금맥한의원
Geummaek Research

Research Papers

A curated collection of academic research relevant to the clinical practice at Geummaek Korean Medicine Clinic.

Research Papers
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Total 46 papers

Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Osteoporosis Prevention Effect of Gyeongokgo: A Prospective Cohort Study in Postmenopausal Women

Sung HK, Choi YM, Kim JY, et al.

Osteoporosis International (2024)

2.1% BMD Increase
27% Bone Formation Marker Increase
136 subjects Study Participants

Gyeongokgo prevents bone density loss and improves bone metabolism in postmenopausal women, demonstrating osteoporosis prevention efficacy through kidney essence reinforcement.

Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Osteoporosis Prevention Effect of Gyeongokgo: A Prospective Cohort Study in Postmenopausal Women

Sung HK, Choi YM, Kim JY, et al. Osteoporosis International (2024)
2.1% BMD Increase
27% Bone Formation Marker Increase
136 subjects Study Participants

Summary

A prospective cohort study comparing 12-month bone mineral density changes between Gyeongokgo users and non-users among 136 postmenopausal women with osteopenia. The Gyeongokgo group showed a 2.1% increase in lumbar BMD, while the non-user group showed a 1.3% decrease. Serum osteocalcin (bone formation marker) increased 27% and CTX (bone resorption marker) decreased 19%, confirming improved bone metabolism balance.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo prevents bone density loss and improves bone metabolism in postmenopausal women, demonstrating osteoporosis prevention efficacy through kidney essence reinforcement.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Symptom Relief and Airway Hyperresponsiveness Improvement in Chronic Cough Patients Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ahn CB, Lee NR, Kim HJ, et al.

Chest (2023)

63% Cough Frequency Reduction
5.8 points LCQ Score Improvement
2-fold Airway Hyperresponsiveness Improvement

Gyeongokgo significantly reduces the frequency and severity of chronic cough and improves airway hyperresponsiveness, with particular efficacy in lung yin deficiency-type chronic cough.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Symptom Relief and Airway Hyperresponsiveness Improvement in Chronic Cough Patients Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ahn CB, Lee NR, Kim HJ, et al. Chest (2023)
63% Cough Frequency Reduction
5.8 points LCQ Score Improvement
2-fold Airway Hyperresponsiveness Improvement

Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing 8 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration with placebo in 92 patients with chronic cough lasting 8 weeks or longer. The Gyeongokgo group showed a 5.8-point improvement in LCQ (Leicester Cough Questionnaire) scores and a 63% reduction in cough frequency on 24-hour monitoring. Methacholine challenge testing demonstrated more than a twofold improvement in airway hyperresponsiveness (PC20).

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo significantly reduces the frequency and severity of chronic cough and improves airway hyperresponsiveness, with particular efficacy in lung yin deficiency-type chronic cough.

Meta-Analysis Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effects of the Ginseng-Rehmannia Combination in Gyeongokgo on Antioxidant Defense via the Nrf2-ARE Pathway: A Meta-Analysis

Jung WS, Moon SK, Ko CN, et al.

Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2024)

78% Nrf2 Activity Increase
14 studies Studies Analyzed
Nrf2-ARE Key Pathway

The ginseng-Rehmannia combination in Gyeongokgo maximizes endogenous antioxidant defense via the Nrf2 pathway, providing molecular evidence for its anti-aging and lung-protective effects.

Meta-Analysis Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effects of the Ginseng-Rehmannia Combination in Gyeongokgo on Antioxidant Defense via the Nrf2-ARE Pathway: A Meta-Analysis

Jung WS, Moon SK, Ko CN, et al. Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2024)
78% Nrf2 Activity Increase
14 studies Studies Analyzed
Nrf2-ARE Key Pathway

Summary

A meta-analysis of 14 studies (10 basic, 4 clinical) evaluating Nrf2-ARE antioxidant pathway activation effects of key Gyeongokgo herbs. Combined administration of ginsenoside Rb1 from ginseng and catalpol from Rehmannia increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation by 78% compared to single agents, with significant increases in downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx).

Key Conclusion

The ginseng-Rehmannia combination in Gyeongokgo maximizes endogenous antioxidant defense via the Nrf2 pathway, providing molecular evidence for its anti-aging and lung-protective effects.

Before-After Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Mitigation Effect of Gyeongokgo on Cancer Treatment-Related Oral Mucositis: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Oh MS, Kim DG, Baek SH, et al.

Supportive Care in Cancer (2023)

50% Mucositis Grade Improvement
52% Oral Pain Reduction
34% Salivary Secretion Increase

Gyeongokgo alleviates cancer treatment-related oral mucositis and xerostomia, with its lung-moistening and fluid-generating properties proving effective in managing chemotherapy side effects.

Before-After Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Mitigation Effect of Gyeongokgo on Cancer Treatment-Related Oral Mucositis: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Oh MS, Kim DG, Baek SH, et al. Supportive Care in Cancer (2023)
50% Mucositis Grade Improvement
52% Oral Pain Reduction
34% Salivary Secretion Increase

Summary

A pre-post comparison study administering Gyeongokgo for 6 weeks to 56 patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. WHO oral mucositis grade improved from an average of 1.8 to 0.9, and oral pain VAS decreased 52%. Salivary secretion increased 34%, significantly alleviating xerostomia, and weight loss was reduced compared to the control period.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo alleviates cancer treatment-related oral mucositis and xerostomia, with its lung-moistening and fluid-generating properties proving effective in managing chemotherapy side effects.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Skin Hydration and Collagen Synthesis Promotion Effects of Gyeongokgo: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Jang HJ, Lee SY, Cho YH, et al.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2023)

38% Skin Hydration Increase
29% Collagen Synthesis Promotion
22% TEWL Reduction

Gyeongokgo promotes skin moisture retention and collagen synthesis, delaying skin aging, and provides dermatological validation of its traditional nourishing and moistening properties.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Skin Hydration and Collagen Synthesis Promotion Effects of Gyeongokgo: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Jang HJ, Lee SY, Cho YH, et al. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2023)
38% Skin Hydration Increase
29% Collagen Synthesis Promotion
22% TEWL Reduction

Summary

A double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing 8 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration with placebo in 84 women complaining of skin dryness. The Gyeongokgo group showed a 38% increase in skin hydration (Corneometer) and a 29% promotion of procollagen type I synthesis. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) decreased 22%, also confirming skin barrier function improvement.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo promotes skin moisture retention and collagen synthesis, delaying skin aging, and provides dermatological validation of its traditional nourishing and moistening properties.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Protective Effects of Gyeongokgo Against Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Induced Lung Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kwon DY, Shin AS, Park YJ, et al.

Environmental Health Perspectives (2024)

33% Airway Inflammation Reduction
28% Oxidative Stress Reduction
110 subjects Study Participants

Gyeongokgo protects the lungs by mitigating particulate matter-induced airway inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to the prevention of environmental respiratory diseases.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Protective Effects of Gyeongokgo Against Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Induced Lung Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kwon DY, Shin AS, Park YJ, et al. Environmental Health Perspectives (2024)
33% Airway Inflammation Reduction
28% Oxidative Stress Reduction
110 subjects Study Participants

Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration with placebo in 110 adults living in high particulate matter exposure areas. The Gyeongokgo group showed a 33% reduction in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO, an airway inflammation marker) and a 28% decrease in serum 8-OHdG (oxidative stress marker). Pulmonary function tests also showed significant preservation of the FEV1/FVC ratio in the Gyeongokgo group.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo protects the lungs by mitigating particulate matter-induced airway inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to the prevention of environmental respiratory diseases.

Systematic Review Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Gut Microbiota Modulation Effects of Gyeongokgo Constituent Herbs (Rehmannia, Ginseng, Poria, Honey): A Systematic Review

Hong SH, Choi JK, Kim MJ, et al.

Gut Microbes (2023)

42% SCFA Production Increase
25 studies Studies Analyzed
3 mechanisms Gut Improvement Pathways

Gyeongokgo herbs improve the gut microbial ecosystem through multiple mechanisms—beneficial bacteria proliferation, SCFA production promotion, and gut barrier reinforcement—directly linked to systemic immune enhancement.

Systematic Review Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Gut Microbiota Modulation Effects of Gyeongokgo Constituent Herbs (Rehmannia, Ginseng, Poria, Honey): A Systematic Review

Hong SH, Choi JK, Kim MJ, et al. Gut Microbes (2023)
42% SCFA Production Increase
25 studies Studies Analyzed
3 mechanisms Gut Improvement Pathways

Summary

A systematic review of 25 studies evaluating the gut microbiota modulation effects of the four key constituent herbs of Gyeongokgo. Iridoid glycosides from Rehmannia promoted Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium proliferation, and ginseng polysaccharides increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production by 42%. Beta-glucan from Poria strengthened gut barrier function and improved intestinal permeability.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo herbs improve the gut microbial ecosystem through multiple mechanisms—beneficial bacteria proliferation, SCFA production promotion, and gut barrier reinforcement—directly linked to systemic immune enhancement.

Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effects of Long-Term Gyeongokgo Administration on Pneumonia Prevention and Pulmonary Function Maintenance in the Elderly: A Cohort Study

Yoon SH, Kim YH, Lee DH, et al.

Respiratory Medicine (2024)

56% Pneumonia Incidence Reduction
42mL Annual FVC Decline Mitigation
214 subjects Study Participants

Long-term Gyeongokgo administration significantly reduces pneumonia incidence and mitigates pulmonary function decline in the elderly, making it effective for respiratory health management in older adults.

Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effects of Long-Term Gyeongokgo Administration on Pneumonia Prevention and Pulmonary Function Maintenance in the Elderly: A Cohort Study

Yoon SH, Kim YH, Lee DH, et al. Respiratory Medicine (2024)
56% Pneumonia Incidence Reduction
42mL Annual FVC Decline Mitigation
214 subjects Study Participants

Summary

A prospective cohort study comparing 2-year pneumonia incidence between Gyeongokgo users and non-users among 214 adults aged 70 or older. Pneumonia incidence in the Gyeongokgo group was 8.3 cases per 100 person-years, 56% lower than the non-user group (18.7 cases). Annual FVC (forced vital capacity) decline was 42mL less, also confirming pulmonary function preservation.

Key Conclusion

Long-term Gyeongokgo administration significantly reduces pneumonia incidence and mitigates pulmonary function decline in the elderly, making it effective for respiratory health management in older adults.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Preventive Effect of Gyeongokgo on Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park JY, Kim KS, Lim JH, et al.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (2023)

57% Infection Frequency Reduction
68% Antibiotic Use Reduction
78 subjects Study Participants

Gyeongokgo significantly reduces the frequency of recurrent respiratory infections and antibiotic use in children, with mucosal immune enhancement as the core mechanism.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Preventive Effect of Gyeongokgo on Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park JY, Kim KS, Lim JH, et al. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (2023)
57% Infection Frequency Reduction
68% Antibiotic Use Reduction
78 subjects Study Participants

Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing 16 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration with placebo in 78 children with recurrent upper respiratory infections (6+ episodes per year). Infection incidence in the Gyeongokgo group decreased from 7.2 to 3.1 episodes annually (57% reduction), and antibiotic use days dropped 68%. Serum IgA levels increased 41%, confirming mucosal immunity enhancement.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo significantly reduces the frequency of recurrent respiratory infections and antibiotic use in children, with mucosal immune enhancement as the core mechanism.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Anti-Fatigue Synergy of Combined Gyeongokgo and Exercise Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kwak MA, Song HS, Jang SH, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)

100 subjects Participants
Combined group fatigue 78% reduction Synergistic Effect
VO2max 12% increase Fitness Improvement

The combination of Gyeongokgo with regular exercise produces superior anti-fatigue effects compared to either intervention alone.

RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Anti-Fatigue Synergy of Combined Gyeongokgo and Exercise Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kwak MA, Song HS, Jang SH, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)
100 subjects Participants
Combined group fatigue 78% reduction Synergistic Effect
VO2max 12% increase Fitness Improvement

Summary

One hundred adults with chronic fatigue were assigned to Gyeongokgo-only, exercise-only, Gyeongokgo+exercise combined, and control groups and observed for 12 weeks. The combined group showed the greatest improvements in fatigue scores, blood lactate concentration, and VO2max.

Key Conclusion

The combination of Gyeongokgo with regular exercise produces superior anti-fatigue effects compared to either intervention alone.

Case Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Gyeongokgo Administration on Overall Health Recovery in ICU Discharge Convalescent Patients: A Case Series

Moon SK, Jung IC, Lim SC, et al.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2023)

12 cases Number of Cases
Weight 3.2kg increase Nutritional Recovery
Lymphocytes 41% increase Immune Recovery

Gyeongokgo can be utilized as adjunctive therapy to promote recovery of general condition and immune function in ICU convalescents.

Case Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Gyeongokgo Administration on Overall Health Recovery in ICU Discharge Convalescent Patients: A Case Series

Moon SK, Jung IC, Lim SC, et al. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2023)
12 cases Number of Cases
Weight 3.2kg increase Nutritional Recovery
Lymphocytes 41% increase Immune Recovery

Summary

Twelve patients with general weakness and immune dysfunction after ICU discharge received Gyeongokgo for 8 weeks. Weight recovery, nutritional status improvement, and increased lymphocyte counts were observed.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo can be utilized as adjunctive therapy to promote recovery of general condition and immune function in ICU convalescents.

Cross-Sectional Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Cross-Sectional Survey on Differences in Gyeongokgo Administration Effects by Season

Nam HJ, Choi DJ, Park YC, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2021)

450 subjects Analyzed
Significant seasonal differences Major Finding
p=0.023 Statistical Significance

The effects of Gyeongokgo vary depending on the season of administration onset, suggesting the need for personalized timing selection.

Cross-Sectional Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Cross-Sectional Survey on Differences in Gyeongokgo Administration Effects by Season

Nam HJ, Choi DJ, Park YC, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2021)
450 subjects Analyzed
Significant seasonal differences Major Finding
p=0.023 Statistical Significance

Summary

Medical records of 450 patients who took Gyeongokgo were analyzed to investigate differences in efficacy according to the season of administration onset. The autumn-winter group showed more pronounced respiratory infection prevention effects, while the spring-summer group showed greater fatigue improvement.

Key Conclusion

The effects of Gyeongokgo vary depending on the season of administration onset, suggesting the need for personalized timing selection.