Your browser does not support the NLM PubReader view.

Go to this page to see a list of supporting browsers.

Clinical Study of Korean Medicine Treatment with Boheo-tang-gagambang for Ovarian Cyst: 3 Cases Report

Article information

J Korean Med. 2025;46(3):199-209
Publication date (electronic) : 2025 September 1
doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.25045
Hyun-Jeong Joorcid_icon, Yu-Jin Kimorcid_icon, Ji-Yeon Leeorcid_icon
Dept. of Korean Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University
Correspondence to: Ji-Yeon Lee, Dept. of Korean Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Dae-jeon University, 75 Daeduk-daero 176 beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon. 35235, Republic of Korea, Tel: +82-42-470-9139, E-mail: jyounl@daum.net
Received 2025 August 1; Revised 2025 August 19; Accepted 2025 August 20.

Abstract

Objectives

Ovarian cysts are frequently observed in women of reproductive age and can be accompanied by symptoms such as pelvic discomfort, urinary issues, or menstrual irregularities. While most cases are managed conservatively, some may require active treatment depending on symptom severity or clinical course. In traditional Korean medicine (TKM), ovarian cysts are understood to arise from Qi and Blood stagnation, along with internal dampness and phlegm accumulation. This study reports three cases treated with Boheo-tang-gagambang, a modified herbal formula, as part of an integrative TKM approach.

Methods

Three patients diagnosed with ovarian cysts via radiology were treated at a TKM outpatient clinic. Each patient received an individualized herbal prescription based on Boheo-tang, supplemented with acupuncture and adjunctive herbal remedies tailored to their symptoms. Outcomes were evaluated based on symptom changes and follow-up imaging.

Results

All patients showed complete resolution of ovarian cysts on follow-up ultrasonography. Symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, urinary discomfort, and frequency also improved markedly. No adverse events were reported during the course of treatment.

Conclusion

Boheo-tang-gagambang, in combination with integrative Korean medicine therapies, may offer a safe and potentially effective treatment option for non-neoplastic ovarian cysts. These cases suggest the clinical utility of TKM-based interventions, particularly when seeking alternatives to conventional conservative management. Further clinical studies are needed to validate these findings.

Keywords: Ovarian cysts; Boheo-tang-gagambang; Korean traditional medicine; Herbal medicine; Case report

Prescription of Boheo-tang-gagambang

Progress and Treatment of Case 1

Progress and Treatment of Case 2

Progress and Treatment of Case 3

References

1. Mansouri G., Safinataj M., Shahesmaeili A., Allahqoli L., Salehiniya H., Alkatout I.. 2022;Effect of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with ovarian cyst. Frontiers in Endocrinology 13:1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.964229.
2. Farahani L., Datta S.. 2016;Benign ovarian cysts. Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine 26(9):271–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogrm.2016.06.003.
3. Korean society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021. Obstetrics and Gynecology Guidelines and Summary 5th edth ed. Seoul, Korea: Koonja publishing. https://doi.org/10.979.115955/7606.
4. The Society of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021. Oriental Obstetrics & Gynecology 2nd volume4th rev. edth ed. Seoul, Korea: Euiseongdang. https://doi.org/10.978.8997223/381.
5. Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service. Medical Statistics Available from: https://opendata.hira.or.kr/op/opc/olap3thDsInfoTab1.do.
6. Kim D. I.. 2007;A Review of Ovarian Cyst Management in Oriental Medicine. The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology 20(4):175–190.
7. Kim J. H.. 2000;Oriental Medical Treatment on the Ovarian Cyst. The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology 13(2):252–64. https://doi.org/10.15204/JKOBGY.2023.36.3.02.
8. Choi J. Y., Lee J. M., Lee C. H., Jang J. B., Hwang D. S.. 2023;An Analysis of Clinical Research Trends on Interventions of Korean Medicine for Ovarian Cysts. The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology 36(3):25–45. https://doi.org/10.15204/jkobgy.2023.36.3.025.
9. Jeong S. M., Yun Y. S., Lee J. M., Lee C. H., Jang J. B., Yang S. J., Cho S. H.. 2022;Combination Treatment of Korean Medicine with Chungpochukeo-tang for Acute Pelvic Pain by Ruptured Ovarian Cyst: 2 Cases Report. The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology 35(2):106–119. https://doi.org/10.15204/jkobgy.2022.35.2.106.
10. Yun Y. S., Yang S. J., Cho S. H.. 2023;Clinical Study of Korean Medicine with Boheo-tang-gagambang for Recovery after Gynecological Surgery for Myoma of the Uterus: 5 Cases Report. The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology 36(2):101–113. https://doi.org/10.15204/jkobgy.2023.36.2.101.
11. Kim H. W., Yoo J. E.. 2019;Traditional Korea Medicine for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in inpatients after gynecological surgery: retrospective analysis. The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology 32(3):142–161. https://doi.org/10.15204/jkobgy.2019.32.3.142.
12. Yoon H. J., Kim H. W., Baek S. E., Yoo J. E.. 2020;Chronic pelvic pain patients with gynecological diseases treated by korean medicine treatment: three case reports. Journal of Korean Medicine 41(3):191–204. https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.20035.
13. Bottomley C., Bourne T.. 2009;Diagnosis and management of ovarian cyst accidents. Best practice & research Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology 23(5):711–724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.02.001.
14. Lee Y. M., Jeong N. H., Lee B. Y.. 2009;Retrospective study of functional ovarian cysts on ultrasonographic findings. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 52(7):746–751. http://dx.doi.org/10.15204/jkobgy.2014.27.4.121.
15. Knudsen U. B., Tabor A., Mosgaard B., Andersen E. S., Kjer J. J., Hahn-Pedersen S., Mogensen O., et al. 2004;Management of ovarian cysts. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica 83(11):1012–1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.02.001.
16. Lee C.. 1991. Wonbon Pyenju Uihakipmun (Ha) Seoul, Korea: Namsandang.
17. National Korean Medicine University Herbal Medicine Textbook Compilation Committee. 2020. Bonchohag 4th edth ed. Seoul, Korea: Young Lim Co. https://doi.org/10.22877/skku.udct.29475.
18. The compilation committee of Gyunglak hyunghyulhak. Daehakgyunglakhyunghyulhakgakron sang, ha 6th edth ed. Daejeon: Jongryeonamu; 2012. p. 188–91. p. 196–7. p. 213–30. p. 282–92. p. 968–75. p. 980–4. p. 1093–9. p. 1147.
19. Sin J. Y.. Analysis of Bangyaghabpyeon Seoul: Seongbosa; 1994. p. 531–80.
20. Kang S., Nam S. W., Jo H. B., Kim J. H., Kim C. W., Yoo S. G.. 2000;Case report of treating ovarian cyst with Gyejibokryeong-huan-gamibang. Journal of Oriental gynecology 13(2):399–406.
21. Park S. J., Kang W. J., Park J. H., Jo J. G., Yoo H. S.. 2015;A case report of a clinically diagnosed advanced lung cancer patient after treatment with Gunchilgyebok-Jung. Jornal of Korean Medicine 20(1):23–29. https://doi.org/10.15432/JKTO.2015.20.1.023.

Article information Continued

Table 1

Prescription of Boheo-tang-gagambang

Herbal name Herbal medicine Amount (g)
黃芪 Astragali Radix 8
白朮 Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba 6
當歸 Angelicae Gigantis Radix 6
川芎 Cnidii Rhizoma 6
鷄血藤 Spatholobi Caulis 6
狗脊 Cibotii Rhizoma 6
五靈脂 Trogopterorum Faeces 6
澤蘭 Lycopi Herba 6
土茯苓 Smilacis Rhizoma 6
蒲黃 Typhae Pollen 6
陳皮 Citri Unshius Pericarpium 4
甘草 Glycyrrhizae Radix Rhizoma 4
桃仁 Persicae Semen 4
杜沖 Eucommiae Cortex 4
木瓜 Chaenomelis Fructus 4
白茯苓 Poria Sclerotium 4
砂仁 Amomi Fructus 4
續斷 Dipsaci Radix 4
神麴 Massa Medicata Fermentata 4
牛膝 Achyranthis Radix 4
香附子 Cyperi Rhizoma 4
玄胡索 Corydalis Tube 4
紅花 Carthami Flos 4
乾薑 Zingiberis Rhizoma 2
桂枝 Cinnamomi Ramulus 2
麥門冬 Liriopis Tuber 2
黃芩 Scutellariae Radix 1

Table 2

Progress and Treatment of Case 1

Visit (date) Ovarian cyst Progress(VRS*) Treatment
Urination pain Feeling of residual urine Vulvar pruritus
1(09.10) 4cm 2 2 2 BTG†+ATx‡
2(09.17) 1 1 1 BTG +ATx
3(09.24) 0 0 0 BTG +ATx
4(09.28) 0 0 1 BTG+ATx
5(10.01) 0 0 1 BTG +ATx
6(10.05) 1 0 0 BTG +ATx
7(10.08) 2 0 0 BTG +ATx
8(10.12) 2 0 0 OS§+ATx
9(10.19) 1 0 0 ATx
10(10.26) 1 0 0 ATx
11(10.29) - 1 0 0
*

VRS : Verbal rating scale; 0(no pain), 1(mild pain, no analgesic medication is required), 2(moderate pain, analgesic medication is required), 3(severe pain, not able to perform any activity, no effect on analgesic medication),

†

BTG : Boheo-tang-gagambang,

‡

ATx : Acupuncture treatment,

§

OS : Orim-san. The shaded areas in the table indicate the days when new medications were prescribed.

Table 3

Progress and Treatment of Case 2

Visit (date) Ovarian cyst Progress(VRS*) Treatment
Urination pain Frequent Urination
1(12.08) 5cm↑ 2 2 BTG†+GD‡+ATx§
2(12.09) 2 2 BTG+GD+ATx
3(12.10) 2 2 BTG+GD+ATx
4(12.14) 1 2 BTG+GD+ATx
5(12.17) 0 1 BTG+GD+ATx
6(02.28) 0 0 ATx
7(04.29) - 0 0
*

VRS : Verbal rating scale; 0(no pain), 1(mild pain, no analgesic medication is required), 2(moderate pain, analgesic medication is required), 3(severe pain, not able to perform any activity, no effect on analgesic medication),

†

BTG : Boheo-tang-gagambang,

‡

GD : Gyejibokryeong-gadaehwang,

§

ATx : Acupuncture treatment. The shaded areas in the table indicate the days when new medications were prescribed.

Table 4

Progress and Treatment of Case 3

Visit (date) Ovarian cyst Progress(VRS*) Treatment
Abdominal pain Abdominal Tenderness
1(07.26) 3.5–4cm 2 2 BTG†+ATx‡
2(07.31) 0 0 BTG+ATx
3(08.03) 0 0 BTG+ATx
4(08.05) 0 1 GGB§+ BTG+ATx
5(08.07) 0 0 GGB+ BTG+ATx
6(08.10) 1 0 GGB+ATx
7(08.12) 1 0 GGB+ATx
8(08.17) 0 0 GGB+ATx
9(08.19) -
*

VRS : Verbal rating scale; 0(no pain), 1(mild pain, no analgesic medication is required), 2(moderate pain, analgesic medication is required), 3(severe pain, not able to perform any activity, no effect on analgesic medication),

†

BTG : Boheo-tang-gagambang,

‡

ATx : Acupuncture treatment,

§

GGB : Gunchilgyebok-Jung. The shaded areas in the table indicate the days when new medications were prescribed.