Efficacy of probiotics in hair growth and dandruff control: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Probiotics are intellectually rewarding for the discovery of their potential as a source of functional food. Investigating the economic and beauty sector dynamics, this study conducted a comprehensive review of scholarly articles to evaluate the capacity of probiotics to promote hair growth and manage dandruff. Methods: We used the PRISMA 2020 with Embase, Pubmed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, and ICTRP databases to investigate studies till May 2023. Meta-analyses utilizing the random effects model were used with odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD). Result: Meta-analysis comprised eight randomized clinical trials and preclinical studies. Hair growth analysis found a non-significant improvement in hair count (SMD = 0.32, 95 % CI -0.10 to 0.75) and a significant effect on thickness (SMD = 0.92, 95 % CI 0.47 to 1.36). In preclinical studies, probiotics significantly induced hair follicle count (SMD = 3.24, 95 % CI 0.65 to 5.82) and skin thickness (SMD = 2.32, 95 % CI 0.47 to 4.17). VEGF levels increased significantly (SMD = 2.97, 95 % CI 0.80 to 5.13), while IGF-1 showed a non-significant inducement (SMD = 0.53, 95 % CI -4.40 to 5.45). For dandruff control, two studies demonstrated non-significant improvement in adherent dandruff (OR = 1.31, 95 % CI 0.13-13.65) and a significant increase in free dandruff (OR = 5.39, 95 % CI 1.50-19.43). Hair follicle count, VEGF, IGF-1, and adherent dandruff parameters were recorded with high heterogeneity. For the systematic review, probiotics have shown potential in improving hair growth and controlling dandruff through modulation of the immune pathway and gut-hair axis. The Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, IGF-1 pathway, and VEGF are key molecular pathways in regulating hair follicle growth and maintenance. Conclusions: This review found significant aspects exemplified by the properties of probiotics related to promoting hair growth and anti-dandruff effect, which serve as a roadmap for further in-depth studies to make it into pilot scales.

Photoprotective effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata extracts on UVB-induced photoaging: A study on skin barrier protection.

AIM: Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata exhibit promising potential as cosmetic additives for mitigating skin barrier impairment induced by photoaging. Despite their potential, the precise mechanisms underlying their protective and ameliorative effects remain elusive. This study sought to assess the reparative properties of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Pueraria lobata extracts (LP) on UVB-irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and explore the therapeutic potential of LP as a skin barrier protection agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant activities were gauged through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. The expression levels of skin barrier-related markers, encompassing metalloproteinases (MMPs) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) were scrutinized using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, and Western blotting, with a particular focus on the involvement of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß/Smad and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. RESULTS: The study revealed that LP effectively scavenges free radicals, diminishes ROS production in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly attenuates UVB-induced expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 through modulation of the hyaluronan synthase (HAS)2/HYAL1 signaling axis in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Additionally, LP demonstrated enhanced TGF-ß signaling activation, fostering procollagen type I synthesis, and concurrently exhibited mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/NF-κB signaling inactivation, thereby mitigating pro-inflammatory cytokine release and alleviating UVB-induced cellular damage. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the observed protective effects of LP on skin cellular constituents highlight its substantial biological potential for shielding against UVB-induced skin photoaging, positioning it as a promising candidate for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Antiaging effects of the mixture of Panax ginseng and Crataegus pinnatifida in human dermal fibroblasts and healthy human skin.

BACKGROUND: Human skin undergoes distinct changes throughout the aging process, based on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In a process called photoaging, UVB irradiation leads to upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1, which then causes collagen degradation and premature aging. Mixtures of medicinal plants have traditionally been used as drugs in oriental medicine. Based on the previously reported antioxidant properties of Panax ginseng Meyer and Crataegus pinnatifida, we hypothesized that the mixture of P. ginseng Meyer and C. pinnatifida (GC) would have protective effects against skin aging. METHODS: Anti-aging activity was examined both in human dermal fibroblasts under UVB irradiation by using Western blot analysis and in healthy human skin by examining noninvasive measurements. RESULTS: In vitro studies showed that GC improved procollagen type I expression and diminished matrix metalloproteinase-1 secretion. Based on noninvasive measurements, skin roughness values, including total roughness (R1), maximum roughness (R2), smoothness depth and average roughness (R3), and global photodamage scores were improved by GC application. Moreover, GC ameliorated the high values of smoothness depth (R4), which means that GC reduced loss of skin moisture. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that GC can prevent aging by inhibiting wrinkle formation and increasing moisture in the human skin.

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of "enzyme-treated red ginseng powder complex (BG11001)" for antiwrinkle and proelasticity in individuals with healthy skin.

BACKGROUND: During the aging process, skin shows visible changes, characterized by a loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles due to reduced collagen production and decreased elasticity of elastin fibers. Panax ginseng Meyer has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases due to its wide range of biological activities including skin protective effects. Ginsenosides are the main components responsible for the biological activities of ginseng. However, the protective activities of an enzymatic preparation of red ginseng against human skin aging have not been investigated. METHODS: The efficacy of an enzyme-treated powder complex of red ginseng (BG11001) in preventing human skin aging was evaluated by oral administration to 78 randomized individuals. All patients were requested to take three daily capsules containing either 750 mg of BG11001 or a placebo vehicle for 24 wk; at the end of the testing period, skin roughness, elasticity, and skin water content were measured. RESULTS: BG11001 significantly reduced the average roughness of eye wrinkles and the Global Photo Damage Score compared with the placebo, although there were no significant differences in arithmetic roughness average between the groups. In addition, gross elasticity and net elasticity values increased, and transepidermal water loss level decreased, indicating improved skin elasticity and moisture content. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract significantly improved eye wrinkle roughness, skin elasticity, and moisture content. Moreover, enzyme-treated red ginseng extract would be useful substance as a bio-health skin care product.

Rosa hybrida extract suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell responses by the targeting of signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression.

The pharmacological effects of Rosa hybrida are well known in the cosmetics industry. However, the role of Rosa hybrida in cardiovascular biology had not previously been investigated, to the best of our knowledge. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of water extract of Rosa hybrida (WERH) on platelet­derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMC proliferation, which was stimulated by PDGF, was inhibited in a non-toxic manner by WERH treatment, which also diminished the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AKT. Treatment with WERH also induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, which was due to the decreased expression of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and induced p21WAF1 expression in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, WERH treatment suppressed the migration and invasion of VSMCs stimulated with PDGF. Treatment with WERH abolished the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and decreased the binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and specificity protein 1 (Sp1) motifs in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. WERH treatment inhibited the proliferation of PDGF­stimulated VSMCs through p21WAF1­mediated G1-phase cell cycle arrest, by decreasing the kinase activity of cyclin/CDK complexes. Furthermore, WERH suppressed the PDGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT in VSMCs. Finally, treatment with WERH impeded the migration and invasion of VSMCs stimulated by PDGF by downregulating MMP-9 expression and a reduction in NF-κB, AP-1 and Sp1 activity. These results provide new insights into the effects of WERH on PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, and we suggest that WERH has the potential to act as a novel agent for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular diseases.

Massilia humi sp. nov. isolated from soil in Incheon, South Korea.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-S6.8(T), was isolated from soil in Incheon, South Korea. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain THG-S6.8(T) was moderately related to Massilia plicata 76(T) (97.3 %), Massilia dura 16(T) (97.2 %) and Massilia albidiflava 45(T) (96.9 %). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-S6.8(T) possesses ubiquinone-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) and C16:0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-S6.8(T) and Massilia plicata KCTC 12344(T) and Massilia dura KACC 12342(T) was 38.7 and 40.5 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 66.8 %. These data, together with phenotypic characterization, suggest the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Massilia humi sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-S6.8(T) as the type strain (=KCTC 42737(T) = CCTCC AB 2015296(T)).

Luteimonas terrae sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Radix ophiopogonis.

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped and bright-yellow-pigmented bacterium, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, designated THG-MD21T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Radix ophiopogonis in Henan province, PR China. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain THG-MD21T belongs to the genus Luteimonas and was most closely related to Luteimonas aestuarii B9T (98.2 % sequence similarity), Lysobacter panaciterrae Gsoil 068T (97.2 %) and Luteimonas marina FR1330T (97.0 %). The DNA G+C content was 64.4 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-MD21T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was below 30.0 %. The only isoprenoid quinone detected in strain THG-MD21T was ubiquinone-8.The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol, and the predominant fatty acids were iso-C11 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and characteristics revealed by a polyphasic study showed that strain THG-MD21T represents a novel species, for which the name Luteimonas terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-MD21T ( = KACC 18131T = JCM 30122T).

Nocardioides flava sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere of poppy plant, Republic of Korea.

Phylogenetic and taxonomic characterization was performed for bacterium, designated strain THG-DN5.4(T), isolated from the rhizosphere of poppy plant collected from Gyeryongsan, Republic of Korea. Strain THG-DN5.4(T) consists of Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile rods. The bacteria grow optimally at 18-30 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 0.5-1.0 % NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-DN5.4(T) was found to be most closely related to Nocardioides nitrophenolicus KCTC 047BP(T), followed by Nocardioides ginsengisoli KCTC 19135(T), Nocardioides kongjuensis KCTC 19054(T), Nocardioides simplex KACC 20620(T), Nocardioides aromaticivorans KACC 20613(T), Nocardioides daeguensis KCTC 19799(T) and Nocardioides caeni KCTC 19600(T). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-DN5.4(T) and closely related phylogenetic neighbors was below 45.0 %, and the DNA G+C content of strain THG-DN5.4(T) was 70.8 mol%. An isoprenoid quinone was identified as MK-8(H4). Strain THG-DN5.4(T) was characterized chemotaxonomically as having LL-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, some unidentified aminolipids and some unidentified polar lipids. iso-C16:0 and C18:1 ω9c were identified as the major fatty acids present in THG-DN5.4(T). On the basis of a polyphasic taxonomic study, strain THG-DN5.4(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DN5.4(T) (=KCTC 39606(T)=CCTCC AB 2015298(T)).

Microbacterium horti sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from Cucurbita maxima cultivating soil.

A novel bacterial strain THG-SL1(T) was isolated from a soil sample of Cucurbita maxima garden and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-positive, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was aerobic, catalase positive and weakly positive for oxidase. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis but it shared highest similarity with Microbacterium ginsengisoli KCTC 19189(T) (96.6 %), indicating that strain THG-SL1(T) belongs to the genus Microbacterium. The DNA G + C content of the isolate was 68.9 mol %. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15: 0 (39.7 %), anteiso-C17: 0 (24.4 %) and iso-C16: 0 (18.5 %). The major polar lipids of strain THG-SL1(T) were phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and an unidentified glycolipid (GL). The predominant respiratory isoprenoid quinones were menaquinone-11 and menaquinone-12. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ornithine. Based on the results of polyphasic characterization, strain THG-SL1(T) represented a novel species within the genus Microbacterium, for which the name Microbacterium horti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-SL1(T) (=KACC 18286(T)=CCTCC AB 2015117(T)).

Deqi Is Double-Faced: The Acupuncture Practitioner's and the Subject's Perspective.

Background. While therapeutic acupuncture perception (deqi) has recently been investigated only for the subject's perception, classical acupuncture discussed acupuncture perception for both the practitioner and the subject. The aim of this study was to explore the practitioner's and the subject's acupuncture perception during acupuncture. Methods. Explorative crossover study to quantitatively document acupuncture perception of both the practitioner and the subject. Eighty-one participants acted as a practitioner or a subject. The practitioner's and the subject's acupuncture perceptions were collected using self-report type checklists. Acupuncture needles were inserted to LI4 or ST36, adopting a four-phase method: insertion into shallow, middle, and deep depths, followed by twirling manipulation. Pain, transmission, dullness, and soreness feelings of the subject and thick, tangled, solid, and empty feelings of the practitioner were analyzed for their correlation. Results. The practitioner's and the subject's perception showed a significant correlation. Acupuncture perception varied over four phases of needling, with a tendency to be rated higher when inserted deep. Perception for LI4 was generally higher than those for ST36. Conclusion. The practitioner's acupuncture perception was successfully documented and analyzed in relation to the subject's acupuncture perception and different needling conditions.

Pseudoxanthomonas humi sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from rhizospheric soil of Fraxinus chinensis in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.

A novel bacterial strain THG-MM13(T) was isolated from rhizospheric soil sample and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, and optimum growth temperature and pH were 28 °C and 7.0, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-MM13(T) (KM598260) belongs to the genus Pseudoxanthomonas and is most closely related to Pseudoxanthomonas wuyuanensis KCTC 23877(T) (97.4 %) (JN247803), followed by Pseudoxanthomonas koreensis KCTC 12208(T) (96.7 %) (AY550263) and Pseudoxanthomonas yeongjuensis KACC 11580(T) (96.7 %) (DQ438977). The DNA G + C content was 63.7 mol%, and the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 (31.3 %) and iso-C16:0 (19.3 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain THG-MM13(T) and P. wuyuanensis KCTC 23877(T) was below 50 %. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and results of the genotypic analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain THG-MM13(T) represented a novel species within the genus Pseudoxanthomonas, for which the name Pseudoxanthomonas humi is proposed. The type strain is THG-MM13(T) (=KACC 18280(T) = CCTCC AB 2015122(T)).

Sphingobium soli sp. nov. isolated from rhizosphere soil of a rose.

Strain THG-SQA7(T), a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from rhizosphere soil of a rose in PR China. Strain THG-SQA7(T) is closely related to the members of the genus Sphingobium, showing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Sphingobium lactosutens KACC 18100(T) (98.2%) and Sphingobium abikonense KCTC 2864(T) (98.1%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain THG-SQA7(T) and S. lactosutens KACC 18100(T) and S. abikonense KCTC 2864(T) was 26.2 ± 0.9 and 28.3 ± 1.2%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data showed that strain THG-SQA7(T) possesses ubiquinone Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and C(18:1)ω7c, C(16:0), summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or C(16:1)ω6c) and C(14:0) 2OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine. Based on these results, together with phenotypic characterization, a novel species, Sphingobium soli sp. nov. is proposed.with the type strain is THG-SQA7(T) (=CCTCC AB 2015125(T) = KCTC 42607(T)).

Sphingosinicella cucumeris sp. nov., isolated from soil of a cucumber garden.

A novel bacterial strain, THG-sc1(T), was isolated from a soil sample of a cucumber garden and was characterised by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was found to be aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, esculin and starch negative, and to have an optimum growth temperature and pH of 28 °C and 7.5, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-sc1(T) was found to belong to the genus Sphingosinicella and to be closely related to Sphingosinicella vermicomposti KCTC 22446(T), followed by Sphingosinicella xenopeptidilytica DSM 17130(T) and Sphingosinicella microcystinivorans KCTC 12019(T). The DNA G+C content was determined to be 60.8 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone-10. The major polyamine was found to be sym-homospermidine. The major polar lipids were identified as sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were identified as C(18:1)ω7c, C(16:0) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH, as defined by MIDI). The results of the genotypic analysis, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that strain THG-sc1(T) represents a novel species within the genus Sphingosinicella, for which the name Sphingosinicella cucumeris is proposed. The type strain is THG-sc1(T) (=KACC 18279(T) = CCTCC AB 2015120(T)).

Chryseobacterium formosus sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from an ancient tree trunk.

A Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as THG-DN3.6(T), was isolated from an ancient tree trunk from Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-DN3.6(T) was shown to belong to the genus Chryseobacterium and the highest similarity to Chryseobacterium indoltheticum LMG 4025(T) (97.2%) and the closest phylogenetic relatives were Chryseobacterium scophthalmum (96.8%), Chryseobacterium piscium (96.7%) and Chryseobacterium balustinum KCTC 2903(T) (96.3%). The DNA G + C content of the isolate was 33.2 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-6. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω7t and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH), iso-C17:1 ω9c and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids of strain THG-DN3.6(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine. The mean DNA-DNA relatedness of strain THG-DN3.6(T) to C. indoltheticum LMG 4025(T) was 52 ± 0.5%. Based on the results of polyphasic characterization, strain THG-DN3.6(T) represented a novel species within the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium formosus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DN3.6(T) (=KCTC 42606 = CCTCC AB 2015118). The NCBI GenBank accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain THG-DN3.6(T) is KM035938.

Hydrogenophaga luteola sp. nov. isolated from reed pond water.

A yellowish colored, Gram-staining negative, strictly aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-SQE7(T), was isolated from reed pond water in Shangqiu, PR China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain THG-SQE7(T) is most closely related to Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava ATCC 33668(T) (98.4 %), followed by Hydrogenophaga bisanensis K102(T) (97.6 %) and Hydrogenophaga flava CCUG 1658(T) (97.6 %). DNA-DNA hybridization showed 53.5, 36.0 and 22.5 % DNA re-association with H. pseudoflava KCTC 2348(T), H. bisanensis KCTC 12980(T) and H. flava KCTC 1648(T), respectively. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-SQE7(T) possesses ubiquinone-8 as the only isoprenoid quinone, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C16:0 and C18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 63.7 mol%. These data corroborated the affiliation of strain THG-SQE7(T) to the genus Hydrogenophaga. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Hydrogenophaga luteola sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-SQE7(T) as the type strain (=KCTC 42501(T) = CCTCC AB 2014314(T) = JCM 30433(T)).

Efficacy and Safety of Enzyme-Modified Panax ginseng for Anti-Wrinkle Therapy in Healthy Skin: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Human skin undergoes changes during aging that result from the synergistic effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may culminate in wrinkle formation, a characteristic of aged skin. Panax ginseng and ginsenosides have promising properties in preventing skin aging. Our previous study demonstrated that enzyme-modified ginseng extract (EG) has inhibitory effects against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced skin aging. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the preventive effects of EG on eye-wrinkle formation by applying EG cream in 23 randomized human subjects. Compared to the placebo, EG significantly reduced the global photo-damage score. In addition, total roughness (R1), smoothness depth (R4), and arithmetic roughness average (R5) were significantly decreased with use of EG. In a post-study questionnaire, subjects responded that EG was absorbed efficiently into the skin and was more potent in moisturizing and softening skin than the placebo. No participants reported adverse reactions to treatment. In conclusion, EG sufficiently suppressed eye wrinkle formation by decreasing various roughness measures on the basis of assessment with non-invasive devices. Therefore, our results indicate that EG is a promising anti-aging candidate that could be used as an ingredient in natural functional food and cosmetic products.

Introduction to the history and current status of evidence-based korean medicine: a unique integrated system of allopathic and holistic medicine.

Objectives. Korean medicine, an integrated allopathic and traditional medicine, has developed unique characteristics and has been active in contributing to evidence-based medicine. Recent developments in Korean medicine have not been as well disseminated as traditional Chinese medicine. This introduction to recent developments in Korean medicine will draw attention to, and facilitate, the advancement of evidence-based complementary alternative medicine (CAM). Methods and Results. The history of and recent developments in Korean medicine as evidence-based medicine are explored through discussions on the development of a national standard classification of diseases and study reports, ranging from basic research to newly developed clinical therapies. A national standard classification of diseases has been developed and revised serially into an integrated classification of Western allopathic and traditional holistic medicine disease entities. Standard disease classifications offer a starting point for the reliable gathering of evidence and provide a representative example of the unique status of evidence-based Korean medicine as an integration of Western allopathic medicine and traditional holistic medicine. Conclusions. Recent developments in evidence-based Korean medicine show a unique development in evidence-based medicine, adopting both Western allopathic and holistic traditional medicine. It is expected that Korean medicine will continue to be an important contributor to evidence-based medicine, encompassing conventional and complementary approaches.