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Geummaek Research

Research Papers

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

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Research Papers
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Total 46 papers

All Wellness / Restoration Gongjindan (拱辰丹) Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏) Gwanjeoldan (關節丹) Hyangseongpajeokhwan (響聲破笛丸) Mental Health Skin Conditions Digestive Disorders Respiratory Conditions ENT Disorders Neurological Disorders Pediatric / Adolescent Care Women's Health / Infertility Men's Health / Urology Geum! Maek! Capsule Diet Geum! Maek! Beauty Clinic Private Inpatient Room Traffic Accident Aftercare Pediatric Traffic Accident Workers' Compensation Lower Back Pain Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Elbow Pain Wrist / Hand Pain Hip Pain Knee Pain Ankle / Foot Pain TMJ Disorder
RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Symptom Relief and Immune Balance Improvement in Children with Allergic Rhinitis Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ryu BH, Kim YS, Choi JH, et al.

Allergy (2024)

48% Nasal Symptom Reduction
32% IgE Reduction
82 subjects Study Participants

Gyeongokgo alleviates symptoms in pediatric allergic rhinitis and restores Th1/Th2 immune balance, contributing to allergic constitution improvement through mucosal immunity enhancement.

View Source 2024
RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Symptom Relief and Immune Balance Improvement in Children with Allergic Rhinitis Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ryu BH, Kim YS, Choi JH, et al. Allergy (2024)
48% Nasal Symptom Reduction
32% IgE Reduction
82 subjects Study Participants

Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration with placebo in 82 children with allergic rhinitis. The Gyeongokgo group showed a 48% reduction in TNSS (total nasal symptom score) and a 32% reduction in serum total IgE. Th1/Th2 ratio normalization confirmed immune balance restoration, with sneezing and rhinorrhea frequency also significantly reduced.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo alleviates symptoms in pediatric allergic rhinitis and restores Th1/Th2 immune balance, contributing to allergic constitution improvement through mucosal immunity enhancement.

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Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Long-Term Gyeongokgo Administration on Acute Exacerbation Frequency in COPD Patients: A Cohort Study

Chung MH, Kim BK, Lee SW, et al.

COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2024)

50% Acute Exacerbation Reduction
43% Hospitalization Rate Reduction
156 subjects Study Participants

Gyeongokgo significantly reduces acute exacerbation frequency and hospitalization rates in COPD patients, demonstrating long-term efficacy in respiratory health management through pulmonary tonification.

View Source 2024
Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Long-Term Gyeongokgo Administration on Acute Exacerbation Frequency in COPD Patients: A Cohort Study

Chung MH, Kim BK, Lee SW, et al. COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2024)
50% Acute Exacerbation Reduction
43% Hospitalization Rate Reduction
156 subjects Study Participants

Summary

A prospective cohort study comparing 12-month acute exacerbation frequency between Gyeongokgo users and non-users among 156 COPD patients (GOLD B-C). Annual acute exacerbations in the Gyeongokgo group decreased from 2.8 to 1.4 episodes (50% reduction), and hospitalization rates were 43% lower. CAT scores and mMRC dyspnea grades also significantly improved.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo significantly reduces acute exacerbation frequency and hospitalization rates in COPD patients, demonstrating long-term efficacy in respiratory health management through pulmonary tonification.

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Systematic Review Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Mechanisms of the Rehmannia-Ginseng-Poria Combination in Gyeongokgo on Lung Epithelial Cell Protection: A Systematic Review

Lee SH, Park WH, Cho MH, et al.

Phytomedicine (2023)

38% TJ Protein Increase
20 studies Studies Analyzed
Triple Lung Protection Mechanisms

Gyeongokgo herbs protect the lungs through a triple mechanism—lung epithelial barrier reinforcement, fibrosis inhibition, and surfactant secretion promotion—providing molecular evidence for its lung-moistening efficacy.

View Source 2023
Systematic Review Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Mechanisms of the Rehmannia-Ginseng-Poria Combination in Gyeongokgo on Lung Epithelial Cell Protection: A Systematic Review

Lee SH, Park WH, Cho MH, et al. Phytomedicine (2023)
38% TJ Protein Increase
20 studies Studies Analyzed
Triple Lung Protection Mechanisms

Summary

A systematic review of 20 basic and clinical studies evaluating mechanisms by which Gyeongokgo constituent herbs protect lung epithelial cells. Catalpol from Rehmannia increased tight junction (TJ) protein expression in lung epithelial cells by 38%, and ginsenoside Rg3 from ginseng inhibited lung fibroblast activation. Pachymic acid from Poria promoted pulmonary surfactant secretion, confirming alveolar protective effects.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo herbs protect the lungs through a triple mechanism—lung epithelial barrier reinforcement, fibrosis inhibition, and surfactant secretion promotion—providing molecular evidence for its lung-moistening efficacy.

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RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Improvement of Long COVID Respiratory Symptoms with Gyeongokgo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoo HJ, Shin WC, Kim JY, et al.

Journal of Infection and Public Health (2024)

1.4 grades Dyspnea Improvement
68m Walk Distance Increase
41% Lung Opacity Reduction

Gyeongokgo significantly improves Long COVID respiratory symptoms and promotes lung tissue recovery, providing evidence for the Korean medicine approach to managing post-COVID sequelae.

View Source 2024
RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Improvement of Long COVID Respiratory Symptoms with Gyeongokgo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yoo HJ, Shin WC, Kim JY, et al. Journal of Infection and Public Health (2024)
1.4 grades Dyspnea Improvement
68m Walk Distance Increase
41% Lung Opacity Reduction

Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration with placebo in 94 patients with cough and dyspnea persisting 3 months or longer after COVID-19. The Gyeongokgo group showed a 1.4-grade improvement in mMRC dyspnea and a 68m increase in 6-minute walk distance. Lung HRCT imaging showed a 41% reduction in ground-glass opacity area, radiologically confirming lung tissue recovery.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo significantly improves Long COVID respiratory symptoms and promotes lung tissue recovery, providing evidence for the Korean medicine approach to managing post-COVID sequelae.

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RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Bone Density Preservation and Hot Flash Mitigation in Menopausal Women Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Cha NH, Park EJ, Seo YM, et al.

Maturitas (2023)

77% Bone Density Loss Inhibition
54% Hot Flash Reduction
39% MRS Score Improvement

Gyeongokgo mitigates bone density loss and improves major menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women, presenting a safe alternative as it produces effects without altering hormone levels.

View Source 2023
RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Bone Density Preservation and Hot Flash Mitigation in Menopausal Women Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Cha NH, Park EJ, Seo YM, et al. Maturitas (2023)
77% Bone Density Loss Inhibition
54% Hot Flash Reduction
39% MRS Score Improvement

Summary

A double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing 24 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration with placebo in 96 women 1-5 years postmenopausal. Annual lumbar bone density loss was limited to 0.4% in the Gyeongokgo group versus 1.8% in the placebo group. Hot flash frequency decreased 54% and MRS (Menopause Rating Scale) scores improved 39%. Symptoms improved without changes in serum estradiol levels.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo mitigates bone density loss and improves major menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women, presenting a safe alternative as it produces effects without altering hormone levels.

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Before-After Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Voice Function Recovery and Laryngeal Mucosal Regeneration Promotion in Vocal Cord Nodule Patients Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Kim HK, Lee JY, Cho SH, et al.

Journal of Voice (2024)

18.4 points VHI Improvement
2-fold MPT Increase
34% Nodule Size Reduction

Gyeongokgo restores voice function and promotes laryngeal mucosal regeneration in patients with vocal cord nodules, with its lung-moistening efficacy contributing to upper airway mucosal health.

View Source 2024
Before-After Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Voice Function Recovery and Laryngeal Mucosal Regeneration Promotion in Vocal Cord Nodule Patients Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Kim HK, Lee JY, Cho SH, et al. Journal of Voice (2024)
18.4 points VHI Improvement
2-fold MPT Increase
34% Nodule Size Reduction

Summary

A pre-post comparison study administering Gyeongokgo for 8 weeks to 48 patients with vocal cord nodules. VHI (Voice Handicap Index) improved by an average of 18.4 points, and maximum phonation time (MPT) more than doubled from 6.2 to 12.8 seconds. Laryngeal endoscopy showed an average 34% reduction in nodule size, with significant improvement in vocal cord mucosal vibration symmetry.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo restores voice function and promotes laryngeal mucosal regeneration in patients with vocal cord nodules, with its lung-moistening efficacy contributing to upper airway mucosal health.

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Meta-Analysis Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Meta-Analysis of Lung Stem Cell Activation and Tissue Regeneration Effects of Gyeongokgo Constituent Herbs

Kwak MA, Son CG, Lee NH, et al.

Stem Cell Research and Therapy (2024)

52% Stem Cell Proliferation Promotion
15 studies Studies Analyzed
Wnt Key Signaling Pathway

Gyeongokgo herbs contribute to lung tissue regeneration through stem cell activation and differentiation promotion, providing a novel mechanistic basis for chronic lung disease treatment.

View Source 2024
Meta-Analysis Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Meta-Analysis of Lung Stem Cell Activation and Tissue Regeneration Effects of Gyeongokgo Constituent Herbs

Kwak MA, Son CG, Lee NH, et al. Stem Cell Research and Therapy (2024)
52% Stem Cell Proliferation Promotion
15 studies Studies Analyzed
Wnt Key Signaling Pathway

Summary

A meta-analysis of 15 studies (11 basic, 4 clinical) evaluating effects of Gyeongokgo herbs on lung stem cells (bronchioalveolar stem cells). Ginsenoside Rg1 from ginseng activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, promoting lung stem cell proliferation by 52%, and catalpol from Rehmannia induced stem cell differentiation into lung epithelial cells. Lung tissue regeneration promotion was clinically confirmed via imaging.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo herbs contribute to lung tissue regeneration through stem cell activation and differentiation promotion, providing a novel mechanistic basis for chronic lung disease treatment.

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RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Gyeongokgo on Pulmonary Function and Steroid Dependence Reduction in Asthma Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Im SJ, Lee KS, Hong JH, et al.

Respiratory Research (2023)

11.3% FEV1 Improvement
38% ICS Use Reduction
5.4 points ACT Score Improvement

Gyeongokgo improves pulmonary function and reduces steroid dependence in asthma patients, demonstrating synergistic effects when combined with conventional therapy.

View Source 2023
RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Gyeongokgo on Pulmonary Function and Steroid Dependence Reduction in Asthma Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Im SJ, Lee KS, Hong JH, et al. Respiratory Research (2023)
11.3% FEV1 Improvement
38% ICS Use Reduction
5.4 points ACT Score Improvement

Summary

A randomized controlled trial comparing 16 weeks of Gyeongokgo+standard care with placebo+standard care in 104 patients with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. The Gyeongokgo group showed an average 11.3% improvement in FEV1 and a 38% reduction in inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use. ACT (Asthma Control Test) scores improved by 5.4 points, indicating significantly enhanced asthma control.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo improves pulmonary function and reduces steroid dependence in asthma patients, demonstrating synergistic effects when combined with conventional therapy.

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Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Cognitive Decline Prevention and Cerebral Blood Flow Improvement in the Elderly Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Prospective Cohort Study

Song MY, Kim SH, Choi DH, et al.

Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders (2024)

83% Cognitive Decline Inhibition
14% Cerebral Blood Flow Increase
142 subjects Study Participants

Gyeongokgo mitigates cognitive decline and improves cerebral blood flow in the elderly, with confirmed potential to prevent progression from MCI to dementia.

View Source 2024
Cohort Study Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Cognitive Decline Prevention and Cerebral Blood Flow Improvement in the Elderly Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Prospective Cohort Study

Song MY, Kim SH, Choi DH, et al. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders (2024)
83% Cognitive Decline Inhibition
14% Cerebral Blood Flow Increase
142 subjects Study Participants

Summary

A prospective cohort study comparing 12-month cognitive function changes between Gyeongokgo users and non-users among 142 elderly individuals aged 65 or older with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MoCA score decline was limited to 0.3 points in the Gyeongokgo group, compared to 1.8 points in the non-user group. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) showed a 14% increase in middle cerebral artery flow velocity, with significantly higher serum BDNF levels.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo mitigates cognitive decline and improves cerebral blood flow in the elderly, with confirmed potential to prevent progression from MCI to dementia.

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Systematic Review Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Symptom Relief and Skin Barrier Recovery in Children with Atopic Dermatitis Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Systematic Review

Jung HJ, Park CW, Lee YW, et al.

Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2023)

42% SCORAD Reduction
31% TEWL Improvement
19 studies Studies Analyzed

Gyeongokgo improves symptoms and skin barrier function in children with atopic dermatitis, with the dual mechanism of nourishing/moistening and immune regulation as the core.

View Source 2023
Systematic Review Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Symptom Relief and Skin Barrier Recovery in Children with Atopic Dermatitis Treated with Gyeongokgo: A Systematic Review

Jung HJ, Park CW, Lee YW, et al. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2023)
42% SCORAD Reduction
31% TEWL Improvement
19 studies Studies Analyzed

Summary

A systematic review of 19 clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of Gyeongokgo for atopic dermatitis. The Gyeongokgo group showed an average 42% reduction in SCORAD scores and a 31% improvement in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), confirming skin barrier function recovery. Serum eosinophil counts decreased 28%, and quality of life indices (CDLQI) significantly improved.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo improves symptoms and skin barrier function in children with atopic dermatitis, with the dual mechanism of nourishing/moistening and immune regulation as the core.

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RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Long-Term Gyeongokgo Administration on Menopausal Symptoms and Bone Density in Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park MJ, Kim YS, Choi HS, et al.

Menopause (2024)

45% Menopausal symptom improvement
110 patients Participants
12 weeks Administration period

Gyeongokgo is effective for menopausal symptom relief and bone density maintenance and can be a complementary alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

View Source 2024
RCT Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏)

Effect of Long-Term Gyeongokgo Administration on Menopausal Symptoms and Bone Density in Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Park MJ, Kim YS, Choi HS, et al. Menopause (2024)
45% Menopausal symptom improvement
110 patients Participants
12 weeks Administration period

Summary

Menopausal symptoms (Kupperman Index), bone density (DEXA), and blood estradiol levels were compared after 12 weeks of Gyeongokgo administration in 110 women aged 45-60 with menopausal symptoms. The Gyeongokgo group showed 45% improvement in Kupperman Index and significantly maintained lumbar bone density.

Key Conclusion

Gyeongokgo is effective for menopausal symptom relief and bone density maintenance and can be a complementary alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

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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.

View Source 2023
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.

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