The effect of Bunsimgi-eum on Hwa-byung: randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial

Abstract

ETHNOPHAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bunsimgi-eum (BSGE), a prescription for stagnation of the seven emotions, is being used on neuropsychiatric symptoms in clinical traditional Korean medicine.

Aim of the study: The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of BSGE on Hwa-byung's symptoms.

Materials and methods: Randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study was set and patients diagnosed as Hwa-byung, were treated with Bunsimgi-eum or controlled medication. Score change of 100mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for chest discomfort, Likert scale for major symptom of Hwa-byung, STAXI-K, STAI-K, and BDI-K, were analyzed.

Results: 100mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for chest discomfort was measured as the 1st evaluative instrument. Experimental group showed greater inclination for score change, but there were no significance. In all other valuation scales, scores improved significantly within each group, but there were no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion: These data show that BSGE's effect on Hwa-byung did not exceed that of placebo.