Korean Traditional Medicine in Treating Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Case Series

Therapeutic Potential of Combined Herbal Medicine and Electroacupuncture in Mild Cognitive Impairment Through Cytokine Modulation: An Observational Study

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a combined herbal formula and electroacupuncture (EA) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia, and its underlying mechanisms of action.

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective open-label observational pilot study at Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University in South Korea from March 2022 to March 2023. We included six Korean patients (50% male) aged ≥ 45 years and < 85 years with MCI, a clinical dementia rating score of 0.5, and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korea (MoCA-K) score ≤ 22. The exclusion criterion was impaired cognitive function. Patients received combined therapy, including a herbal formula and EA, for 12-24 weeks. We prescribed the herbal formulas Gamiguibi-tang, Yukmijihwang-tang, and Banhasasim-tang to the patients for at least 70% of the treatment period, in combination with EA. Moreover, we investigated changes in cognitive and cognition-related symptoms and cytokine expression in the blood following combined traditional medicine therapy. At baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks, we administered the MoCA-K and cognitive-related questionnaires. We analyzed network pharmacology to reflect the herbal formula intervention mechanism comprehensively.

Results

The median score [interquartile range] of MoCA-K at baseline was 19.5 [16.0, 22.0], which improved significantly (24.5 [24.0, 26.0], p < 0.01) over 24 weeks following combined therapy. We obtained no significant conclusion regarding cytokine changes due to the small sample size. In network pharmacology, we analyzed the brain, head, heart, peripheral nerves, peripheral nervous system, and pancreas as the enriched organs from the common targets of the three herbal formulas.

Conclusion

Combined herbal medicine and EA improved cognitive function in patients with MCI. We assume the underlying mechanism of herbal formulas to be antioxidative and anti-inflammatory changes in cytokine expression. Combined traditional medicine has potential therapeutic application in preventing MCI progression to dementia.

Literature review on the interdisciplinary biomarkers of multi-target and multi-time herbal medicine therapy to modulate peripheral systems in cognitive impairment

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The approved drug for AD has certain limitations such as a short period of cognitive improvement effect; moreover, the development of drug for AD therapeutic single target for Aβ clearance in brain ended in failure. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of AD using a multi-target strategy according to the modulation of the peripheral system, which is not only limited to the brain, is needed. Traditional herbal medicines can be beneficial for AD based on a holistic theory and personalized treatment according to the time-order progression of AD. This literature review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of herbal medicine therapy based on syndrome differentiation, a unique theory of traditional diagnosis based on the holistic system, for multi-target and multi-time treatment of mild cognitive impairment or AD stage. Possible interdisciplinary biomarkers including transcriptomic and neuroimaging studies by herbal medicine therapy for AD were investigated. In addition, the mechanism by which herbal medicines affect the central nervous system in connection with the peripheral system in an animal model of cognitive impairment was reviewed. Herbal medicine may be a promising therapy for the prevention and treatment of AD through a multi-target and multi-time strategy. This review would contribute to the development of interdisciplinary biomarkers and understanding of the mechanisms of action of herbal medicine in AD.

East Asian Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental illness that can place a significant burden on individuals, their families, and society. East Asian Herbal Medicine (EAHM) has long been used in East Asian nations to treat mental illness in children. Nevertheless, the evidence for the effectiveness of EAHM for the treatment of ADHD is insufficient. A systematic review was performed to examine the effectiveness and safety. In addition, research on core herbal combinations was also conducted to help clinicians in their prescription selection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis were prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The following databases were searched: 4 English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE), 4 Korean databases (Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Service System (RISS), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Korea Citation Index (KCI)), 2 Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wanfang Data), and 1 Japanese database (CiNii) database. The publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. GRADE pro was used to evaluate the evidence of the study. The core herb combination of EAHM used in this study was revealed using apriori algorithm-based association rule mining.

RESULTS

This review assessed 42 studies that evaluated 3484 children and adolescents. In meta-analysis, EAHM monotherapy had a similar clinical efficacy rate to conventional medicine (CM) (n = 2166; random effects RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.13; heterogeneity χ2= 25.08, df = 23, p = 0.35, I²=8%). EAHM-combined therapy showed a better clinical efficacy rate than when conventional therapy was used alone (n = 746; fixed effects RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.26; heterogeneity χ2= 11.80, df = 9, p = 0.22, I²=24%). For adverse events, EAHM had a lower incidence than conventional therapy. In GRADE pro, each outcome varied from moderate to very low quality. The constituents of the herb combinations with consistent association rules were Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, Polygalae Radix, and Acori Graminei Rhizoma.

CONCLUSION

EAHM monotherapy has similar effects to CM but with fewer side effects. Hence, it will be helpful for children with ADHD suffering from the side effects of CM. EAHM-combined therapy has a better effect than conventional therapy. Accordingly, it will be useful for children with ADHD who do not respond to treatment with conventional therapy. Nevertheless, more well-designed studies will be needed to confirm this in the future.

Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Senegenin, an Effective Compound Originated From the Roots of Polygala Tenuifolia

Senegenin is the main bioactive ingredient isolated from the dried roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. In recent years, senegenin has been proved to possess a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, enhancement of cognitive function. Besides, it has a good development prospect for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, depression, osteoporosis, cognitive dysfunction, ischemia-reperfusion injury and other diseases. However, there is no systematic literature that fully demonstrates the pharmacological effects of senegenin. In order to meet the needs of new drug research and precise medication, this review summarized the neuroprotective effects, mechanisms and gastrointestinal toxicity of senegenin based on the literatures published from the past 2 decades. In addition, an in-depth analysis of the existing problems in the current research as well as the future research directions have been conducted in order to provide a basis for the clinical application of this important plant extract.

Perceptions and Beliefs of Memory Loss and Dementia Among Korean, Samoan, Cambodian, and Chinese Older Adults: A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study

Older adults who are Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) represent one of the fastest growing populations in the United States and face a significant burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Little is known about ADRD among AAPI subgroups. The current study aimed to: (a) explore perceptions and beliefs of memory loss and dementia among Korean, Samoan, Cambodian, and Chinese older adults in the United States; and (b) identify culturally relevant facilitators and barriers of participation in a brain health program among four AAPI subgroups. Seven focus groups comprising 14 Cambodian, 21 Chinese, 14 Korean, and 13 Samoan older adults were conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive and indigenous coding approaches. Similar and unique perceptions and experiences related to memory loss were identified. Future research could include developing and testing culturally tailored and language congruent strategies regarding ADRD education and resources to facilitate ADRD early detection among AAPI older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(6), 40-48.].

Effects of Daehwang-Hwanglyoun-Sasim-Tang on brain injury and cognitive function in mice caused by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis

Among geriatric diseases, cerebrovascular disease ranks fourth according to the Causes of Death Statistics in 2019, Korea, and is the most common cause of acquired disorders in adults. Daehwang-Hwanglyoun-Sasim-Tang (DHST), a herbal prescription consisting of two herbal medicines, Rhei Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. This study was conducted to confirm the anti-inflammatory mechanism of DHST treatment in ischemic brain injury and to confirm the role of DHST in cognitive function improvement. C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into four groups (sham operation, bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) control, experimental group administered 5 mL/kg DHST, experimental group administered 50 mL/kg DHST), with each group containing five mice. After 1 week, DHST was orally administered for 4 weeks, 5 days a week, and then behavioral evaluation of learning and memory was performed. In addition, morphological changes in the neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were observed. Inflammation-related factors were evaluated using western blot analysis. In the 50 mL/kg DHST (H-DHST) group, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was reduced and neuronal damage was suppressed in the hippocampal CA1 region. However, cognitive improvement was observed in the H-DHST group that was attributable to anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic pathways. In the 5 mL/kg DHST group, no significant effect was observed compared with the control group.

Oral Administration of East Asian Herbal Medicine for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Association Rule Analysis to Identify Core Herb Combinations

This review aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of oral East Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) for overall peripheral neuropathy (PN). In addition, an Apriori algorithm-based association rule analysis was performed to identify the core herb combination, thereby further generating useful hypotheses for subsequent drug discovery. A total of 10 databases were searched electronically from inception to July 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing EAHM with conventional analgesic medication or usual care for managing PN were included. The RCT quality was appraised using RoB 2.0, and the random effects model was used to calculate the effect sizes of the included RCTs. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. By analyzing the constituent herb data, the potential association rules of core herb combinations were explored. A total of 67 RCTs involving 5753 patients were included in this systematic review. In a meta-analysis, EAHM monotherapy and combined EAHM and western medicine therapy demonstrated substantially improved sensory nerve conduction velocity, motor nerve conduction velocity, and response rate. Moreover, EAHM significantly improved the incidence rate, pain intensity, Toronto clinical scoring system, and Michigan diabetic neuropathy score. The evidence grade was moderate to low due to the substantial heterogeneity among the studies. Nine association rules were identified by performing the association rule analysis on the extraction data of 156 EAHM herbs. Therefore, the constituents of the herb combinations with consistent association rules were Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, and Spatholobi Calulis. This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that EAHM monotherapy and combined therapy may be beneficial for PN patients, and follow-up research should be conducted to confirm the precise action target of the core herb.

Effect of Water Extract of Mangosteen Pericarp on Donepezil Pharmacokinetics in Mice

The pharmacokinetic (PK) change in a drug by co-administered herbal products can alter the efficacy and toxicity. In the circumstances that herb-drug combinations have been increasingly attempted to alleviate Alzheimer's disease (AD), the PK evaluation of herb-drug interaction (HDI) is necessary. The change in systemic exposure as well as target tissue distribution of the drug have been issued in HDIs. Recently, the memory-enhancing effects of water extract of mangosteen pericarp (WMP) has been reported, suggesting a potential for the combination of WMP and donepezil (DNP) for AD treatment. Thus, it was evaluated how WMP affects the PK change of donepezil, including systemic exposure and tissue distribution in mice after simultaneous oral administration of DNP with WMP. Firstly, co-treatment of WMP and donepezil showed a stronger inhibitory effect (by 23.0%) on the neurotoxicity induced by Aβ(25-35) in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells than donepezil alone, suggesting that the combination of WMP and donepezil may be more effective in moderating neurotoxicity than donepezil alone. In PK interaction, WMP increased donepezil concentration in the brain at 4 h (by 63.6%) after administration without affecting systemic exposure of donepezil. Taken together, our results suggest that WMP might be used in combination with DNP as a therapy for AD.

Herbal Medicine for Patients with Cognitive Impairment: An Observational Study

PURPOSE

The potential effects of herbal medicine for patients with cognitive disorders have been reported in various human and animal studies. This study aimed to explore the effect of herbal medicine treatment according to the Korean Medicine (KM) pattern identification for patients with mild cognitive impairment and early dementia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia who planned to receive herbal medicine treatment were enrolled. Herbal formulae were prescribed based on the KM pattern for 12-24 weeks. Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery II (SNSB-II) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were assessed at the baseline, after 12 weeks, and after 24 weeks (Trial registration: cris.nih.go.kr, KCT0004799).

RESULTS

Herbal medicine products, including Yukmijihwang-tang, Samhwangsasim-tang, Palmul-tang, Banhasasim-tang, and Yukgunja-tang, were prescribed to the patients. Among the SNSB-II five cognitive function domains, the T scores for language, visuospatial function, memory, and frontal/executive function increased over time. The MoCA score also improved following the treatment (mean difference 4.23 [95% CI: 2.60, 5.86], p < 0.0001 at 12-week follow-up compared to the baseline). Considering the KM pattern scores, phlegm-dampness and fire-heat scores tended to improve after the treatment. No serious adverse events related to the intervention were reported.

CONCLUSION

The potential effect of herbal medicine formulae products on improving cognitive functions in patients with cognitive impairment was observed. Further research is needed to objectify the KM pattern identification process and evaluate the KM pattern-related signs and symptoms.