Journal of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine

2026-04-29

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Diagnosis and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus According to Thai Traditional Medicine Principles in Sub - district Health Promoting Hospitals Health Region 12

วรรณภา หยงสตาร์ — 2026-04-29

Introduction and Objectives: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is an important public health issue impacting the quality of life of the population, particularly in Health Region 12 which possesses a unique socio–cultural context. This study aimed to explore patterns of diagnosis, treatment, herbal medicine selection, and Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) procedures. It also examined problems and barriers to service provision by personnel in Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPHs) to utilize the data for developing the primary health service system.

Methodology: This study employed a survey research design, collecting data during 2025 using a structured online questionnaire that passed content validity verification by experts, yielding an Item–Objective Congruence (IOC) index between 0.67 and 1.00. The study population consisted of Thai traditional medicine practitioners and applied traditional Thai medicine practitioners working in subdistrict health promotion hospitals (SHPH) under the Ministry of Public Health in Health Region 12. They had at least three years of work experience and held a medical license. A sample size of 132 individuals was obtained. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used for quantitative data, while content analysis was employed for qualitative data. This research project received human research ethics approval from the Ethics Committee on Human Research in Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (Project Code FB 12–2568).

Results: The majority of the sample were female (77.30%), with an average age of 32.32 years and an average work experience of 5.31 years. Regarding diagnosis, an integrative pattern was found: 99.20% used laboratory results from modern medicine as the primary criteria for disease confirmation. However, in the dimension of disease etiology according to TTM theory, practitioners still adhered to the Four Elements principle, identifying Fire Element (81.06%) and Wind Element (74.21%) were identified as the main contributing factors to disease development. According to Thai traditional medicine principles, aggravation of the fire element is associated with excessive heat and abnormal metabolism, leading to symptoms such as excessive thirst and frequent urination, while imbalance of the wind element reflects disordered internal movement, which is consistent with overeating behaviors In terms of treatment patterns, lifestyle modification was emphasized (87.12%) combined with herbal medicine use (73.48%). The most popular herb used across all disease stages was Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) (28.00 – 38.60%), followed by Wild Betel (Piper sarmentosum) and Triphala. Regarding therapeutic procedures, specific care was observed: patients with diabetic foot complications received Herbal Foot Soaks at a high rate of 86.40%. Meanwhile, patients with eye, kidney, and heart complications were referred to specialists at high rates (69.70 – 87.10%). These treatment methods demonstrated high safety, with side effects found to be less than 1.50%.

Discussion: The findings demonstrate that Thai traditional medicine services in subdistrict health promoting hospitals in Health Region 12 are characterized by an integrative care model, in which modern medical practices are used for screening and diagnostic confirmation, while Thai traditional medicine principles are applied to guide complementary care planning. The use of herbal medicines, such as bitter melon, and therapeutic procedures such as herbal foot soaking reflects an emphasis on restoring bodily balance and providing holistic care. Meanwhile, the high referral rates for patients with ocular, renal, and cardiac complications indicate appropriate role delineation and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams within the primary healthcare system.

Conclusion: Although the treatment patterns possess standards and safety, operations still face significant barriers, namely excessive workload (34.10%) and budgetary limitations (24.20%). Policy recommendations should focus on allocating manpower appropriate to the workload and supporting adequate budgets for medicines and medical supplies to sustainably enhance the quality of life for diabetic patients in the community.

Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, Thai traditional medicine, subdistrict health promoting hospital (SHPH), health region 12

The Effectiveness of Abdominal BandagingandHotBrickCompression to Level of Fundus in Post – Partum Mothers

จุฑาทิพย์ ศิริศิลป์ — 2026-04-29

Background and Objective: Uterine subinvolution is a condition in which the uterus fails to return to the pelvic cavity within 4 – 6 weeks postpartum. Contributing factors include advanced maternal age, weakened pelvic floor muscles due to improper postpartum self–care, or multiparity. This condition can lead to postpartum hemorrhage and subsequent complications such as pelvic heaviness, back pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, or urinary incontinence. Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) modalities, specifically abdominal bandaging and hot brick compression, have long been recommended for postpartum care. This study aimed to compare the effects of abdominal bandaging and hot brick compression on uterine fundal height in postpartum mothers.

Methods: The participants consisted of postpartum mothers with normal vaginal deliveries, aged 18 – 45 years, at Song Dao Hospital, Sakon Nakhon Province. Data collection was conducted over a period of one year. A total of 136 participants were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and subsequently randomized into four groups (n = 34 per group): 1) Control group (standard postpartum care), 2) Abdominal bandaging group, 3) Hot brick compression group, and 4) Experimental group receiving both abdominal bandaging and hot brick compression. Uterine fundal height was measured daily from Day 1 to Day 14 postpartum. The instruments used for data collection included a general information questionnaire and a uterine fundal height recording form. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, and standard deviation) and One–Way ANOVA.

Results: The study revealed that the group receiving combined abdominal bandaging and hot brick compression exhibited a reduction in uterine fundal height until complete involution (returning to the pelvic cavity) by Day 12 postpartum. In contrast, the groups receiving only abdominal bandaging or only hot brick compression achieved complete involution by Day 13 postpartum. Notably, starting from Day 9, a statistically significant difference was observed, with the experimental groups showing a greater reduction in fundal height compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Discussion: The results demonstrate that postpartum care combining abdominal bandaging with hot brick compression facilitates the most rapid reduction of uterine fundal height (within 12 days) compared to other groups. This finding aligns with Thai traditional medicine principles, which suggest that heat application combined with herbs possessing hot, nauseating, and astringent properties, including Curcuma aromatica Salisb., and Crinum asiaticum L. stimulates blood circulation, reduces inflammation, facilitates lochia discharge and speed up of uterine involution. Concurrently, abdominal bandaging provides mechanical support to firm the abdominal muscles and uterus. The integration of these two interventions creates a synergistic effect, resulting in significantly faster uterine involution compared to single interventions or standard care alone.

Conclusion and recommendations: The combined application of abdominal bandaging and hot brick compression speeds up uterine involution within 12 days, more than only abdominal bandaging and hot brick compression, the recommendation of further study is to compare abdominal bandaging and hot brick compression for uterine involution in primigravida and multigravida and increase the sample size.

Keywords: hot brick compression, abdominal bandaging, postpartum uterine involution

Efficacy of Calendula gel on the Healing of Chronic Wounds: An Open–Label Randomized Controlled Trial

โสภณ วัณไวทยจิตร — 2026-04-29

Introduction and objective: The management of chronic wounds remains a clinical challenge in modern healthcare due to their delayed healing process and increased risk of recurrent infections, which demand substantial healthcare resources. Recently, integration of herbal remedies with conventional medicine has gained attention, especially herbs with anti–inflammatory and wound healing properties. Calendula officinalis L. (pot marigold) is a medicinal plant with strong therapeutic potential, containing bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, lutein, saponins, and triterpenoids that exhibit antioxidant, anti–inflammatory, and tissue–regenerating effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Calendula gel in combination with standard care for chronic wound healing using the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score as the primary outcome, and to assess the safety of the herbal formulation.

Methods: This open–label randomized controlled trial was conducted at Tao Ngoi Hospital and its affiliated network in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand. A total of 46 patients with chronic wounds were divided into two groups using block randomization with a block size of 4. Both groups underwent daily wound cleansing following standard protocols. Afterwards, the intervention group (n = 23) received topical application of 4% w/v Calendula gel, prepared from German-origin mother tincture, once daily for seven days, while the control group (n = 23) received placebo gel. Daily assessments of wound status and pain intensity were conducted over a 7-day period using the PUSH score and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and any adverse events were monitored and documented. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and percentage. For clinical outcomes, a linear mixed-effects model was employed to analyze the daily trends of PUSH scores and compare percentage changes of PUSH scores between groups. Pain scores were analyzed using a paired t-test for intra-group comparisons and an independent t-test for inter-group comparisons.

Results: Throughout the 7-day follow-up period, both the experimental and control groups showed a continuous reduction in PUSH scores, reflecting progressive wound healing over time. However, the group receiving calendula gel demonstrated a faster and greater reduction in scores compared to the control group, with noticeable differences emerging around days 4–5 and becoming more pronounced during days 5–7. When considering changes from baseline, the experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction from day 5, whereas the control group showed significant improvement only on days 6 and 7. Furthermore, comparisons of percentage change between groups revealed statistically significant differences on days 5 and 6, supporting that calendula gel combined with standard treatment enhances wound healing more effectively than standard wound care plus placebo gel. The experimental group also demonstrated a more rapid and sustained wound recovery trend, with no reported adverse events or product-related side effects throughout the follow-up period. Meanwhile, NRS scores for pain were not significantly different between groups throughout the follow-up period (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that calendula gel may play a role in accelerating tissue repair and reducing healing time when used in conjunction with standard care.

Discussion: The use of Calendula gel alongside standard care significantly promoted chronic wound healing and may be particularly beneficial in settings with limited healthcare resources. This finding aligns with the principles of integrative medicine, which blends evidence–based modern medicine with traditional therapies to enhance clinical outcomes. Calendula–based products are also low–cost and easily accessible, making them well-suited for use in general practice. Our findings are consistent with previous clinical trials conducted in Europe and Latin America, which reported positive outcomes of topical Calendula officinalis in wound healing. Additionally, the absence of any adverse reactions in this study supports the safety profile of the gel, making it a viable option for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, diabetic patients, and those with compromised immunity.

Conclusions and Recommendations: Calendula gel was found to be safe and effective when used as an adjunct to standard wound care in patients with chronic wounds. The results support the development of reliable herbal–based interventions for clinical use. Further research should involve larger sample sizes, various types of chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers), and long-term follow-up to confirm the consistency of these outcomes in diverse healthcare contexts. Such evidence could serve as a foundation for incorporating Calendula gel into national public health policy as an alternative or adjunctive therapy in wound care.

Key words: Calendula gel, chronic wounds, PUSH score, wound healing, randomized controlled trial

Acute Dermal Irritation/Corrosion Testing in Rabbits of Rhinacanthus nasutus Root Extract Gel Containing 0.2% rhinacanthin C

ปฐมาพร ปรึกษากร — 2026-04-29

Introduction and Objective: Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, commonly known as snake jasmine or Thong–Phan–Chang in Thai, is a shrub in the Acanthaceae family. This plant is widely distributed across tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, South China, and India. In Thai traditional medicine, both the leaves and roots of R. nasutus have been used to treat various skin diseases, including eczema, ringworm, and tinea versicolor. The plant exhibits potent antifungal activity against dermatophytes, especially the root, which contains rhinacanthin C, a naphthoquinone compound, as the major antifungal substance. In previous studies, a root extract gel from R. nasutus was developed as a topical herbal formulation for treating skin conditions caused by fungal infections. The 0.1% rhinacanthin C gel preparation has been extensively studied, with empirical data supporting its safety in both animal models and humans. However, the safety profile of a higher–concentration formulation, specifically the 0.2% rhinacanthin C gel, has yet to be thoroughly assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the dermal irritation and corrosion responses of the 0.2% rhinacanthin C gel derived from R. nasutus root extract in rabbits to obtain preliminary safety data of the formulation prior to conducting a dose–response study in patients.

Methodology: The dried roots of R. nasutus were extracted, and the rhinacanthin C content was quantified using reverse–phase high–performance liquid chromatography (RP–HPLC). The R. nasutus root extract was then used as the active ingredient to prepare a 0.2% rhinacanthin C gel. The quality of the gel was later evaluated, including the gel's physical characteristics, the percentage of rhinacanthin C relative to the labeled amount, microbial and heavy metal contamination, and pH, to ensure its suitability for dermal application. The prepared 0.2% rhinacanthin C gel was then subjected to dermal irritation and corrosion testing in accordance with OECD Guideline 404 (OECD Guideline for Testing of Chemicals: Acute Dermal Irritation/Corrosion). New Zealand White rabbits were used as test animals. The testing process began with the skin corrosion test (initial test), conducted on a single rabbit to observe the dermal response, including erythema and oedema, and to monitor for any signs of skin damage or other adverse reactions. If no corrosion was observed in the initial test, a skin irritation test (confirmatory test) was conducted on two additional rabbits to assess potential irritation further.

Results: The prepared R. nasutus root extract gel (0.2% Rhinacanthin C) exhibited appropriate physical characteristics and contained rhinacanthin C within the specified concentration (90.0–110.0% of the labeled amount). No microbial contamination was detected, and heavy metal contamination did not exceed the limits of Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. The formulation had a pH of 5.5. These results confirmed that the gel preparation was suitable for testing acute dermal irritation/corrosion. In the skin corrosion test, no signs of skin damage were observed, indicating that the R. nasutus root extract gel (0.2% rhinacanthin C) did not induce skin corrosion. The skin irritation test revealed mean values of 0.67 – 1.00 for erythema and 0 – 0.67 for oedema, both of which met the no irritation requirement (0 to <1.5 non–irritant). These findings suggest that the 0.2% rhinacanthin C gel did not exhibit dermal irritation.

Discussion: Although the 0.2% rhinacanthin C gel did not exhibit significant skin irritation or corrosion, it is important to note that the mean values of erythema and oedema scores were slightly higher than those observed in our previous study using the 0.1% rhinacanthin C gel, which showed mean values of 0.33–0.67 for erythema and 0 for oedema. This suggested that formulations containing rhinacanthin C at concentrations above 0.2% might pose an elevated risk of skin irritation.

Conclusion and Recommandation: The R. nasutus root extract gel containing 0.2% rhinacanthin C demonstrated no significant skin corrosion or irritation in New Zealand White rabbits in accordance with OECD Guideline No. 404. These findings suggest that the 0.2% rhinacanthin C gel preparation is safe for topical application and is suitable for further clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety in patients with dermatophytosis.

Key words Rhinacanthus nasutus root extract gel, rhinacanthin C, safety, irritation, corrosion

Anti–hyperglycemic Effect of Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne Leaf Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

พราว ศุภจริยาวัตร — 2026-04-29

Introduction and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with high prevalence worldwide, representing a significant public health problem. The treatments currently rely on pharmacotherapy, which sometimes cause adverse effects and have limitations. This has led to a growing interest in the use of herbal medicine as an alternative therapy. Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne (‘phak chiang da’ in Thai) is a plant that has received considerable attention from both the public and researchers due to its purported hypoglycemic properties and its widespread commercialization into various products. This study aims to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Gymnema inodorum leaves on blood glucose levels in streptozotocin (STZ)–induced diabetic rats.

Methods: The collected medicinal plant was identified by a botanist (voucher specimen: DMSC 5260). The aqueous extract was prepared and its chemical quality was controlled by analyzing the content of gymnemic acid, total flavonoids, moisture, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash. For the anti-hyperglycemic test, 6 normal rats were placed in Group 1 (Normal control) receiving reverse osmosis (RO) water, while 30 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were divided into five groups (Groups 2-6, n=6 each), i.e., Group 2 (Negative control) received RO water, Group 3 (Positive control) received metformin (300 mg/kg/day). Groups 4–6 (Experimental groups) received the extract at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 14 days. On days 3, 7, 10, and 14 after treatment began, animals were fasted for 8 hours prior to venipuncture to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. Differences of FBG levels between groups and percentage change of FBS levels were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test for multiple comparisons. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The aqueous extract was a dark brown coarse powder with % yield of 46.01. Chemical analysis showed total flavonoids of 64.33 mg quercetin equivalent per gram extract, 7.67% moisture, 12.80% total ash, 0.22% acid-insoluble ash, and 1.79% gymnemic acid. In the animal model, the metformin group showed a continuous and significant reduction in FBS levels compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05) from day 3 to day 14. Similarly, diabetic rats treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract showed significantly lower FBS levels compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). However, the group receiving 125 mg/kg extract did not show a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Regarding the percentage change in fasting blood glucose from Day 0 (% change in FBS), the groups treated with 500 mg/kg of the extract and metformin showed a continuous decline from day 3 to 14. These reductions of % change in FBS were statistically significant compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the glucose-lowering efficacy of the extract at this dosage was not different from that of metformin.

Discussion: The aqueous extract containing 1.79% gymnemic acid at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg effectively reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. These findings are consistent with previous experimental studies in other countries.

Conclusion and Recommendations: This study demonstrates that G. inodorum is a promising plant for managing blood glucose or developing health products for diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals. However, caution is advised when using it alongside anti-diabetic drugs to avoid potential hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Consumers with underlying diseases or those taking other medications should consult a physician, as drug-herb interactions have not yet been fully studied. Future research should focus on chronic toxicity and the specific mechanisms of action to ensure safety and enhance the quality of G. inodorum products.

Key words: Gymnema inodorum, gymnemic acid, anti–hyperglycemic, animal model, streptozotocin

Antioxidant Activity and Neuroprotective Effect of Garcinia mangostana Pericarp Extracts on N1E–115 Cells

สดุดี รัตนจรัสโรจน์ — 2026-04-29

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) pericarp is rich in phenolic compounds, particularly xanthones, which possess potent antioxidant activities and may alleviate or delay neuronal degeneration. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of G mangostana pericarp extracts against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)–and glutamate–induced neurotoxicity in N1E–115 cells.

Methods: G. mangostana pericarp water extract (GM–W) and ethanol extract (GM–E), were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using a superoxide scavenging assay. Neuroprotective effects against H₂O₂–and glutamate–induced injury were assessed using the 3–[4,5–dimethylthiazol–2–yl]–2,5–diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Furthermore, the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated by using specific inhibitors of the mitogen–activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3–kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways.

Results: GM–W and GM–E showed strong antioxidant activities with IC₅₀ 29.11 + 3.88 and 14.49 + 1.66 µg/mL, respectively. Co–exposure or pre–exposure to GM–E significantly reduced H₂O₂–induced cell death, whereas GM–W showed no protective effect. For glutamate toxicity, only co–exposure with GM–E demonstrated neuroprotection. Additionally, the presence of MAPK and PI3K inhibitors significantly antagonized the neuroprotective effects of GM–E against both H₂O₂–and glutamate–induced neurotoxicity.

Discussion: GM–E protected neuronal cells from H₂O₂–and glutamate–induced toxicity. This neuroprotection is likely mediated through both direct antioxidant properties and the modulation of MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways. Study results indicate that natural antioxidants effectively reduce free radical–induced cellular damage, making them a promising alternative for preventing and delaying neurodegeneration.

Conclusion and Recommendation: These findings support the potential of mangosteen pericarp extract in protecting against H₂O₂–and glutamate–induced neurotoxicity, suggesting their therapeutic role in preventing or delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies in in vitro degenerative models with specific pathology and animal models on bioactive compound from mangosteen pericarp extracts and xanthone derivatives are required to clarify its activity and molecular mechanisms, as well as herbal product development into herbal medicinal products or herbal health products using nanotechnology.

Keywords : Garcinia mangostana L., antioxidant activity, neuroprotective activity, hydrogen peroxide, glutamate

Chemical and Physicochemical Properties of Elephantopus scaber L. Leaves

สายัณห์ เรืองเขตร — 2026-04-29

Introduction and Objective: Elephantopus scaber L., a member of the Asteraceae family, is a medicinal herb traditionally utilized by local communities and high–altitude ethnic groups in Thailand. According to indigenous wisdom, the roots and whole plants are typically sun–dried and prepared as decoctions or medicinal tinctures (steeped in alcohol). Its primary therapeutic properties include enhancing physical vigor, acting as an aphrodisiac, relieving muscular pain, serving as a diuretic, and treating various male–specific ailments. Additionally, the leaves are also employed for wound healing and relieving fever and cough. Despite its extensive traditional use, E. scaber lacks established quality control specifications in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of E.scaber L. leaves to provide information for the development of standard specification monograph and quality control of this herbal material.

Methods: Twelve samples of Elephantopus scaber L. were obtained from natural sources in Thailand and compared with the authentic sample received from the Herbarium Laboratory. Samples of Elephantopus scaber scaber L. were preliminarily examined for chemical properties using color reaction. Chemical identification was performed using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method and their physicochemical properties were also determined.

Results: Of all 12 samples, based on the color reactions of the preliminary chemical examination, 12 were positive when tested for flavonoids and phenolic compounds; and based on the TLC method, they were positive for flavonoids and chlorogenic acid. As for their physicochemical property studies including gravimetric method, their mean amounts ± SD for the moisture content, total ash, acid–insoluble ash, water–soluble extractive and 95% ethanol–soluble extractive were 9.33 ± 0.75 %, 6.42 ± 1.20 %, 2.70 ± 0.92 %, 15.55 ± 3.60 % and 7.05 ± 1.59 % w/w, respectively.

Discussion: All 12 samples of Elephantopus scaber L. were found to contain substances with hR_f values and colors identical to the chlorogenic acid standard, with an hR_f value of approximately 30 – 31. However, variations in band intensity suggest differing concentrations of chlorogenic acid across the samples. These differences may be attributed to variations in cultivars, the age of the herbal plant, harvest time, soil conditions, mineral content, topography, or climatic conditions. Based on the results of the physicochemical analysis, the quality standards for dried Elephantopus scaber L. leaves should be defined as follows: moisture content, total ash, and acid–insoluble ash should be no more than 10%, 7%, and 3% w/w, respectively. Furthermore, the contents of water–soluble extractive and 95% ethanol–soluble extractive should be not less than 14% and 7% w/w, respectively.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of this study will contribute to the establishment of a standard specification monograph for Elephantopus scaber L. leaf in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP), as reference for its quality control. If future research identifies specific compounds with significant pharmacological activity suitable for drug development, quantitative research should be conducted to analyze those markers within a standardized extract. This is essential for toxicological studies, clinical trials, and future commercial utilizations, including the development of a new monograph for Elephantopus scaber L. standardized extracts in THP.

Key words: Elephantopus scaber L., physicochemical properties, proposed specifications, quality control

Study on Traditional Thai Medicine Recipes and Its Antibacterial Activity of That Bun Job in The Tamrakarnpatpaenboran, Text Book, Volume 2

จันทร์จีรา บุญมา — 2026-04-29

Introduction and Objective: The That Bun Job treatise in Traditional Thai Medicine, General Practice, Volume 2 comprises four recipes: Phrom Phak, Maha Phrom Phak, Mahitthi Maha Phrom Phak, and Asa Dha Thi Wak. These formulations are indicated for the treatment of disorders of the fecal element, which are associated with gastrointestinal infections and pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This study aims to analyze the medicinal plants, therapeutic tastes, and fundamental pharmacological principles of the four formulations, and to evaluate their inhibitory activities against E. coli and S. aureus. The objective is to provide empirical evidence to support the development of traditional Thai medicinal formulations and their application in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods: This study was conducted through document review and experimental investigation. Information on the recipes: Phrom Phak, Maha Phrom Phak, Mahitthi Maha Phrom Phak, and Asa Dha Thi Wak was collected, and the herbal components and pharmacological principles were examined based on traditional Thai pharmaceutical texts. The formulations were then extracted using water and 95% ethanol, and their inhibitory effects against E. coli and S. aureus were evaluated using the disc diffusion method, broth dilution method, and agar dilution method

Results: The four recipes contain 57 medicinal plants. Most ingredients are plant–based crude drugs from stems (66.67%), and over 80% possess reported antibacterial activity. The taste analysis showed that the hot–pungent taste was most frequent (45.61%), consistent with indications for relieving flatulence, correcting abnormal fecal conditions, and alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms. The antibacterial tests demonstrated that the 95% ethanol extract of Asa Dha Thi Wak (ADE) had the strongest activity, with a 9–mm inhibition zone against both E. coli and S. aureus. It also showed MIC = 6.25 mg/mL and MBC = 12.5 mg/mL, outperforming Phrom Phak, Maha Phrom Phak, and Mahitthi Maha Phrom Phak.

Discussion: The four recipes described in the That Bun Job treatise, most medicinal plants possess hot–pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes, which correspond to the traditional Thai medical principles of balancing the wind and fire elements. Asa Dha Thi Wak demonstrated the greatest inhibitory activity against E. coli and S. aureus, consistent with its astringent–taste herbs that contain tannins known for their binding properties and antimicrobial effects in the gastrointestinal tract. This indicates a clear concordance among therapeutic taste, herbal composition, and pharmacological activity.

Conclusions and Recommendation: The 95% ethanolic extract of the Asa Dha Thi Wak formula (ADE) exhibited the greatest inhibitory activity against E. coli and S. aureus, reflected by its lower MIC and MBC values compared with the other formulations. This finding is consistent with its constituent herbs, which possess hot, bitter, and astringent tastes traditionally linked to gastrointestinal therapeutic actions. The results indicate strong potential for developing the Asa Dha Thi Wak formulation into a herbal product for gastrointestinal infections. Further investigations into its mechanisms of action, bioactive compounds, preclinical efficacy, and clinical validation are warranted to support its therapeutic application.

Key words: That Ban Job, Polyherbal formulation; Gastrointestinal infection, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus

Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages of Methods for Extracting Bergenin from Herbal Extract

Safawi Mamae — 2026-04-29

Introduction and Objectives: Bergenin is a key bioactive compound found in various medicinal plants and exhibits antioxidant and anti–inflammatory activities. However, standardized extraction approaches that ensure consistent quality remain limited. This study aims to develop a comparative conceptual framework of extraction methods for bergenin from herbal sources.

Methods: This study employed the conceptual analysis approach proposed by Walker and Avant, consisting of five steps: (1) selecting the concept; (2) determining the purpose of the analysis; (3) identifying the sources of the concept through systematic searches of ScienceDirect, Springer, Google Scholar, Pharmacia, and the Thai Journal Citation Index (TCI), yielding 1,211 articles, of which six relevant studies were selected for in–depth analysis; (4) defining the attributes of the concept; and (5) determining antecedents and consequences.

Results: Extraction methods significantly influence the yield and stability of bergenin. Microwave–assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound–assisted extraction (UAE) demonstrated high efficiency, shorter extraction time, and lower solvent consumption. Maceration and freeze drying were more suitable for preserving compound stability, whereas Soxhlet extraction and decoction were limited by thermal degradation. Polar solvents showed favorable extraction performance.

Discussion: Temperature was identified as the most critical factor affecting bergenin stability due to its heat sensitivity. MAE and UAE minimized degradation and improved extraction efficiency, whereas continuous heat–based methods tended to reduce compound stability. In addition, extraction time and solvent type also influenced extraction efficiency.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Selection of extraction methods should consider temperature, extraction time, and solvent type to obtain high–quality bergenin with preserved bioactivity.

Keywords: bergenin, microwave assisted extraction, extraction techniques, bioactive compounds,

Monograph of Select Thai Material Medica: DO MAI RU LOM

Subcommittee on the Preparation of Monographs of Selected Thai Materia Medica - — 2026-04-29

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Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Volume 2 (Chinese-Thai-English) (23)

ธวัช บูรณถาวรสม — 2026-04-29

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Editor's Note

Vichai Chokevivat — 2026-04-29

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Editorial Board

Vichai Chokevivat — 2026-04-29

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Policy and Ethics

Vichai Chokevivat — 2026-04-29

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Instructions to Authors (Revised 2025)

Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine — 2026-04-29

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DO MAI RU LOM

Thongchai Sooksawate — 2026-04-29

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