Objectives: Environmental particulate matter contributes to lung and vascular injury, primarily through inflammation and oxidative stress, which are closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Daeyeong-jeon (DYJ), a traditional herbal medicine, against PM2.5-induced vascular injury via its anti-inflammatory property. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to PM2.5 and performed mRNA analysis, intracellular ROS measurement, and protein expression analysis to investigate the protective effects of DYJ. Results: Quantitative analysis of 14 marker compounds of DYJ using HPLC-PDA. In HUVEC, PM2.5 increased mRNA levels of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and inflammasome markers such as ASC, caspase-1, NLRP3. However, those increases were significantly suppressed by pretreatment of DYJ. Furthermore, DYJ inhibited PM2.5-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Immunofluorescence assay showed that PM2.5 induced p65 NF-κB nuclear translocation and pretreatment of DYJ inhibited its translocation. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that DYJ alleviates PM2.5-induced vascular inflammation through inhibition of NLRP3-dependent inflammasome activation and ROS-NF-κB pathway, a key regulator of inflammation. In addition, it provided the potential therapeutic benefit against air pollution-related cardiopulmonary diseases.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of Changbudodam-tang aqueous extracts (CBDDT) on obese mice induced by feeding high-fat diet. Methods: 110 female mice were supplied and adapted for one week. Total 60 mice were finally selected and divided into six groups: one control group fed normal fat diet (NFD) and five high-fat diet (HFD) groups. HFD groups were each treated metformin 250 mg/kg, CBDDT 400 mg/kg, CBDDT 200 mg/kg, CBDDT 100 mg/kg. Results: CBDDT dose-dependently reduced body weight gain, total and abdominal fat mass, and fat pad weights. It significantly improved metabolic markers by lowering blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol, while increasing HDL-cholesterol. CBDDT also significantly enhanced pancreatic function, activated hepatic antioxidant defenses, and normalized liver enzyme activities and gene expression related to lipid metabolism. Notably, CBDDT at 200 mg/kg showed comparable effects to metformin at 250 mg/kg. Conclusions: CBDDT can be effective treatment on obesity by normalizing imbalance of glucose and lipid metabolism, which leads to activation of antioxidant defense system against lipid peroxidation.

Objectives: This study aimed to secure scientific safety data on Antae-um, other herbal medicine prescriptions (HMPs) administered to pregnant and lactating women based on antenatal toxicity tests, and to propose policy suggestions for establishing a safety foundation and providing information on HMPs medicines in the future. Methods: Quality control of the Antae-um was confirmed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) simultaneous analysis. And acute toxicity test of the Antae-um, an aqueous extract was orally administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats according to good laboratory practice (GLP). A literature review of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese texts was conducted on Antae-eum and twelve HMPs in [Korean medicine obstetrics and gynecology]. Results: HPLC detecting 19 compounds in Antae-um. The results showed no mortality or adverse reactions in general symptoms or autopsy findings, establishing the half-life lethal dose of Antae-um as 5,000 mg/kg or higher. Through a literature review of thirteen HMPs, analysis derived 71 toxicity test results from 53 literature sources. After consulting with a comprehensive safety assessment throughout the entire pregnancy cycle, conducting physicochemical analysis, general toxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity tests for a single HMP according to GLP standards at a Ministry of Food and Drug Safety-designated non-clinical testing institution. Conclusions: To address the low birth rate, establishing scientific safety data for HMPs administered throughout the entire pregnancy cycle is essential. Securing objective toxicity test data is critical for this purpose, necessitating significant investment and a systematic approach to ensure public health and confidence in HMPs use during these sensitive life stages.

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to analyze the domestic study trends on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treated with Korean medicine. Methods: We investigated the studies on Korean medicine treatment for CIN via searching 4 online databases. After searching studies, we analyzed selected studies. Results: 7 clinical studies were selected and all studies were case reports. After traditional Korean medicine treatment for CIN, most studies showed CIN grades 1-3 lesions regressed and HPV DNA test result was changed from positive to negative. Conclusions: Treatment of CIN is very important in preventing cervical cancer, and Korean medicine treatments for CIN have shown positive results. In the future, case reports applying single-agent Korean medicine interventions, and well-designed large-scale RCT studies are be needed.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the five-year performance of the Gwangju Korean Medicine Infertility Support Project, focusing on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and perceptions. Methods: From 2020 to 2024, a total of 350 women and 79 men participated in the project. All participants received Korean medicine-based infertility treatment, which consisted of a 3-month intensive phase, a 3-month maintenance phase and subsequent follow-up. Data were collected on general characteristics, infertility-related factors, and treatment details. Clinical outcomes were assessed using pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and pregnancy maintenance rate, along with a satisfaction survey. Statistical analyses were performed to examine associations between clinical variables and pregnancy outcomes. Results: The overall treatment completion rate was 92.5% (397/429). Among female participants, 81 achieved pregnancy, yielding a pregnancy rate of 23.1%. The live birth rate among those who conceived (based on four-year data) was 72.8%. Pregnancy outcomes were significantly associated with age, duration of infertility, and number of prior in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts. Satisfaction scores were high (average>4.5), particularly for herbal medicine and the treatment process. Most participants expressed willingness to participate again or recommend the program, and 98.9% supported continued public funding for Korean medicine-based infertility care. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Gwangju Korean Medicine Infertility Support Project conducted over five years. The findings, including identified limitations and policy implications, offer empirical evidence to support the institutionalization of similar programs and their integration into national infertility support policies.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of herbal medicine (HM) for treating menopausal obesity. Methods: We searched 9 databases on September 25, 2025, which contained 3 domestic databases and 6 foreign databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible. Measurement of outcome included total effective rate (TER), body mass index (BMI), weight, waist hip ratio (WHR), serum estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) level. The risk of bias was assessed by two independent authors using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: 1,117 trials were screened, 4 RCTs were finally selected. Number of participants per study ranged from 50 to 120. The treatment group was effective of improving TER, BMI, weight, WHR, hormone levels compared to control group, and the result was statistically significant. Also, menopausal symptoms and depression score improved as well. The quality of the evidence for specific comparisons ranged from low to high. Conclusions: Included studies showed that HM treatment on menopausal obese women would be effective way to improve obesity related parameters. In the future, further high-quality RCTs are needed to prove effectiveness of HM for treating menopausal obesity with low risk of bias.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating the ipsilateral upper limb of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), thus providing a clinical basis for acupuncture treatment and develop clinical practice guideline on BCRL through consideration of commonly used meridians and acupoints. Methods: The researchers searched 7 databases including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CAJ, VIP, OASIS, and KISS. Studies on acupuncture for BCRL published up to June 30, 2025 were included. The participants, interventions, evaluation indicators and results of the selected studies were analyzed, and the quality assessment of studies was analyzed by ROB2. Results: 7 studies were finally included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the treatment group, one trial used acupuncture alone, while six combined it with the same interventions applied to controls. The control group received conventional medicine or complex decongestive therapy. Although outcome measures varied from paper to paper, reduction in arm circumference was most common, with others including total efficacy rate, quality of life, symptom assessment, etc. Overall, the treatment group showed significantly greater improvements compared to the control group in most outcomes. Five studies reported adverse events, but no serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: This study suggests that acupuncture has significant effects on reducing symptoms of BCRL and can be considered a safe therapeutic option. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously, and further large-scale clinical studies are needed.

Objectives: This study aimed to review recent clinical research on Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) for idiopathic hyperprolactinemia (HRPL). Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CNKI between Jan. 2015 and May 2025 using terms of HPRL with chinese medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture. Results: 15 studies were selected. 14 studies were randomized controlled trials and 1 was a non-comparative study. Herbal medicine was used in 13 studies and acupuncture in 3. Common patterns included kidney deficiency, liver qi stagnation, and blood stasis. All studies reported significant reductions in prolactin levels, with 8 showing greater efficacy than control groups. Clinical effectiveness ranged from 86.7% to 97.5%. Improvements were noted in menstruation, TCM symptom scores, and pregnancy rates. Adverse events were fewer in treatment groups. Four studies included follow-up evaluations showing lower recurrence rates treatment groups. Conclusions: Herb medicine and acupuncture appear effective and safe for idiopathic HPRL, with benefits for hormone regulation and reproduction.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the pulse energy in postpartum women within two months after delivery. Methods: We analyzed the values of Pulse energy on 23 postpartum women. Differences in pulse energy according to seven factors (age, postpartum period, parity, delivery method, type of pregnancy, preterm delivery, and bed rest during pregnancy) were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Correlations between pulse positions were evaluated using Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: Pulse energy at the Left-Kwan position was significantly higher, and that at the Left-Cheok position was significantly lower in the group within 4 weeks postpartum. The Right-Cheok pulse energy was significantly lower in women with twin pregnancies and preterm deliveries. Among 14 subgroups, 10 showed significant positive correlations between ipsilateral pulse positions, with right-sided correlations (Right Chon-Right Kwan, Right Chon-Right Cheok, Right Kwan-Right Cheok) being the most consistently observed. Conclusions: The study observed variations in pulse wave patterns according to various pregnancy- and childbirth-related factors, with notably higher Liver pulse energy and lower Kidney pulse energy in women within four weeks postpartum.

Objectives: Genitourinary symptoms of menopause impose substantial burden. In addition to existing treatment approaches, digital interventions have the potential to transform the management. This study aims to demonstrate evidence pertaining to the relative effectiveness and safety of digital interventions for menopausal genitourinary symptoms. Methods: For this systematic review, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CNKI, CiNii, and ScienceOn was executed in May 2025. The processes of study screening and data extraction were undertaken independently by three researchers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus among the reviewers and corresponding author. Inclusion criteria were set to include study assessing digital interventions in women experiencing menopausal genitourinary symptoms and reporting on validated measures of genitourinary symptoms or quality of life, irrespective of the presence of a control group. Results: Of 1,851 retrieved records, two single-arm studies met criteria. One tested a biofeedback-based pelvic floor program combining muscle training, education, and asynchronous therapist monitoring, reporting gains in pelvic floor-related quality of life, psychological well-being, and work productivity. The other evaluated an employer-provided app offering education, expert consults, and behavioral support, with users noting gradual symptom relief and reduced work impairment, especially in genitourinary domains. Both interventions used evidence-informed, behavior-change strategies and showed feasibility with positive user outcomes. Conclusions: Digital therapeutic interventions may improve genitourinary symptoms as accessible non-hormonal options.

연구 목적: 본 연구는 후향적 차트리뷰를 통해 여성 난임 환자에서 한의치료의 임상적 효과를 평가하고, 한의 단독 치료와 통합 치료 결과를 비교함으로써, 임상 현장에서 난임 환자 치료에 한의치료를 어떻게 적용할 수 있는지 구체적으로 고찰하고자 하였다. 연구 방법: 2019년 4월부터 2020년 4월까지 1개 한의원에 난임 치료를 목적으로 내원한 여성 환자 30명의 의무기록을 후향적으로 분석하였다. 환자들은 보조생 식술 병행 여부에 따라 한의 단독 치료군(n=17)과 한의치료와 보조생식술을 병행한 통합 치료군(n=13)으로 분류되었다. 한의치료에는 개별화된 한약, 침, 뜸, 전침, 약침 치료가 포함되었다. 일차 평가지표는 치료 종료 후 3개월 이내에 확인된 임상적 임신율이었다. 이차 평가지표로 동반 증상의 개선과 출산율을 확인하고, 각 한의 치료 빈도 및 사용된 한약 처방을 분석하였다. 연구 결과: 전체 임신 성공률은 43.33%(13/30명)였다. 한의 단독 치료군은 47.05% (8/17명), 통합 치료군은 38.46%(5/13명)의 임신율을 보였다. 임신한 13명 중 5명이 출산, 1명이 유산, 7명은 추적이 불가하였다. 동반 증상 중 조열(燥熱) 증상에 서 전반적인 개선을 보였다. 한약 치료는 주로 보신(補腎) 접근법에 중점을 두었는데, 한의 단독 치료군에서는 토사자보양탕이 빈용 처방이었던 반면, 통합 치료군에서는 배란 및 착상 지원을 위한 배란착상방과 조경종옥탕이 빈용 처방이었다. 전체 관찰 기간에서 1례의 이상반응(한약 관련 복부 팽만 1례)이 있었다. 결론: 본 연구는 한의치료가 여성 난임 환자의 임상적 특성에 따라 단독 사용 또는 보조생식술과의 병행을 통한 통합의료적 접근으로 활용되어 유망한 임상 효과를 보일 수 있음을 시사한다.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of combined Korean medicine treatment for urinary dysfunction in patients diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction(PFD) through transperineal ultrasound. Methods: Two patients complaining of multiple urinary symptoms underwent transperineal ultrasound. Pelvic floor muscle weakness was observed during the examination, and PFD was diagnosed based on the examination findings, symptoms, and questionnaire (PFDI-20). Korean medicine treatments including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, electroacupuncture, and chuna were combined with biofeedback and extracorporeal magnetic fields. The treatment efficacy was assessed based on changes in PFDI-20 questionnaire scores, PGI-I scores at the end of treatment, and the patient's subjective assessment. Results: After 10 weeks of combined Korean medicine treatment, the PFDI-20 questionnaire scores decreased from 9 and 8 points before treatment to 2 and 1 points after treatment, respectively. At the end of treatment, the PGI-I score was "much better," and subjective complaints also improved. Transperineal ultrasound showed that both patients' bladder neck descent during the Valsalva maneuver was reduced to less than 15 mm, and their contractile force and duration increased. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that combined Korean medicine treatment is effective in treating urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency due to PFD and can be a non-surgical treatment option.