Journal of Pharmacopuncture最新文献

Objectives: Keratinocytes, the predominant cells in the uppermost layer of the skin, serve as theprimary protection against environmental threats. These cells exhibit activation in the presence of physical trauma, ultraviolet radiation, chemical agents, or allergenic substances. Once activated, keratinocytes release a variety of immunomodulatory soluble mediators that initiate and propagate the inflammatory response. However, dysregulation of this response and the consequent overactivation of pro-inflammatory mediators within the skin may contribute to the pathogenesis of diverse conditions, including cancer, psoriasis, chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging. Thus, downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators and recovering the physiological balance between factors that promote and those that counteract inflammation represent crucial steps in managing inflammatory skin disorders. Valued in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects, Urtica urens can be found across South America (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay), Africa, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

Methods: This investigation sought to determine the anti-inflammatory properties of an ethanolic extract of U. urens through the use of an in vitro model involving keratinocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In particular, the research examined the extract's effects on the generation of nitric oxide (NO), the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and its wound healing potential.

Results: The extract's analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids, with chlorogenic acid identified as the predominant polyphenol. Notably, it effectively counteracted the LPS-induced elevation in NO production and also reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Additionally, the extract exhibited the potential to accelerate wound closure in an in vitro setting.

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that U. urens extract may hold therapeutic potential as a topical treatment for chronic inflammatory skin conditions.

Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal condition caused by repetitive strain, most frequently affecting the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. Although musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool, limited scanning of the common extensor tendon (CET) might result in missed diagnoses. Therefore, accurate evaluation requires a comprehensive assessment of both superficial and deep tendon fibers. A 45-year-old woman presented with persistent right lateral elbow pain that has worsened over eight weeks. Initial ultrasonography performed at an orthopedic clinic reportedly showed no abnormalities. Corticosteroid injections were administered for symptomatic relief; however, the pain persisted and interfered with the patient's daily activities. Upon visiting a Korean medicine clinic, ultrasonographic re-evaluation revealed pathological changes in the deep fibers of the ECRB, including thickening and fibrillar disruption. Ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture was performed three times over five days using a mixture of polydeoxyribonucleotide and 5% dextrose water. Pain intensity rapidly improved, with the Numerical rating scale decreasing from 7 to 0 and the Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation score decreasing from 82 to 11. No recurrence was reported during follow-up. This case report underscores the diagnostic limitations of partial CET evaluation, and highlights the need for multilayered ultrasonographic assessment in cases of lateral epicondylitis. Additionally, ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture could offer an effective nonsurgical treatment option by targeting peritendinous inflammation. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and integrative therapeutic approaches could lead to improved clinical outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effects of camphor on quorum sensing (QS), virulence factors, and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant pathogen.

Methods: P. aeruginosa was treated with sub-inhibitory concentrations of camphor (500, 250, and 125 µg/mL). Assays evaluated biofilm formation, surface hydrophobicity, swarming motility, cell aggregation, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. Inhibition of virulence factors-pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, and chitinase-was also assessed. RT-PCR was used to quantify expression of QS-related genes (LasR, LasI, RhlR, and RhlI).

Results: The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC50) ranged between 125 and 63 µg/mL. Camphor significantly reduced biofilm formation and virulence factor production at all tested concentrations. It also decreased EPS synthesis, swarming motility, hydrophobicity, and cell aggregation. Camphor suppressed acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) production and downregulated QS genes, reducing LasR and LasI expression by 5-fold and 4.6-fold, and RhlR and RhlI by 1.8-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively.

Conclusion: Camphor demonstrates strong antibiofilm, antivirulence, and anti-QS activities against P. aeruginosa at concentrations as low as 125 µg/mL. These results suggest camphor is a promising candidate for alternative treatment strategies, warranting further investigation of its mechanisms and clinical safety.

Objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both males and females. Considering the growing impact of NSCLC on public health, there is an urgent need for additional treatment strategies. Veratramine, a natural steroidal alkaloid extracted from the roots of plants in the lily family, has recently garnered attention regarding its potential anti-cancer effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of veratramine in the progression of lung cancer is unclear.

Methods: The various concentration of veratramine were applied to the NSCLC cell lines (A549, NCI-H358 and NCI-H1299). The cell viability, apoptosis, and the cell cycle were evaluated using CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. Phenotype of NSCLC cells were examined using an optical microscope and ImageJ software. Protein expression in veratramine-treated NSCLC cells was measured using immunoblotting.

Results: Veratramine-treated NSCLC cells exhibited significantly reduced cell viability and migration ability. Flow cytometry (i.e., fluorescence-activated cell sorting) revealed that treatment with veratramine increased apoptosis and cell cycle delay. Immunoblotting indicated that the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway was significantly downregulated via inhibiting gli1 expression. Cell cycle-related proteins in NSCLC cells were decreased by veratramine treatment.

Conclusion: Veratramine suppresses lung cancer cell growth by inhibiting the Hh signaling pathway, suggesting its potential applicability in the treatment of NSCLC.

Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of hydrogels from Kulim (Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc.) stem bark extract and fraction against polymicrobial biofilms.

Methods: The stem bark extract and fraction of Kulim (Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc.) were formulated into a hydrogel (tween 80glycerin). Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed using a microdilution test against polymicrobial growth and polymicrobial biofilms, while acute toxicity was evaluated using wader pari (Rasbora lateristriata) embryos.

Results: Kulim extract hydrogel (4 μg/µL) showed 69.16% antibacterial activity and 61.25% biofilm inhibition, with 72.58% and 82.86% biofilm degradation at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The fraction-based hydrogel (0.22 μg/µL) had 58.10% antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity, with 81.14% and 79.64% degradation at 24 and 48 hours. MIC50 and MBIC50 values were 2.42 μg/µL (extract) and 0.15 μg/µL (fraction) as well as 2.83 μg/µL and 0.19 μg/µL, respectively. Based on observation, MBEC50 values were 1.09 μg/µL and 0.57 μg/µL (24 h), as well as 0.70 μg/µL and 0.03 μg/µL (48 h), respectively, while the extract's LC50 was 0.143 mg/mL.

Conclusion: The hydrogel made from Kulim stem bark extract exhibited stronger antibacterial and antibiofilm activities than the ethyl acetate fraction against polymicrobial.

Objectives: Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV), a tick-borne pathogen, presents a growing public health threat in East Asia. Although conventional RT-PCR methods are effective for detection, they are limited by the need for specialized equipment and time-consuming procedures. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rapid, sensitive, and field-deployable diagnostic method for SFTSV using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP).

Methods: Twelve sets of LAMP primers were designed to target the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L segment) of the SFTSV genome. These primers were screened through stepwise colorimetric LAMP assays to identify the optimal set. The sensitivity and specificity of the selected primer set were evaluated using serial dilutions of SFTSV RNA and a panel of control pathogens.

Results: The selected LAMP primer set demonstrated high amplification efficiency, successfully detecting as little as 10 attograms (ag) of SFTSV RNA. Moreover, the primer set showed no cross-reactivity with non-SFTSV samples, confirming its high specificity.

Conclusion: The developed LAMP assay provides a rapid and reliable method for SFTSV detection, with potential for use in field settings. This diagnostic tool could enhance early detection and improve outbreak response for SFTSV infections.

Objectives: Sarcopenia is a major geriatric syndrome that impairs quality of life. Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) offers a holistic diagnostic framework through pattern identification. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of TEAM patterns in older adults with sarcopenia.

Methods: We searched five electronic databases through May 25, 2025, for observational studies reporting TEAM pattern prevalence in adults aged ≥ 60 with sarcopenia. To ensure methodological homogeneity for quantitative synthesis, the meta-analysis was restricted to studies employing a mutually exclusive diagnostic approach. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for patterns reported in two or more of these studies.

Results: Six observational studies were included in the systematic review. Five of these studies used a mutually exclusive diagnostic approach and were included in the meta-analysis. The most frequently reported patterns were liver-kidney deficiency, spleen-stomach deficiency, and spleen-stomach damp-heat. Pooled prevalence for liver-kidney deficiency (4 studies) was 39% (95% CI, 31-47%), for spleen-stomach deficiency (3 studies) was 32% (95% CI, 27-37%), and for spleen-stomach damp-heat (2 studies) was 34% (95% CI, 29-39%). The methodological quality of all included studies was assessed as low.

Conclusion: Based on a methodologically rigorous meta-analysis of studies with exclusive diagnoses, the predominant TEAM patterns in sarcopenia are liver-kidney deficiency, spleen-stomach damp-heat and spleen-stomach deficiency. These distinct patterns may reflect different pathophysiological characteristics and support individualized treatment approaches. The evidence is limited by the poor quality of primary studies, highlighting an urgent need for high-quality research with standardized diagnostic criteria.

Objectives: The polyol pathway plays an important pathophysiological role in diabetic-related ocular complications, including cataracts, one of the major causes of ocular blindness. The current paper investigated the protective effects of plumbagin against diabetogenic cataract formation, focusing on exploring its possible mechanism of action.

Methods: The study investigates antioxidant activity, aldose reductase inhibitory activity, and anticataract activity in experimental pharmacological models. In the ex-vivo study, goat lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor with high concentrations of glucose (55.5 mM) and plumbagin (20, 50, and 100 µg/mL), which was assessed against cataract control lenses.

Results: The in-vitro study showed that plumbagin inhibits 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl free radical and lens aldose reductase activity. The ex-vivo study showed that plumbagin prevents lenticular opacity against the glucose-induced model. The plumbagin exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased the antioxidant activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione) and reduced the malonaldehyde level. Moreover, plumbagin treatment significantly (p < 0.05) restored the lens protein content. Additionally, network pharmacological approaches suggested that SLC2A1, STAT3, and TP53 are the major target proteins for plumbagin in the prevention of cataract.

Conclusion: The results concluded that plumbagin has promising anticataract activity by inhibiting lens aldose reductase and mitigating lenticular oxidative stress, making it a potential anticataract agent for diabetic conditions.

Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is a widely prevalent musculoskeletal problem that can affect individuals at some point in their lives. To date, research focusing on the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with self-slump stretching (SS) in the management of chronic LBP is limited. To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of TCM with SS for chronic LBP among hill tribe farmers in Thailand.

Methods: A pilot RCT was conducted on 36 hill tribe farmers with chronic LBP aged between 18 and 65 years. The participants were assigned to one of three groups acupuncture + cupping (AC) group (n = 12), SS group (n = 12), and AC + SS group (n = 12). All participants received weekly treatment for 4 consecutive weeks. Outcomes were the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the assessments were performed at baseline, once a week during the 4-week treatment, and at the 4-week follow-up.

Results: The change scores of VAS improved in the AC and AC + SS groups than in the SS group (p < 0.01). Of the former two groups, the AC + SS group had more improvement than the AC group, although there were no statistical differences between them. Regarding disability outcome, the change scores of RMDQ improved in the AC group than in the SS group (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: A full-scale RCT of TCM with SS is feasible. This study provides significant new insights into the effectiveness of AC and AC + SS in the treatment of chronic LBP. These interventions may serve as valuable adjuncts to the existing treatment options available for chronic LBP.

Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the status and needs of Korean Medicine doctors' (KMDs) continuing professional development (CPD) and establish future improvement directions.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey targeting all KMDs was conducted between October 23 to November 5, 2024, obtaining 624 responses. The questionnaire was developed to assess satisfaction with continuing education and residency training, perceived efficacy on competency development, and improvement needs.

Results: While current CPD programs effectively enhanced optimal patient care competencies (highest-rated domain), approximately 40% of respondents indicated minimal improvement in social accountability and clinical management competencies. The most requested improvements were the expansion of practical training opportunities (63.0%) and curriculum improvement (37.0%). For residency training, respondents prioritized developing competency-centered curricula (65.0%) and standardized educational programs across training hospitals (63.3%).

Conclusion: Findings indicate that KMDs desire increased practical training opportunities, competency-based standardized curricula, and expanded scope of practice through institutional support. Establishing competency frameworks across clinical departments and strengthening competencies required in modern healthcare environments are essential for advancing Korean Medicine practice.