Background: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is the third most common musculoskeletal disease in children. With no standardized treatment method hence, so it is necessary to find an effective treatment method that can be received comfortably by children. This review assessed the efficacy of an external treatment of herbal medicine (ETHM) with tuina for CMT in children. Methods: This study searched the English, Chinese, and Korean databases (total of 10) until June 7 2022, without any language restrictions. All included studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of ETHM with tuina as an intervention comparted to the same tuina alone according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean differences (MD), standardized mean differences (SMD), risk ratio (RR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI), and risk of bias (ROBs) were calculated using Review Manager Version 5.4 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) rating system was used to assess the quality of evidence. The publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, the Egger test, the fail-safe N test, and the Duval and Tweedle’s trim and fill method using Review Manager Version 5.4 software, the software R Version 4.1.1 and R studio Version 1.4.1106 program. Results: Nineteen RCTs with 1710 patients were included in the meta-analysis. ETHM plus tuina improved the outcomes of the total effective rate (TER) [RR 1.21, 95% CI:1.15 to 1.26, P < .001], sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle thickness [MD: −1.82, 95% CI: −2.23 to −1.41, P < .001], cervical rotation range [MD: 13.43, 95% CI: 10.41–16.45, P < .001] and lateral flexion range [MD: 8.50, 95% CI: 6.15–10.85, P < .001], tissue elasticity grade [SMD: −0.46; 95% CI: −0.71 to −0.22, P = .0002], muscle elasticity scores [RR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.34, P = .03], and clinical symptom and sign scores [SMD: −0.78; 95% CI: −1.09 to −0.47, P < .001]. Conclusions: ETHM plus tuina have a combined effect on CMT children. However, further studies with high-quality clinical trials are needed to obtain more robust clinical evidence.

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. This scoping review summarizes experimental evidence on the anticancer activity of snake venom and its bioactive components against breast cancer, drawing from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. Aimed at critically evaluating the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms, this review consolidates findings on venoms from multiple snake species, including both crude preparations and purified proteins or peptides, revealing a diversity of mechanisms of action. Reported effects include induction of apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of cell membrane integrity, inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis, and modulation of oncogenic signaling pathways. In vivo findings further indicate tumor growth inhibition and, in some cases, enhanced efficacy when venom-based agents are combined with nanoparticle delivery systems or conventional anticancer drugs. However, a significant proportion of evidence is limited to in vitro studies, with substantial heterogeneity in venom sources, extraction methods, dosages, and cancer models, which constrains generalizability. There is also a lack of systematic data on long-term toxicity, immunogenicity, off-target effects, pharmacokinetics, and formulation challenges. Taken together, these findings highlight snake venom-derived compounds as promising multi-targeted anticancer agents but underscore the urgent need for standardized formulations, rigorous preclinical safety assessments, and translational research to bridge the gap to clinical application. Future investigations should aim to isolate novel venom-derived compounds, refine delivery strategies, and undertake rigorous preclinical safety and pharmacokinetic studies—ultimately moving toward early-phase clinical evaluation to bridge the translational gap and assess the therapeutic potential of these agents.

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH), which commonly presents as jaundice, affects approximately 60% of term infants and up to 80% of preterm infants within the first week of life. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) supplementation combined with phototherapy versus phototherapy alone for the treatment of NH. A systematic search of 11 databases (English, Chinese, and Korean) was conducted from 18 April 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared C. butyricum plus phototherapy with phototherapy alone. Meta-analyses were performed using the mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference (SMD), and risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CIs). Evidence quality was evaluated using the GRADE approach. This review included 20 RCTs of 1054 neonates. Compared to phototherapy alone, C. butyricum supplementation significantly reduced total bilirubin (SMD = −1.54, 95% CI: −2.21 to −0.86), indirect bilirubin (SMD = −2.03, 95% CI: −2.98 to −1.07), and time to jaundice resolution (MD = −1.20 days, 95% CI: −1.66 to −0.75), and was associated with fewer adverse events (RR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.55) (all p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that C. butyricum may have potential as a supportive adjunct therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. However, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251031376).

Background/Objectives: Adenomyosis (AM) is a hormone-dependent gynecological disorder that negatively impacts the quality of life and fertility of reproductive-age women. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of herbal medicine (HM) as a post-treatment strategy following high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy. Methods: English, Chinese, and Korean databases were systematically searched up to 24 March 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared HM administration after HIFU therapy with HIFU therapy alone. Statistical analyses included mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference (SMD), and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Evidence quality was assessed using GRADE approach. The protocol was registered with INPLASY (No.: INPLASY202530088). Results: Fourteen RCTs involving 1259 patients were included in the review. HM administration after HIFU therapy showed superior efficacy over HIFU therapy alone in reducing uterine volume (MD = −11.84, 95% CI: −13.74 to −9.95; p < 0.00001), adenomyotic lesion volume (MD = −2.86, 95% CI: −3.29 to −2.43; p < 0.00001), serum CA125 levels (SMD = −1.49, 95% CI: −2.41 to −0.58; p < 0.00001), serum estradiol (E2) levels (SMD = −1.28, 95% CI: −1.54 to −1.03; p < 0.0001), and improvements in dysmenorrhea (MD = −0.54, 95% CI: −1.06 to −0.02; p < 0.00001) Conclusions: HM may be an effective and safe adjunct to HIFU for managing AM. However, further high-quality RCTs with long-term follow-up are needed to validate these findings.

Background: Pediatric functional constipation (PFC) is a prevalent and persistent gastrointestinal disorder, that requires various treatments, including alternative approaches. This review assessed the synergistic efficacy of herbal medicine (HM) and probiotics for PFC. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of 11 databases, including English, Chinese, and Korean databases, until June 29, 2023. The inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the intervention of HM with probiotics to that of the same probiotics. Statistical analyses included calculation of the mean difference (MD), standardized MD, risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and assessment of risk of bias using Review Manager Version 5.4 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation rating system was used to evaluate evidence quality. Potential publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Egger test, the fail-safe N test, and Duval and Tweedie trim and fill method. Results: A total of 22 RCTs involving 2228 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The HM and probiotics group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the probiotics alone group in various parameters: total effective rate (RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.19–1.29, P < .001), Bristol fecal Score (MD: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.71–0.89, P < .001), gastrointestinal peptide hormone (motilin) (MD: 35.37, 95% CI: 24.64–64.10, P < .001), inflammation indicator (nitrous oxide) (MD: −12.45, 95% CI: −15.12 to −9.77, P < .001), minimal sensitive volume of the rectum (MD: −8.7, 95% CI: −10.91 to −6.49, P < .001), and recurrence rate (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21–0.43, P < .001). Conclusion: The combination of HM and probiotics may exhibit a synergistic effect on PFC. Nevertheless, it is imperative to undertake rigorously planned RCTs to comprehensively evaluate the synergistic efficacy of HM and probiotics.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) simulations provide immersive, interactive learning environments that can support clinical skill development in medical education. However, evidence for its application in Korean medical education remains limited. This pilot study aimed to develop and evaluate HaniE-VR1, a 360° VR simulation program designed to teach ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture. Methods: A one-group pre–post experimental design was used with 60 undergraduate students from the College of Korean Medicine (pre-intervention n = 60; post-intervention n = 59, due to one missing post-survey response). The primary outcomes were changes in self-efficacy (MASS) and ultrasound skill-related performance (OSAUS). Secondary outcomes included VR awareness, usability, satisfaction, presence, and cognitive load. Participants completed a VR-based training session using a Meta Quest 3 headset. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated for pre–post comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Post-intervention findings showed significant improvements in self-efficacy (MASS: 3.21 ± 0.51 to 3.54 ± 0.61, p < 0.001, d = 0.66) and ultrasound skill performance (OSAUS: 2.66 ± 0.73 to 3.54 ± 0.71, p < 0.001, d = 1.16). VR awareness also improved significantly (4.33 ± 0.66 to 4.76 ± 0.56, p < 0.001, d = 0.65). Participants reported acceptable usability (SUS = 69.49) and high satisfaction (4.51 ± 0.56), confidence (4.32 ± 0.53), and presence (4.40 ± 0.65). Cognitive load and simulator sickness were minimal. Conclusions: The HaniE-VR1 program was associated with improvements in perceived clinical competence, self-efficacy, and learning satisfaction, demonstrating acceptable usability and preliminary educational potential. VR simulations represent a feasible, safe, and engaging approach for integrating experiential learning into Korean medical curricula. Given the exploratory nature of this pilot study, findings should be interpreted with caution, and future controlled research is warranted.