An Observational Study on the Safety of Long-term Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) in Adults / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We evaluated the long-term safety of eight adult volunteers (male 7, female 1: average age 47.4 years) ingesting powdered foods containing Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD/2.2g/day or 4.4g/day) for 1 year 8 months to 5 years (average 2 years 9 months). Body weight, vital signs (blood pressure, pulse rate), peripheral blood test, blood biochemical test, etc. were observed. We also investigated the presence or absence of side effects. The results showed no notable changes in vital signs or blood test results. From the above, it was speculated that long-term intake of CRD would not pose a safety problem. We plan to continue the study by increasing the number of observation cases in the future.

A Preliminary Study for the Effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on Human Skin Fibroblast Proliferation and Collagen Production / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Objective: We investigated the effects of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. Methods: Various concentrations of CRD (0.00001%, 0.0001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%) were added to human fibroblasts, and changes in cell count and extracellular collagen production were measured. Results: Fibroblasts proliferated by the addition of CRD, peaked at about 1.7 times when the CRD concentration was 0.0001%, and then decreased as the addition concentration increased. On the other hand, the collagen concentration in the extracellular matrix of fibroblasts increased as the CRD addition concentration increased, and the collagen concentration increased sharply at 0.1% of CRD concentration or more. Conclusion: It was suggested that CRD has a function of increasing the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen production.

Anti-influenza Virus Activity in Agricultural, Forest and Fishery Products from Ishikawa Prefecture / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Objective: A study was conducted to clarify the anti-influenza virus effect of agricultural, forest and fishery products in Ishikawa Prefecture. Method: The samples were prepared by both hot-water and ethanol extraction. The Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells infected with PR8 strain were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium（DMEM） containing extract for 24 hours and measured virus titer of supernatants by focus-forming reduction assay. Time-of-addition assay was performed to determine the inhibition stage in virus proliferation by the extract. The active ingredients were purified using a solid-phase extraction column (silica gel base C18). Results: We revealed that many products have anti-influenza virus activity. Especially, four products ( Matteuccia struthiopteris, Colocasia esculenta, Sagittaria trifolia, and Eleucine coracana) show strong activity and inhibit several stages in virus proliferation. Conclusion: We performed screening to 46 agricultural, forest and fishery products and found the four products ( Matteuccia struthiopteris, Colocasia esculenta, Sagittaria trifolia, and Eleusine coracana) inhibit virus proliferation strongly. In addition, the isolation and identification of the active ingredients contained in these remain as a future study.

Huaier Granule for Breast Cancer Treatment / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Huaier granule, which is clinically used in Japan as a health food, is originally a traditional Chinese medicine for immune dysfunction, such as cancer, in China. Huaier guanule emerged with abundant evidence, and is being prescribed to hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, et al. as indications in China. This review focused on the clinical evidence of Huaier guanule associated to breast cancer.

Functional Food: Placental Extract / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Placental extract has been attracting attention as a functional food. In this review, I specifically described the effects of porcine placenta extract on beauty, menopausal symptom, Late-Onset Hypogonadism syndrome (LOH syndrome), shoulder stiffness, knee pain, cognition and osteoporosis. The excellent actions of porcine placental extract are considered to bring light to men as well as middle-aged women.

Data Analysis of Health-related Information of Kurobe Local Resident by Constitution Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

With the cooperation of Kurobe City, we conducted a basic survey using the nine classification of constitution and an intervention survey using a constitutional guidance program. The basic survey was conducted by the Kurobe group (Kurobe River alluvial fan spring water drinker n=155, 60.6±10.4 years old) and the non-Kurobe group (normal tap water drinker n=99, 50.7±12.8 living in the Hokuriku region without Kurobe City). A total of three surveys were conducted using the constitution Questionnaire (CCMQ-J). As a result, the Gentleness type, which is usually called the healthy constitution, was clearly higher in the Kurobe group, with 44.6 % in the Kurobe group and 22.5 % in the non-Kurobe group. In the proportion of each biased constitution(Mibyo constitution), the Kurobe group had less Wet-heat type (4.5 % vs 11.8 %), Qi-depression type (5.4 % vs 10.7 %), Yin-deficiency type (7.1 % vs 12.3 %) , and Phlegm-wetness type (5.8 % vs 9.6 %) than the non-Kurobe group. After the basic survey was completed, the Kurobe group was randomly divided into two groups, an intervention group (n=65, 62.3±9.3 years old) and a non-intervention group (n=68, 62.7±9.8 years old), and compared with the non-Kurobe group (control group) (n=80, 51.9±13.6 years old). The survey design was a simple comparative study, and the primary endpoint was a comparative study of changes in constitutional scores before and after intervention. As a result, in the Yang-deficiency type, a significant difference was observed between the intervention group, the non-intervention group and the control group at the first time after the intervention (One-way ANOVA p=0.04). No change was seen in the second survey after the intervention. In the comparison of Phlegm-wetness type between the three groups, there was a tendency in the amount of change in the constitutional score (One-way ANOVA p=0.087). From the above, it was suggested that the constitutional survey can not only grasp the health and the pre-symptomatic state, but also improve the pre-symptomatic by combining the guidance methods according to the constitution.

Effects of Placental Extract on Healthy Women’s Body Constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine: an Open-label Clinical Trial / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We conducted a clinical trial in 26 healthy adult women to evaluate the effect of foods containing placental extract ingested for 12 consecutive weeks on 9 constitutional types in Traditional Chinese Medicine.The body constitution analysis set consisted of 23 subjects (excluding 3 dropouts). Twelve-week ingestion of placental extract-containing foods improved individual scores for “Gentleness” type, a healthy constitution, and “Qi-deficiency,” “Yang-deficiency,” “Yin-deficiency,” “Wet-heat” and “Qi-depression” types, which are all mibyou constitution.The safety analysis set consisted of 25 subjects (excluding 1 dropout). Only one subject experienced an adverse event (exacerbation of urticaria, an underlying disease). No other safety concerns arose.

A Case of Excoriation of Cuticle Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

In this report, we presented the case of a 33-year-old woman who developed excoriation of cuticle on both fingers for over several years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 4.0g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 8 weeks. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to confirmation the efficacy of this food.

A Case of Hand Eczema Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

In this report, we presented the case of a 45-year-old man who developed intractable eczema on the thumb-index interdigital fold for over 3 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 2.2g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 7 months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose of this food.

Two Cases of Plantar Wart Successfully Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar wart (case 1. 8 years of age, female/ case 2. 26 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

Dermatitis Successfully Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD): An Observational Study / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 3 cases of refractory atopic dermatitis(case 1. 25 years of age, male/ case 2. 40 years of age, female/ case 3. 5 years of age, male) successfully cured by intake of CRD. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in all cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

Two Cases of Plantar Keratosis Successfully Cured by Intake of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar keratosis (case 1. 34 years of age, female/ case 2. 29 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

Anti-tumor Activity and Survival Impact of Whole Adlay Hot Water Extract in Sarcoma Mouse Model / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Background: Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) has been used both in traditional Chinese medicine and as a nourishing food based on its unique biological effects and highly nutritional values. In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of a hot-water adlay extract in sarcoma mice model. Materials and Methods: The hot water extract of whole adlay was orally administered to mice for one week, after which Sarcoma-180 cells (1×106) were subcutaneously implanted into the abdomen. Thereafter, the tumor growth was monitored and mouse survival was examined. Results: Tumor weights measured at 18 days were significantly lower in mice treated with extract (100 and 300 mg/kg/day) than those in control group (p<0.01). Moreover, mice treated with extract (100 mg/kg/day) showed apparently longer survival than control group evaluated until 32 days (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that hot water adlay extract appears to have some anti-tumor effects in vivo insarcoma cells.

Effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) on Cold Sensitivity of Female Hands and Feet: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We evaluated the effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on cold sensitivity of female hands and feet. Ninety females were assigned randomly to 3 groups and CRD(2g/day, 4g/day or placebo) was administrated for 8weeks. Significant improvement of cold sensitivity was observed in both the 2g/day and 4g/day groups. It was speculated that a naringenin and a quercetin as active ingredients of adlay hull may play a critical role in ameliorating effect on blood flow.

Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) by Using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry(LC-MS) / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we analyzed 13 kinds of phenolic compounds and coixol(an alkaloid) in CRD powder by using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry(LC-MS).The following are the results: p -Coumaric acid 275.0 (μg/g), p -Hydroxybenzaldehyde 50.2 (μg/g), Caffeic acid 36.9 (μg/g), Protocatechuic acid 31.9 (μg/g), Ferulic acid 27.1 (μg/g), Quercetin 16.2 (μg/g), Syringaldehyde 12.1 (μg/g), Chlorogenic acid 11.3 (μg/g), Naringenin 11.1 (μg/g), Vanillin 9.2 (μg/g), trans -Coniferylaldehyde 9.1 (μg/g), Tricin 0.7 (μg/g), Luteolin 0.5 (μg/g) and Coixol(6-Methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone) 5.5 (μg/g). CRD is composed of many substances other than these phenoic compounds. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the various clinical features associated with CRD intake.

Melinjo Seed Extract / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is distributed in Southeast Asia and its fruits, seeds and leafs are commonly eaten in Indonesia. It was found that melinjo seed extract contains some resveratrol dimers (gnetin C, gnemonoside A and gnemonoside D). Melinjo seed extract and gnetin C have been reported to show beneficial effects on several diseases, such as hyperuricemia, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, diabetes, dementia, cancer, skin aging and periodontitis etc．Melinjo seed extract is one of the desired functional food materials in Japan.

Successful Treatment of Severe Nummular Eczema of Fingers with Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD): A Case Report / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

In this report, we presented the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed intractable nummular eczema of fingers for over 5 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated orally 2.2 g twice a day for 6 months. The lesions cured markedly within one month. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose of this food.

Successful Treatment of Severe Friction Melanosis with Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD): A Case Report / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Friction melanosis is a cutaneous entity characterized by a brownish pigmentation distributed on the skin over bony regions of various sites including a trunk or the limbs, after the use, for many years, of a nylon towel or scrub brush to clean the skin. Moreover, repeated trauma due to friction of clothes on the skin over bony prominences are another factors characterizing its pathogenesis. In this report, we presented the case of a 58-year-old man who developed severe friction melanosis around both knees and lower extremities for about 20 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) was administrated orally 2.1g twice a day for 6 months. The lesions of pigmentation diminished markedly within 3 months. Further research is needed to define the optimal dose and duration of CRD intake against friction melanosis.

Effective Use of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) in Managing Photoaging of the Skin: A Case Report / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Ultraviolet (UV)-induced wrinkle and pigmentation are very common in clinical practice. In this report, we presented the case of a 58-year-old man who developed wrinkle and pigmentation around right hand, face and neck for ten years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) was administrated orally 2.1g twice a day for 6 months. These lesions were improved in the third month, and a dramatic response was obtained at the end of 6 months of treatment. Further research is needed to define the optimal dose and duration of CRD intake.

The Mouse Micronucleus Test of Java Ginger Bangle / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Previous studies have demonstrated that Java ginger ( Zingiber purpureum) that is called ‘Bangle’ in Indonesia have some kinds of cognitive effects. In order to evaluate the safety of Java ginger bangle, we studied the genotoxicity by micronucleus test. The result shows that Java ginger bangle have no effect inducing appearance of micronucleus.