Genetic Approach to Elucidation of Sasang Constitutional Medicine

Abstract

Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM) offers a medical principle that classifies humans into four constitution groups and guides their treatment with constitution-matched medical assistance. The principle of this traditional medicine, although requires significant scientific support, appears to suggest a genetic influence on constitution type. The relative frequency of constitution types in a population, for instance, has remained relatively constant since Jema Lee first described them from his observations. In addition, the body compartment concept of SCM appears to be related to the anterio–posterior patterning of the embryonic gut and associated internal organs. This study describes the attributes of the constitution concept of SCM that can be interpreted in the language of genetics and current approaches to identity the genetic factors that make up the constitution. These efforts should make it possible to interpret the principle of this traditional medicine scientifically. Considering the recent trend in medicine that pursues individualized or tailored medical offerings, once SCM is proven to be explainable with scientific evidence, it will be able to contribute to and take a place in the rapidly evolving medicine environment.

Association of the Apolipoprotein A5 Gene −1131T>C Polymorphism with Serum Lipids in Korean Subjects: Impact of Sasang Constitution

“…Recently, several studies have described efforts to explain SCM from the perspective of genetics and the genome-wide scale, but much controversy still remains [20–22]. Therefore, the identification of gene variants associated with hypertriglyceridemia phenotypes according to SCG might help to individualize the prognosis, treatment, and prevention of CVD and metabolic diseases.…”

Traditional Korean East Asian Medicines and Herbal Formulations for Cognitive Impairment

“…This classification is based on assumptions that invariant constitution is determined at birth and some remedies are only appropriate for certain constitutions and can cause adverse effects in others. This phenotypic variation predicts an underlying genetic basis for SCM [15]. Cumulative scientific evidence proposes a genetic basis for SCM.…”

Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Sasang Constitution in the Korean Population

“…In all classification methods, the types of constitution are determined by physiologic and physical characteristics of an individual supporting the possible involvement of the genetic elements in constitution determination. 6,[13][14][15] Considering the complex nature of the constitution, whole genome approach would be one of the most effective methods to establish genetic basis for constitution, as has been considered in research on Ayurvedic genomics. 13 For example, using whole genome expression, diverse genes correlated with the phenotypic class of constitutional types were identified in Ayurveda.…”

“…4,5 These results support the idea of genetic involvement in the determination of constitution type. 6 However, considering that diverse genetic elements may be involved in the determination of SC type, a single-genebased approach has limitations for determining complex traits at the genome level. Recently, a genome-wide linkage analysis identified SC-linked genomic regions on chromosome 8 and 11.…”