Effect of Herbal Medicine Phrao Nok Kum (Curculigo latifolia) Mixed with Frankincense for Charcoal Sitting on Reducing Mucus and Vaginal Discharge in Women

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age can result from various causes, particularly Candida albicans infection and sexually transmitted infections. Postpartum herbal steam therapy (Yoo Fai), a traditional Thai medicine practice, has long been used for postpartum care to reduce pelvic blood congestion, promote lochia elimination, and facilitate vaginal wound healing. A review of the literature indicates that Phrao Nok Kum (Curculigo latifolia Dryand. ex W.T.Aiton) possesses uterotonic and emmenagogue properties, enhances blood circulation, exhibits antioxidant activity, and inhibits the growth of c. albicans. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity, determine the effectiveness in relieving abnormal vaginal discharge,

and evaluate participants' satisfaction with the herbal medicine Phrao Nok Kum mixed with frankincense among women of reproductive age.

Methodology: This laboratory and quasi–experimental study consisted of two phases. First, the antioxidant activity of a traditional Thai herbal steam therapy formulation containing Phrao Nok Kum (Curculigo latifolia Dryand. ex W.T.Aiton) as the principal ingredient together with nine medicinal herbs was investigated. The herbal formulation was extracted with 95% (v/v) ethanol, and its antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The EC₅₀ value was subsequently calculated. Second, the effectiveness and user satisfaction of a spindle–shaped herbal steam stick developed from the formulation, consisting of Phrao Nok Kum herbal powder, benzoin resin, teak sawdust, and Yang Bong resin, were evaluated in 23 women aged 18–50 years who presented with abnormal vaginal discharge or genital itching and had not received treatment for these symptoms. Participants underwent traditional Thai herbal steam therapy once daily for 30 minutes over five consecutive days. The characteristics, quantity, itching, odor, and color of vaginal discharge were assessed daily, while user satisfaction was evaluated using a five–point Likert scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including the mean and standard deviation.

Results: The antioxidant activity of the herbal charcoal–sitting powder extracted with 95% ethanol (v/v) was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results showed that the herbal charcoal–sitting powder had an EC₅₀ value of 30.37 ± 1.46 µg/mL, indicating strong antioxidant potential. The study on the efficacy of Curculigo latifolia and benzoin resin herbal preparation was conducted in 23 female volunteers aged 18–50 years. Participants performed the charcoal–sitting treatment once daily for 30 minutes for five consecutive days. After treatment, 100% of the volunteers exhibited no thick, mucoid, or mucoid–watery vaginal discharge. However, 17.39% showed mucus–like discharge, and 47.83% had watery discharge. The color of the discharge was yellow in 44.35% and clear in 60.87% of participants. Furthermore, 34.78% reported no vaginal discharge, and 95.65% indicated that the discharge was odorless. By the third session, 100% of the volunteers reported no itching symptoms. In terms of satisfaction, participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the product’s aroma and amount of smoke, scoring 3.87 ± 0.63 and 4.22 ± 0.60, respectively. Satisfaction levels were highest for product warmth (4.57 ± 0.79), ease of use (4.70 ± 0.47), overall satisfaction (4.61 ± 0.50), and product design (4.65 ± 0.49).

Discussion: The herbal charcoal–sitting preparation containing Curculigo latifolia demonstrated antioxidant activity and effectiveness in reducing vaginal discharge among women after continuous use for five days. The antioxidant properties of the herbal components play an essential role in protecting female reproductive cells from oxidative stress. In addition, the heat generated during the charcoal–sitting process helps to eliminate bodily waste and may reduce moisture, which is a contributing factor to infection. Consequently, these effects collectively help alleviate vaginal discharge symptoms. However, if abnormal vaginal discharge occurs such as strong unpleasant odor, changes in color, or severe itching it is recommended that individuals consult a physician for further diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The herbal charcoal–sitting preparation containing Curculigo latifolia possesses antioxidant activity and is effective in reducing vaginal mucus and leukorrhea in women. Therefore, it may serve as an alternative approach for women’s healthcare. Further studies on related pharmacological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial and anti–inflammatory effects, as well as toxicity testing, should be conducted to confirm its efficacy and safety. In addition, the charcoal sitting procedure should be performed under the supervision of a Thai traditional medicine or practitioner.