From the leafy forests of northern Thailand to the backyard gardens of the south, the lacy climbing fern known as Lipeao (ลิเภา), or Lygodium polystachyum Wall. ex T.Moore, weaves a distinctive presence through local culture, traditional healing, and rural livelihoods. Revered under many regional names such as Kud Khreu, Kud Gong, Kud Ngaod Ngaed, Kud Pae, Kud Yong, or Pak Teen Tokto in the north, and Leh Phao, Lipeao Yong, or Yaa Yai Phao in the south, this ancient fern connects the tapestry of Thai herbal wisdom with modern scientific inquiry. Today, as a new generation advocates for evidence-based natural health, interest in Lipeao’s medicinal reputation is being reawakened—and scrutinized—for its healing promise and scientific validity.
Lipeao is much more than just a botanical curiosity. Traditionally, this slender, resilient vine, with its spiraling fronds and flexible stems, was used primarily for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing qualities. Folk healers, especially in northern and northeastern provinces, relied on the stems and leaves. The fern would be pounded or boiled, then applied as a poultice to relieve pain, reduce swelling, treat bruises or sprains, and accelerate wound repair. In many Thai localities, Lipeao was incorporated into herbal compresses and steam baths believed to invigorate circulation and restore balance—a core principle of traditional Thai medicine that aims for equilibrium in the body (phar.ubu.ac.th; medthai.com).
The enduring popularity of Lipeao speaks to deep cultural roots. Across Asia, the Lygodium genus, with relatives like Lygodium japonicum and Lygodium microphyllum, appears in local pharmacopeias, where the plants are celebrated for diuretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory effects. Thai villagers have passed down harvesting methods and remedy recipes, and many communities still use Lipeao as part of postpartum care or to treat muscle aches from agricultural labor. Beyond medicine, the plant’s robust fibers—especially in the south—have long supplied raw material for weaving baskets, bags, and hats, reflecting the interdependence of Thai folkways and local biodiversity (flora of Thailand).
Modern Thai herbalism honors Lipeao’s place within the broader pattern of healing traditions. Herbal practitioners, in line with Thai Ministry of Public Health guidelines, often recommend Lipeao for external use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. In some contemporary Thai herbal compendia, the plant is listed as supporting wound healing, alleviating muscle pain, and helping with chronic conditions like rheumatism, though always with an understanding that such benefits emerge from accumulated folk observation rather than rigorous clinical proof (Medthai.com).
But how much of this traditional faith stands up to scientific scrutiny? The growing global interest in evidence-based herbal medicine has put Lipeao and its relatives under the modern research spotlight. Most peer-reviewed studies have focused on closely related species, such as Lygodium microphyllum or Lygodium japonicum, for their pharmacological potential. These investigations have identified antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, and possible antimicrobial properties in various extracts of Lygodium species (CABI Compendium; SciTePress PDF). For instance, research on Lygodium microphyllum has revealed its ability to protect liver cells and modulate immune responses in animal models, while methanolic extracts have demonstrated promising free-radical scavenging activity—mechanisms likely relevant to its widespread topical use in soothing inflammation (PubMed).
However, as of 2025, there are no direct, published human clinical trials of Lygodium polystachyum’s medicinal effects specifically. Much of what is known pharmacologically comes from ethnobotanical surveys, laboratory screening for antioxidant or anti-inflammatory compounds (notably flavonoids and polyphenols), and animal studies conducted on related ferns. One review notes that “extracts from the genus Lygodium have shown potential in reducing inflammatory markers and promoting wound healing in laboratory settings,” but emphasizes that clinical relevance for Thai folk practices remains to be established by robust trials (ResearchGate).
This scientific gap underscores a recurring theme in the story of Lipeao: the delicate balance between inherited folk wisdom and the modern demand for evidence. Herbal practitioners familiar with the plant’s usage frequently stress the importance of contextual, holistic healing—pointing to its safety history when used externally, but also cautioning against internal or long-term use without professional supervision. As with many ferns, some species in Lygodium and related families contain potentially harmful compounds, prompting researchers to advise careful preparation, dosing, and cross-checking with chronic health conditions or medication.
There is a broader lesson for Thai society here. The movement to revitalize traditional medicine, led by the Ministry of Public Health, encourages the study and preservation of trusted remedies like Lipeao while aligning these with international standards for safety and efficacy. Efforts are underway to document local knowledge, train community herbalists, and promote sustainable harvesting practices—especially as wild resources face pressure from land use change and overharvesting. For younger Thais curious about traditional healing, Lipeao stands as both heritage and living laboratory: a reminder that the road from folk remedy to approved medicine passes through rigorous, respectful scientific study (phar.ubu.ac.th; e-Flora of Thailand).
Cultural context further colors the significance of Lipeao. In Thai Buddhist monasteries, steamed herbal compresses featuring this fern sometimes accompany meditation or traditional massage, connecting physical well-being with spiritual care. The stem’s use in southern artisan crafts highlights a philosophy of “nothing wasted,” where every plant part finds a purpose. This convergence of medicine, craft, and ecology exemplifies the interconnectedness at the heart of Thai worldviews.
What does the future hold for Lipeao? International collaboration in herbal medicine research is accelerating, with Thai scientists now collaborating on cross-border biodiversity projects and integrating ethnobotanical knowledge into drug discovery platforms. Advances in analytical chemistry are likely to yield new insights into Lipeao’s bioactive compounds. If promising molecules are identified, clinical trials could follow, paving the way for standardized topical remedies—or possibly even new pharmaceuticals—rooted in Thai tradition.
Yet, amidst this excitement, health experts emphasize a “first, do no harm” approach. They urge anyone interested in using Lipeao or other traditional medicinal herbs to consult qualified practitioners, confirm species identification, and avoid unsupervised consumption—especially in pregnant women, children, or those with chronic medical conditions. As a climbing fern deeply embedded in rural Thai landscapes and collective memory, Lipeao serves as a bridge: linking the healing practices of ancestors with the promise of modern science, and reminding us that evidence-based herbal medicine is both about honoring the past and embracing innovation with care.
For readers interested in exploring traditional Thai herbs, practical recommendations include: always source herbs from reputable suppliers; consult with experienced practitioners, particularly for medicinal use; and keep abreast of new research and government guidelines regarding the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies. Those passionate about conservation can support efforts to protect Thailand’s plant diversity, while learners and health seekers can attend public workshops or university outreach programs that teach the safe, informed use of local medicinals.
In the case of Lipeao, the story is not just about the plant itself, but about the evolving relationship between people, place, and the healing arts. In the intersection between tradition and evidence, a new chapter is being written—one that promises to enrich both public health and cultural identity, using lessons from the forest that are carried, like the Lipeao vine, across time and generation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any herbal product, especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications.
Sources: phar.ubu.ac.th, medthai.com, flora of Thailand, ResearchGate, CABI Compendium, SciTePress PDF, PubMed