A Preliminary Study for the Effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on Human Skin Fibroblast Proliferation and Collagen Production / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Objective: We investigated the effects of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. Methods: Various concentrations of CRD (0.00001%, 0.0001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%) were added to human fibroblasts, and changes in cell count and extracellular collagen production were measured. Results: Fibroblasts proliferated by the addition of CRD, peaked at about 1.7 times when the CRD concentration was 0.0001%, and then decreased as the addition concentration increased. On the other hand, the collagen concentration in the extracellular matrix of fibroblasts increased as the CRD addition concentration increased, and the collagen concentration increased sharply at 0.1% of CRD concentration or more. Conclusion: It was suggested that CRD has a function of increasing the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen production.

An Observational Study on the Safety of Long-term Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) in Adults / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We evaluated the long-term safety of eight adult volunteers (male 7, female 1: average age 47.4 years) ingesting powdered foods containing Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD/2.2g/day or 4.4g/day) for 1 year 8 months to 5 years (average 2 years 9 months). Body weight, vital signs (blood pressure, pulse rate), peripheral blood test, blood biochemical test, etc. were observed. We also investigated the presence or absence of side effects. The results showed no notable changes in vital signs or blood test results. From the above, it was speculated that long-term intake of CRD would not pose a safety problem. We plan to continue the study by increasing the number of observation cases in the future.

Effects of Placental Extract on Healthy Women’s Body Constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine: an Open-label Clinical Trial / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We conducted a clinical trial in 26 healthy adult women to evaluate the effect of foods containing placental extract ingested for 12 consecutive weeks on 9 constitutional types in Traditional Chinese Medicine.The body constitution analysis set consisted of 23 subjects (excluding 3 dropouts). Twelve-week ingestion of placental extract-containing foods improved individual scores for “Gentleness” type, a healthy constitution, and “Qi-deficiency,” “Yang-deficiency,” “Yin-deficiency,” “Wet-heat” and “Qi-depression” types, which are all mibyou constitution.The safety analysis set consisted of 25 subjects (excluding 1 dropout). Only one subject experienced an adverse event (exacerbation of urticaria, an underlying disease). No other safety concerns arose.

Data Analysis of Health-related Information of Kurobe Local Resident by Constitution Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

With the cooperation of Kurobe City, we conducted a basic survey using the nine classification of constitution and an intervention survey using a constitutional guidance program. The basic survey was conducted by the Kurobe group (Kurobe River alluvial fan spring water drinker n=155, 60.6±10.4 years old) and the non-Kurobe group (normal tap water drinker n=99, 50.7±12.8 living in the Hokuriku region without Kurobe City). A total of three surveys were conducted using the constitution Questionnaire (CCMQ-J). As a result, the Gentleness type, which is usually called the healthy constitution, was clearly higher in the Kurobe group, with 44.6 % in the Kurobe group and 22.5 % in the non-Kurobe group. In the proportion of each biased constitution(Mibyo constitution), the Kurobe group had less Wet-heat type (4.5 % vs 11.8 %), Qi-depression type (5.4 % vs 10.7 %), Yin-deficiency type (7.1 % vs 12.3 %) , and Phlegm-wetness type (5.8 % vs 9.6 %) than the non-Kurobe group. After the basic survey was completed, the Kurobe group was randomly divided into two groups, an intervention group (n=65, 62.3±9.3 years old) and a non-intervention group (n=68, 62.7±9.8 years old), and compared with the non-Kurobe group (control group) (n=80, 51.9±13.6 years old). The survey design was a simple comparative study, and the primary endpoint was a comparative study of changes in constitutional scores before and after intervention. As a result, in the Yang-deficiency type, a significant difference was observed between the intervention group, the non-intervention group and the control group at the first time after the intervention (One-way ANOVA p=0.04). No change was seen in the second survey after the intervention. In the comparison of Phlegm-wetness type between the three groups, there was a tendency in the amount of change in the constitutional score (One-way ANOVA p=0.087). From the above, it was suggested that the constitutional survey can not only grasp the health and the pre-symptomatic state, but also improve the pre-symptomatic by combining the guidance methods according to the constitution.

Effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) on Cold Sensitivity of Female Hands and Feet: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We evaluated the effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on cold sensitivity of female hands and feet. Ninety females were assigned randomly to 3 groups and CRD(2g/day, 4g/day or placebo) was administrated for 8weeks. Significant improvement of cold sensitivity was observed in both the 2g/day and 4g/day groups. It was speculated that a naringenin and a quercetin as active ingredients of adlay hull may play a critical role in ameliorating effect on blood flow.

Two Cases of Plantar Keratosis Successfully Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar keratosis (case 1. 34 years of age, female/ case 2. 29 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

Dermatitis Successfully Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD): An Observational Study / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 3 cases of refractory atopic dermatitis(case 1. 25 years of age, male/ case 2. 40 years of age, female/ case 3. 5 years of age, male) successfully cured by intake of CRD. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in all cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

Two Cases of Plantar Wart Successfully Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar wart (case 1. 8 years of age, female/ case 2. 26 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

A Case of Hand Eczema Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

In this report, we presented the case of a 45-year-old man who developed intractable eczema on the thumb-index interdigital fold for over 3 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 2.2g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 7 months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose of this food.

A Case of Excoriation of Cuticle Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

In this report, we presented the case of a 33-year-old woman who developed excoriation of cuticle on both fingers for over several years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 4.0g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 8 weeks. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to confirmation the efficacy of this food.

Java Ginger Bangle / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

The review reveals latest studies of Bangle that has unique ingredients, safety, healthy effect and especially neurotrophin activity. Banglenes have some neurotrophin activity such as neuritogenesis without NGF in vitro, property that enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. On the other hand, Java ginger bangle (Extract) improves spatial learning in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse. Moreover the human clinical trial for MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) have been just started.

Effect of the Hot Water Extract of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf with Husks on Skin Improvement / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We examined the influence of hot water extract of coix seed (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) with husks on facial skin. Ten females (28-58 years old) took hot water extract of coix seed with husks 1 g/day for 8 weeks, and various skin parameters were measured. The results showed that the total amount of subsurface reflection of blue light, which is an index of skin translucency, increased significantly after 8 weeks of intake (p = 0.011). In addition, skin texture improved significantly after 4 and 8 weeks of intake (p = 0.007, p = 0.042). Additionally, the condition of tape-stripped stratum corneum also indicated significant improvement after 4 and 8 weeks intake (p = 0.0002, p = 0.020). These results suggested that the hot water extract of coix seed with husks exhibited effects even at 1 g/day, which is less than in previous reports.

The Mouse Micronucleus Test of Java Ginger Bangle / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Previous studies have demonstrated that Java ginger ( Zingiber purpureum) that is called ‘Bangle’ in Indonesia have some kinds of cognitive effects. In order to evaluate the safety of Java ginger bangle, we studied the genotoxicity by micronucleus test. The result shows that Java ginger bangle have no effect inducing appearance of micronucleus.

Effective Use of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) in Managing Photoaging of the Skin: A Case Report / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Ultraviolet (UV)-induced wrinkle and pigmentation are very common in clinical practice. In this report, we presented the case of a 58-year-old man who developed wrinkle and pigmentation around right hand, face and neck for ten years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) was administrated orally 2.1g twice a day for 6 months. These lesions were improved in the third month, and a dramatic response was obtained at the end of 6 months of treatment. Further research is needed to define the optimal dose and duration of CRD intake.

Successful Treatment of Severe Friction Melanosis with Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD): A Case Report / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Friction melanosis is a cutaneous entity characterized by a brownish pigmentation distributed on the skin over bony regions of various sites including a trunk or the limbs, after the use, for many years, of a nylon towel or scrub brush to clean the skin. Moreover, repeated trauma due to friction of clothes on the skin over bony prominences are another factors characterizing its pathogenesis. In this report, we presented the case of a 58-year-old man who developed severe friction melanosis around both knees and lower extremities for about 20 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) was administrated orally 2.1g twice a day for 6 months. The lesions of pigmentation diminished markedly within 3 months. Further research is needed to define the optimal dose and duration of CRD intake against friction melanosis.

Successful Treatment of Severe Nummular Eczema of Fingers with Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD): A Case Report / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

In this report, we presented the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed intractable nummular eczema of fingers for over 5 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated orally 2.2 g twice a day for 6 months. The lesions cured markedly within one month. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose of this food.

Determination of Optimum Number of Groups on the Crowdsourcing Survey in Japanese People Interpreted by Physical Constitution Defined by CCMQ-J / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ-J) consists of sixty independent questionnaires and 9 physical constitutions called subscales. One type is balanced constitution (i.e., gentleness), and the following eight types represent unbalanced constitution: Qi-deficiency constitution, Yang-deficiency constitution, Yin-deficiency constitution, Phlegm-dampness constitution, Damp-heat constitution, Stagnant Blood constitution, Stagnant Qi constitution, and Inherited Special constitution. In this study, we proposed to determine optimal number of groups in 851 participants recruited from crowdsourcing answered CCMQ-J questionnaire consisting of 60 questions. In the present study, we applied k-means clustering with gap statistics to the questionnaire data and the number of optimal groups was estimated by five. The five groups are mainly characterized by 3 subscales in CCMQ-J, i.e. (i) two subscales corresponding to Yang-deficiency and Qi-depress, (ii) three subscales corresponding to gentleness, Yang-deficiency and Qi-depress (iii) Yang-deficiency, (iv) gentleness, and (v) Qi-depress. In the crowdsourcing survey, two subscales, Yang-deficient and Qi-depress are the most frequently occurred in current Japanese people.

The Clinical Safety Test of the Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) in Healthy Adult Volunteers / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the safety of intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) in healthy adult volunteers.Methods: Eight subjects (4 males and 4 females, ages 26.6 ± 4.7) consumed 2.0g CRD/day for 4weeks. We observed weight, vital signs(blood pressure, pulse, body temperature), complete blood count(red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, and platelet count), hemogram, blood chemistry(Na, K, Cl, AST, ALT, γ-GTP, LDH, ALP, total protein, albumin, A/G, total bilirubin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholinesterase, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and neutral fats), coagulation examination (prothrombin time and partial prothrombin time), and urinalysis (sugar, protein, and occult blood in urine).Results: Although several laboratory data (MCHC, MCV and serum creatinine) changed slightly, all of these values were within normal range. Furthermore, no severe adverse effect was observed.　Conclusion: These results suggest that CRD intake up to 2g/day is safe in healthy adults. Further study will be needed to define the safety of long-term administration of CRD.

Acne Vulgaris Successfully Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD): A Case-series Study / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 4 cases of refractory acne vulgaris (case 1. 20 years of age, male/ case 2. 46 years of age, female/ case 3. 20 years of age, male /case 4. 28 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in all cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

Study on the Effect of Porcine Placental Extract Ingestion on Symptoms of Late-onset Hypogonadism Syndrome in Middle-aged and Elderly Men / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Purpose: An open-label, single-arm study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of porcine placental extract (PPE) ingestion to improve late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome symptoms. In addition, we reported the safety of continuous PPE ingestion in biochemistry tests.Materials and Methods: Test food containing PPE was given daily to healthy male subjects with an Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) score of ≥27, who were assessed as having LOH syndrome. AMS score, blood hormone level, and other parameters were measured before the start of PPE ingestion, Week 4, and Week 8. And adverse events that occurred during the ingestion period were accumulated.Results: Excluding one subject who withdrew from the study due to an adverse event unrelated to the test food, 14 subjects were included in the analysis. In terms of AMS score, no improvement was observed at Week 4, whereas a significant improvement was observed at Week 8. AMS scores were further categorized into three subscales (psychological, somatic, and sexual) and analyzed. The results showed a significant improvement from baseline in somatic scores at Week 8. Meanwhile, no significant change in sexual hormone levels was observed. At Week 8, improvements from baseline were observed in renal function and LDL cholesterol level. There were no adverse events related to the test food.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that 8-week PPE ingestion in middle-aged and elderly men can improve LOH syndrome symptoms while having little effect on sexual hormone secretion.