Toxic Animal-Based Medicinal Materials Can Be Effective in Treating Endometriosis: A Scoping Review |
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Authors: | Su-In Hwang Young-Jin Yoon Soo-Hyun Sung Ki-Tae Ha Jang-Kyung Park |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (S.-I.H.); (Y.-J.Y.);2.Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea;3.Department of Policy Development, National Development Institute of Korean Medicine, Seoul 04554, Korea;4.Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea; |
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Abstract: | Animal toxins and venoms have recently been developed as cancer treatments possessing tumor cell growth-inhibitory, antiangiogenesis, and proapoptotic effects. Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disorder in reproductive-age women, and no definite treatment for this disorder is without severe side effects. As endometriosis and malignant tumors share similar characteristics (progressive, invasive, estrogen-dependent growth, and recurrence), animal toxins and venoms are thought to be effective against endometriosis. The objective of this study was to outline studies using toxic animal-based medicinal materials (TMM) as endometriosis treatment and to explore its clinical applicability. Preclinical and clinical studies using TMM were searched for in four databases from inception to October 2020. A total of 20 studies of TMM on endometriosis were included. In eight clinical studies, herbal medicines containing TMM were effective in relieving symptoms of endometriosis, with no side effects. In twelve experimental studies, the main therapeutic mechanisms of TMM against endometriosis were proapoptotic, antiangiogenesis, estrogen level-reducing, and possible anti-inflammatory effects. TMM are thus considered promising sources for the development of an effective treatment method for endometriosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of TMM against endometriosis and to provide sufficient grounds for clinical application. |
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Keywords: | endometriosis toxic animal-based medicinal materials Hirudo Eupolyphaga Scolopendra Scorpio |
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