Effect of geumgoeshingi-whan pharmacopuncture on the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect and the mechanism of Geumgoeshingi-whan (GGSGW) Pharmacopuncture at the acupoint GV 4 on the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: SHR were injected with normal saline solution (Control-SHR group)or GGSGW Pharmacopuncture (GGSGW-SHR group) at the acupoint GV 4. The systolic arterial blood pressure and renal parameters were measured for two weeks. RESULTS: The systolic arterial blood pressure was decreased significantly after GGSGW Pharmacopuncture at the acupoint GV 4 in SHR, followed by a significant rise in creatine clearance. The plasma levels of aldosterone were decreased significantly after GGSGW Pharmacopunctureas were the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the blood pressure was decreased significantly after GGSGW Pharmacopuncture at the acupoint GV 4 in SHR and that the depressor response of the blood pressure was related to decreases in the plasma levels of aldosterone and ANP.

Acupuncture and spontaneous regression of a radiculopathic cervical herniated disc.

The spontaneous regression of herniated cervical discs is not a well-established phenomenon. However, we encountered a case of a spontaneous regression of a severe radiculopathic herniated cervical disc that was treated with acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herb medicine. The symptoms were improved within 12 months of treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted at that time revealed marked regression of the herniated disc. This case provides an additional example of spontaneous regression of a herniated cervical disc documented by MRI following non-surgical treatment.

Study of Single-dose Toxicity of Aconitum Kusnezoffii Reichb. Pharmacopuncture in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to analyze the singledose toxicity of Aconitum kusnezoffii Reichb. pharmacopuncture (AKRP). METHODS: All experiments were conducted at the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTRI), an institute authorized to perform non-clinical studies, under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Twenty (20) Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen for the pilot study. The animals were divided into four groups of five animals per group: group 1 (G1) being the control group with each animal receiving an injection of 0.3 ml of saline and groups 2, 3, and 4 (G2, G3, and G4) being the experimental groups with each animal receiving an injection of 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 ml of AKRP, respectively. This study was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. RESULTS: No deaths occurred in any of the 4 groups, and the LD50 of AKRP administered via IV was higher than 1.77 ml/kg. Some changes in the weights of the male rates were observed between the control group and the experimental groups, but no significant differences were noted in the weights of the female rats. To check for abnormalities in organs and tissues, we stained representative sections of each specified organ with Hematoxylin & Eosin for light microscopic examination. The results showed no significant differences in any of the organs or tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The above findings suggest that Aconitum kusnezoffii Reichb. pharmacopuncture is a relatively safe treatment. Further studies on the subject should be conducted to yield more concrete evidence.

Regulation of TH1/TH2 cytokine production by Chungsim-Yeunja-Tang in patients with cerebral infarction.

Chungsim-Yeunja-Tang is a prescription for the Taeumin cerebral infarction (CI) patients according to Sasang constitutional philosophy. Taeumin patients with CI were treated with CY-Tang during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CI disappeared markedly in about 2 weeks after oral administration of CY-Tang in all patients. The mean interleukin (IL)-2 plasma levels were slightly lower in the patients with CI than in the normal groups, whereas the mean TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6, and IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients with CI. There were no significant differences in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels between the groups. Serum IFN-gamma and IL-2 levels derived from (Th) 1 cells were significantly elevated in the patients with CI by CY-Tang administration. Significant reduced plasma levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells and IgE were observed in the patients treated with CY-Tang. Plasma levels TNF-alpha derived from Th1 significantly increased in the patients treated with CY-Tang. During the period of CY-Tang administration, there were no other adverse effects. The data indicate that CY-Tang has a good CI treatment effect, and that its action may be due to the regulation of cytokine production.

Yangkyuk-Sanhwa-Tang induces changes in serum cytokines and improves outcome in focal stroke patients.

Yangkyuk-Sanhwa-Tang (YS-Tang), a specific prescription composed of nine herbal mixtures, has been developed as a formula for the Soyangin cerebral infarction (CI) patients according to Sasang constitutional philosophy. However, the mechanisms by which this formula affects CI remain unknown. This study revealed changes in cytokine production in the acute stage of Soyangin constitution CI patients after YS-Tang administration. Clinical signs (vertigo, headache and slurred speech) of CI disappeared significantly in about 2 weeks after oral administration of YS-Tang (P < .05). The mean interleukin (IL)-2 plasma levels were lower by 15% in the patients with CI than in the normal groups, whereas the mean TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6 and IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients (P < .01). There were no significant differences in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels between the groups. Serum IFN-gamma and IL-2 levels were elevated significantly (P < .01) in the patients with CI by YS-Tang administration. Significant reduced plasma levels (P < .01) of TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6 and IgE were observed in the patients treated with YS-Tang. During the period of YS-Tang administration, there were no other adverse effects. The data indicate that YS-Tang has an enhancing effect on antiinflammatory cytokines and an inhibitory effect on inflammatory cytokines. These results may implicate a good CI treatment effect of YS-tang and that its action may be due to regulation of cytokine production.