Purpose of this study was to examine difference of taste score in herbal medicine among Sasang Constitution groups.
MethodsSeventy-three healthy students tasted salt solution, sucrose solution, four herbal medications (Hyangsayangwi-tang, Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang, Yeoldahanso-tang, and Mihudeungsikjang-tang), and then immediately scored intension of stimuli for each taste which they felt. Data of sixty-four final participant were analyzed by SPSS version 18, as follows: frequency analysis for characteristic data of participants, Kruskal-wallis test for difference in taste score among Sasang Constitution groups, and Pearson correlation analysis for the correlation between taste score of single taste stimuli and taste scores of herbal medications.
ResultsSignificant difference was shown in sweet taste score of Hyangsayangwi-tang among Sasang Constitution groups, that Soyangin showed higher sweet taste score of Hyangsayangwi-tang than Soeumin's. No significant difference was shown in other tastes or other herbal medications. Positive correlation between taste score of sucrose solution and sweet taste score of herbal medication was shown in Soemin.
ConclusionsThere is difference in sweet taste score of Hyangsayangwi-tang among Sasang Constitution groups. There is positive correlation between sweet taste score of sucrose solution and herbal medication. This research has limitation, so well-designed research is needed.