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- KOREAN
- P-ISSN3022-6805
- E-ISSN3022-6791
- KCI
ISSN : 3022-6805
Vol.6 No.2
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to argue that Arirang, Korean traditional music, could be used for healing purposes for Koreans. Music may be a medicine for curing both the body and mind. That is the soul of folksong. Arirang is a representative folksong in Korea. Koreans thought that listening to Korean traditional songs and singing them have healing powers because it makes people happier. When Koreans listen to Arirang, slowly as if they are mass hypnotized, Koreans calmed down because they think of mother’s bosom while listening to Arirang. Also, Koreans find comfort in listening and singing to Arirang. The song's tune is catchy and its lyrics are moving. The song of Arirang was sung from long ago by Koreans. Therefore, it will continue forever as long as Koreans exist.
Abstract
Traditional healers in Ghana are so near to the health needs and aspirations of the majority of people who live mostly in the rural areas, yet have been excluded from the formal health care delivery system. Medical systems in Africa and around the globe have broad-ranging ties to the cosmology and the way of life of a people. However, in Ghana, colonialism and external orientation have had a negative influence on Traditional Medicine (TRM). Thus, in Ghana, Traditional healers can be described as a marginalized group and yet their roles in effective delivery of primary and mental health care cannot be overemphasized. This paper elucidates advocacy work toward medical pluralism in Ghana. First, the influence of colonialism on TRM is briefly examined, followed by highlights on advocacy work intended to include TRM in the health care system. Based on “small wins”, challenges, successes, and prospects of our advocacy are discussed.
Abstract
Arirang has quite a long history in Korean music. Arirang means the heart is tingling. Jeongseon Arirang is well-known Arirang from the Gangwon province, so it shares certain features of Dongbu minyo (folksong), including the Menaritori. Jeongseon Arirang of Ok-sim Kim is pure and innocent. She has an ingenuous country voice. It is a kind of hope that provides our mental strength. Mental power is as important to our health as a eating right. Jeongseon Arirang sung by Ok-sim Kim is Seoul style of rhythmic pattern and melody. Jeongseon Arirang is designated as the Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 by the Gangwon province in 1971. This article outlines the emotional biography of Jeongseon Arirang of Ok-sim Kim relationship.
Abstract
The aimed of the presence study was to determine the antiulcer potential of virgin coconut oil (VCO), either extracted by wet process (VCOA) or fermentation process (VCOB), and to compare their effectiveness against the copra oil (CO) using the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Earlier, the oils underwent chemical analysis to determine the free fatty acids composition, physicochemical properties and anti-oxidant capability. In the antiulcer study, rats (n = 6) were pre-treated orally for 7 consecutive days with distilled water (vehicle), 100 mg/kg ranitidine (positive group) or the respective oils (10, 50, and 100% concentration). One hour after the last test solutions administration on Day 7th, the animals were subjected to the gastric ulcer assay. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed on the collected rat’s stomachs. From the results obtained, the chemical analysis revealed i) the presence of high content of lauric acid followed by myristic acid and palmitic acid in all oils and; ii) the significant (*p < 0.05) different in anisidine- and peroxide-value, percentage of free fatty acid, total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity among the oils. The animal study demonstrated that all oil possess significant (*p < 0.05) antiulcer activity with VCOB being the most effective oil followed by VCOA and CO. The macroscopic observations were supported by the microscopic findings. Interestingly, all oils were more effective than 100 mg/kg ranitidine (reference drug). In conclusion, coconut oils exert remarkable antiulcer activity depending on their methods of extraction, possibly via the modulation of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Abstract
Cocos nucifera (C. nucifera) oil is indigenously used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, coconut husk fibre (which is rich in polyphenols) has not been screened for this property. Based on the ethnomedicinal use of polyphenols in treating cardiovascular diseases, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of polyphenols of C. nucifera husk fibre on selected cardiovascular disease indices in mice. Fifty adult male Swiss albino mice were assigned randomly into five groups (A-E). Mice in groups B, C, D and E were administered 31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg body weight polyphenols of ethyl acetate extract of C. nucifera husk fibre respectively while the control group (A) mice received 5% DMSO for seven days. The mice were sacrificed twenty four hours after the last administration of polyphenols. Heart and plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and plasma lipid profile were determined. Results revealed significant reduction (*p < 0.05) in plasma levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol with no significant change (*p > 0.05) in HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL levels in the plasma at all doses of polyphenols administered compared to controls. There was significant reduction (*p < 0.05) in the activities of heart AST and LDH while plasma ALT, AST, and ALP activities were not significantly altered (*p > 0.05) at all doses of polyphenols administered compared to controls. These results suggest that the polyphenols of C. nucifera husk fibre possess cardio-protective properties and also indicate their possible use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract
Fatigue is a common complaint and affects the quality of life in modern people. Physical stress may induce activation of certain immune cells. Fermented porcine placenta (FPP) has been used to alleviate fatigue. Inflammatory cytokines are produced by physical stress and results in symptoms of fatigue. However, the role of FPP on fatigue-associated inflammatory cytokine production has not been elucidated yet. Thus, we estimated the anti-fatigue effect of FPP and its active components, leucine (Leu) and lysine (Lys) in activated RAW264.7 macrophages and forced swimming test (FST) fatigue animal model. Pretreatment with FPP, Leu, or Lys significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 production without inducing cytotoxicity on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. FPP, Leu, or Lys inhibited the production of nitric oxide and downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, caspase-1 activities increased by LPS were significantly reduced by FPP, Leu, or Lys. In the FST, inflammatory cytokine levels of the mice administrated with FPP, Lys, and Leu were significantly reduced compared with the control group at 21 days. Collectively, these results show that anti-fatigue effect of FPP and its active components, Leu and Lys might be derived from the down-regulating of inflammatory mediators.
Abstract
Taemyeongcheong (TMC) is Korean traditional extracted drink with various health ingredients. TMC has been used to treat hepatic damage, obesity, gastritis, and colitis. However, the role of TMC on allergic reaction has not been studied yet. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of TMC against a compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction and IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). TMC significantly inhibited the compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction and IgE-mediated PCA reaction. Furthermore, TMC reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-13, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the serum of mice under PCA reaction. Taken together, these results suggest that TMC can play a useful role as an anti-allergic agent.