Purpose: This study analyzes the clinical research findings of Gyejibokryeonghwan (GBH), an herbal formula for treating gynecological diseases in 『Jinguiyaolue』, and aims to verify the clinical evidence regarding its efficacy and safety. Methods: Clinical reports on treating gynecological diseases with GBH were collected from RISS, NAVER, KISS, OASIS, PUBMED, and Science Direct. The compiled literature was assessed by disease and research method, and the primary findings were summarized and considered. Results: Overall, 37 reports were classified by disease: five on uterine leiomyoma; two on polycystic ovary syndrome; two on chronic pelvic peritonitis or unspecified pelvic inflammatory disease; four on endometriosis; nine on primary, secondary, and unexplained dysmenorrhea; 13 on menopause and menopausal status; one on female infertility; and one undetermined. GBH’s therapeutic effect on these diseases was confirmed, and no serious side effects were reported. Furthermore, when GBH is administered with modern medicines for existing gynecological diseases, it enhances treatment efficacy and reduces side effects. Conclusion: GBH is a safe and effective herbal medicine for treating the aforementioned gynecological diseases with minimal side effects.
Purpose: In a prior study, we found that giving licorice and dried ginger decoction (LGD) to mice with activity-based anorexia (ABA) enhanced their behavior by increasing their activity during mealtime and improving their survival rate. This study aims to uncover the detailed mechanism of LGD in treating ABA by examining changes in the central nervous system, systemic blood, hippocampus, and intestinal microbiomes. Methods: The radical scavenging abilities of LGD were assessed using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). Murine hippocampal HT22 cells were treated with H2O2 and LGD, and cell survival rates were analyzed to confirm cell protection efficacy. ABA was induced in mice through food restriction and provision of a wheel, followed by oral administration of LGD. Changes in neurotransmitters, neurotrophins, and molecules involved in neural activity in the brain, hippocampus, and blood serum were analyzed using western blot and quantitative analysis tools. Intestinal microbiome diversity was assessed using Ezbiocloud, MTP, and LefSe. Results: LGD demonstrated concentration-dependent DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities and protective effects against oxidative stress in HT22 cells. In ABA mice, LGD increased dopamine levels in brain tissue and blood and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus. ABA reduced intestinal microbiome diversity, but LGD restored this diversity, particularly increasing Akkermansia, Prevotella, and Muribaculum strains. Conclusion: LGD improved dopamine and BDNF levels and restored intestinal microbial balance in mice with ABA.