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Korean scientists have developed a new drug candidate that may be able to treat osteoporosis.
Combining fermentation with oriental medicine,... the new candidate is said to have fewer side
effects and could even cut development expenses. Kim Min-ji has more. Even the slightest shock
can break the bones of a patient who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis -- a bone disease
characterized by impaired bone strength and reduced bone mass.
The disease,... which used to affect mostly the elderly,... is now more common among younger
people due to extreme dieting. Making matters worse,... there is no specific
treatment,... and the current medication used has many side effects.
But there may be a string of hope for osteoporosis patients,... as a team of researchers at the
Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine has developed a new drug candidate.
"The current treatment used is mainly hormone medication. The new medication we have developed
combines ancient oriental medicine with modern fermentation technology -- opening a new era
for osteoporosis treatment."
The new medicine combines fermentation technology with Hwangryun-haedok-tang ,... a traditional
herbal medicine used to treat inflammatory-related diseases.
Fermentation has been suggested as a traditional process for enhancing the effects of herbal
medicine. Animal testing showed that bone density improved
by 52 percent,... while reduced bone mass developed by 31 percent under the drug.
Moreover,... the new drug candidate was found to suppress the development of certain cells
that destroy bone components. Proven to be safe and efficient,... the drug
candidate will likely be commercialized after clincial tests.
"It will be used as a new treatment thanks to the reduced side effects and its safety,
as it uses existing medicinal herbs."
The researchers have applied for a patent,... and the findings have been published in the
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.