The Literary Trends of Herbal Prescription Ukgan-san and its Application in Modern Traditional Korean Medicine

Abstract

Objectives: Ukgan-san does not appear in Traditional Korean Medicine classics. However, it has been used in research and clinical applications in Korea. In this paper, we are aiming to examine the records concerned with Ukgan-san to the present, and announce the present usage state in Korea. Methods: We searched and summarized the contents of previous medical books about Ukgan-san. In order to investigate the current status of utilization of Ukgan-san in Korea, a bibliographic database of Korea, a database of clinical researches, and a database of pharmaceuticals of the Korea Food and Drug Administration were searched. Results: As a result of searching Ukgan-san related documents, Ukgan-san has been developed in China (Ming dynasty). However, its clinical application has been expanded by modern Japanese kampo medicine doctors. In Korea, cases of Parkinson's disease, other movement disorders, and psychiatric disorders have been reported, and randomized controlled trials had been done and planned. In addition, some extracts which are consisted of Ukgan-san are also available. Conclusions: In Korea, Ukgan-san has been influenced by Japan and has been used for clinical and research purposes. The utilization rate in Korea is still small, but the utilization rate will increase according to the results of clinical studies.

Safety, effectiveness, and economic evaluation of an herbal medicine, Ukgansangajinpibanha granule, in children with autism spectrum disorder: a study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial

“…Ukgansan (抑肝散 in Chinese, Yokukansan in Japanese), an herbal medicine consisting of Atractylodis Rhizoma White, Poria, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma, Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus, Bupleuri Radix, and Glycyrrhizae Radix, was made by Xue Ji in 1556 for treating children’s liver dysfunction such as contracture, convulsion, and epilepsy [6]. It inhibits hypersensitivity and hyperactivity of ASD through anti-inflammatory actions, neurogenesis, and serotonin and glutamate upregulation [7].…”