For generations, the peka tree—known in Thai as เพกา (Central), ลิ้นฟ้า (Isan), and มะลิดไม้ (North)—has been a quiet staple in kitchens and traditional medicine across Thailand. Its long, sword-shaped pods appear in rural curries, while the bark and seeds underpin many folk remedies. Today, researchers are exploring whether Oroxylum indicum bark can live up to its long-standing reputation, bridging ancient practice with contemporary science.
Thai households and their Asian neighbors have long relied on peka for a range of ailments. The inner bark is central to folk medicine, used in decoctions and pastes to ease fevers, treat skin conditions, calm digestive issues, and even repel livestock pests. This knowledge travels through generations, woven into Thai traditional medicine and Ayurveda texts. Peka embodies resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural identity in rural and indigenous communities across the country.
Different parts of peka have specialized uses: pods as food, leaves in poultices, seeds in tonics. Yet the bark—soft, spongy, and golden inside—features most prominently in healing. Thai traditional practitioners, often connected to local health networks, have recommended bark decoctions for diarrhea, jaundice, gastric ulcers, inflammation, and to cool the body. Bark poultices address skin rashes, wounds, and animal injuries, underscoring peka’s perceived anti-infective power in some northern communities where it has even been favored over antibiotics for wound care.
The diversity of local names for peka reflects its cultural prominence. North-facing “litmai,” Karen communities in Kanchanaburi calling it “kado dong,” and Mae Hong Son speakers using “dokka” illustrate regional ties to the tree. These names signal a rich linguistic heritage and deep connections with the land. Peka’s presence in home gardens and wild forests highlights its ecological adaptability, thriving from lowland plains to hill regions.
Modern science is increasingly examining peka bark’s traditional claims. Phytochemical analyses identify flavonoids such as oroxylin A, chrysin, and baicalein, along with alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenolics. These compounds are linked to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and potential anticancer effects. In animal studies, ethanol bark extracts have reduced inflammation and pain, sometimes matching the performance of common anti-inflammatory drugs. Researchers suggest these effects result from neutralizing free radicals and dampening inflammatory signaling pathways.
Antimicrobial and wound-healing properties are among the most robustly supported findings. Bark extracts inhibit bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and may accelerate tissue repair by reducing oxidative stress. Topical applications in animal models have improved healing of burns, aligning with long-standing use in skin and injury care.
Culinary and preventive traditions in Thailand further connect peka to health. Young, bitter pods feature in curries and dips, delivering healthful compounds found in the bark. This culinary use aligns with a broader approach to health that blends food and medicine, a philosophy deeply rooted in Thai culture.
Beyond inflammation and infection, studies hint at broader benefits, including potential anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anticancer, and liver-protective effects in preclinical models. For example, bark extracts may influence glucose and lipid levels in diabetic models, possibly by affecting carbohydrate-processing enzymes and promoting insulin sensitivity. The bark’s antioxidants may help mitigate chronic disease-related tissue damage.
Notably, peka interests contemporary Thai society as a natural adjuvant for lifestyle-related diseases. The rising prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension emphasizes the need for safe, affordable options. If properly standardized and integrated with modern care, peka-based preparations could complement traditional management, though robust clinical evidence and safety validation remain essential before formal recommendations.
During the pandemic, some studies reported in vitro inhibition of viral replication by peka bark components, prompting renewed interest in Thai herbal wisdom. These early findings highlight the importance of rigorous science and cautious interpretation rather than premature claims.
Health-conscious readers should view traditional remedies as supplementary, not substitutes for professional medical advice. Potential toxicity and interactions can arise with chronic use or contaminated products. Large-scale human trials are still needed to establish safety and efficacy. Consult healthcare providers, preferably those knowledgeable in both conventional and traditional Thai medicine, before using peka as a health supplement.
The broader story of peka lies at the intersection of culture, biodiversity, and health policy. Thailand’s rural communities—North, Northeast, Karen, and other groups—are renewing efforts to document knowledge, cultivate plants responsibly, and develop quality-controlled herbal products. Protecting wild populations from deforestation and overharvesting is part of a larger commitment to ecological stewardship and local empowerment.
Ongoing debates focus on standardization, ethical use, and integration into national health systems while fairly recognizing traditional practitioners. As Thailand seeks to harness its biodiversity for health and wellness industries, these conversations will shape policy and practice for years to come.
Looking ahead, experts advocate continued human-focused research to determine optimal formulations, dosages, and long-term safety. Advances in analytical science can verify botanical identity, composition, and contaminants. Public education should promote a balanced view: kitchen wisdom paired with rigorous science, grounded in respect and evidence.
If you are curious about peka, consider enjoying it as part of meals while recognizing that medicinal use requires professional guidance. Seek products from reputable sources with quality controls, and be wary of exaggerated promises.
For community herbalists and those safeguarding local wisdom, joining documentation networks, seed-saving initiatives, or conservation programs can help protect this knowledge. By valuing both traditional and modern science, Thai society can ensure that peka’s gifts nourish communities for generations.
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before starting new herbal remedies.
Notes on sources: Research and reviews cited reflect contemporary scientific work on Oroxylum indicum. Key findings come from peer-reviewed studies on anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties, and from broader ethnobotanical literature that documents traditional Thai uses. No external links are included in this revised piece; citations are integrated into the narrative.