-square test and McNemar test for 84 subjects which retested SDQ_S. For the validity test, discriminant functions was derived from the sample group(105 subjects), and they were applied to the test group(105 subjects). We identified the hit-ratio of SDQ_S in the test group. Results and Conclusions In the reliability test, the cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.664 and 87 items(98.9%) have dependent relationships between 1st test and 2nd test. And 39 items(44.3%) have high agreements(0.8≤McNemar), 26 items(29.5%) have common agreements(0.4≤McNemar<0.8). In the validity test, four discriminant variables(Soeum Index, Taeeum Index, Torso Ratio I, Taeyang Index) were selected, and two discriminant functions were derived. Total hit-ratio was 74.2%, and hit-ratio of Taeeumin(76.7%) was higher than that of Soeumin(75.9%) and Soyangin(69.7%). SDQ_S has good reliability and validity for sasang constitutional diagnosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Gwakhyangjeonggi-San Retention Enema in Normal Rats and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The purpose of this study is to establish a protocol of retention-enema experiments and evaluate the antihypertensive effect and the safety of Gwakhyangjeonggi-san retention enema. Normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were divided into treatment and control groups, respectively. We applied the Gwakhyangjeonggi-san extract by decoction and 0.9% NaCl in each group, estimated the blood pressure and body weight, and performed HPLC analysis. ALT, AST, BUN, and creatinine were examined. The systolic blood pressure within each group in normal rats differed significantly in time effect, and so did the diastolic blood pressure in the treatment group of normal rats. The systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure showed significant differences in group effect in the treatment group of the SHRs. The time effect of the body weight in both groups of normal rats differed significantly, so did group × time and time effects in both groups of SHRs. AST, ALT, BUN, and creatinine showed no significant difference between groups. We concluded that the Gwakhyangjeonggi-san retention enema has a hypotensive effect in normal rats within the regular range of blood pressure, but an antihypertensive effect in SHRs. Also, the intervention is safe and does not affect the liver and kidney functions in normal rats.