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Although herbal medicine shows potential to be a safe and effective treatment for CHHF and RP, the high risk of bias in all studies prevents definitive conclusions; thus, higher quality studies must be performed.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate use condition of Korean medical institution and demand of Korean Medical Treatment Project of Infertility in infertile couple. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to all members of the incorporated association AGAYA(http://www.agaya.org/) via e-mail and to infertile women who visited to Korean medicine OB & GY outpatient clinic of university Korean medicine hospitals of the country and an infertility specialized Korean medicine hospital. One hundred twenty four of completed questionnaires were analyzed. Results: 1. Korean medical institution utilization rate of infertile couple was 89.6% and was similar with western medical institution utilization rate of 87.1%. 2. 96.8% of infertile couple answered that Korean Medical Treatment Project of Infertility is necessary. And 90.3% of infertile couple answered that herbal medicines should be supported first of all. 3. 90.3% of infertile couple answered that they will participate if Korean Medical Treatment Project of Infertility go ahead. Conclusions: It was confirmed that most of the infertile couple have been received Korean medical treatment for infertility, and think that Korean Medical Treatment Project of Infertility is necessary.

Ephedrae Herba (EH) is obtained by drying the stems of Ephedra sinica Stapf (family Ephedraceae). EH has been used clinically to treat colds and to reduce edema in skin. The effects of EH on melanogenesis were studied in B16 murine melanocytes. The tyrosinase activity and melanin content were measured after incubation with EH. Both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and cDNA microarray analysis were used to study the mechanism of EH action. EH decreased tyrosinase activity and melanin content in a dose-dependent manner. EH decreased microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase gene expression. These effects were controlled by MITF-mediated regulation of tyrosinase gene expression. EH also altered the expression of about 100 other genes. These results suggest that EH may be used clinically to treat freckles and liver spots.