Sakae Na—known scientifically as Combretum quadrangulare and called by various local names across Thailand—holds a storied place in the landscape of traditional Southeast Asian herbal medicine. For generations, the seeds and other parts of this modest riverside tree have been used in folk remedies, especially in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, with revered status for their healing potential. Today, as science casts its analytical lens on ancient practices, Sakae Na finds itself at a fascinating crossroads: validated by centuries of use, yet continually examined by modern pharmaceuticals for real-world therapeutic power. With growing interest in plant-based wellness, understanding how tradition and science intertwine in the story of Sakae Na speaks not just to health-conscious readers but also to the cultural heart of Thailand.
Sakae Na, locally referred by names like แก, แพ่ง, ขอนเเข้, จองแค่, and ซังแก depending on the region, is deeply rooted in village traditions. Found growing wild along riverbanks and wetlands (especially in the Northeast and Central regions), the tree is a familiar part of rural Thai life. Its seeds are the most commonly used component in folk medicine, historically prized as an anthelmintic—an agent for expelling intestinal worms wikipedia.org. Folk healers traditionally prepared Sakae Na seed decoctions or powders to combat parasitic worms in children and adults, as parasitic infections were once a major public health concern across the region. Remarkably, this same use is echoed not just in Thailand, but also documented in Vietnamese and Cambodian medical lore—further testament to the tree’s pan-regional importance he02.tci-thaijo.org.
Yet, Sakae Na’s role goes well beyond deworming. Within Thai traditional wisdom, its seeds, roots, bark, and leaves are variously used to treat fever, jaundice, constipation, chronic wounds, and skin eruptions. Some traditions describe its bark as useful for relieving pain or swelling, and the leaves for addressing hemorrhoids. This wide spectrum of applications reflects the holistic approach at the heart of Thai traditional medicine, in which single plants may be used for diverse ailments, often in combination with other botanicals phar.ubu.ac.th. Part of Sakae Na’s popularity may stem from its ready availability and the deep trust rural communities place in their inherited herbal wisdom.
What makes Sakae Na’s story particularly compelling today is the bridge it forms between old and new, tradition and laboratory. Over the past two decades, researchers across Asia and globally have undertaken detailed studies to isolate, analyze, and test the chemical constituents of the tree. Initial investigations confirmed the age-old claim: alcoholic and aqueous extracts from Sakae Na seeds exhibit strong anthelmintic properties. In laboratory tests, they can kill or paralyze a range of intestinal worms and larvae pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. These results, while not always directly translatable from test tubes to human bodies, offered early scientific affirmation of the plant’s ethnomedical use.
Digging further, scientists have identified a host of bioactive components in Sakae Na seeds and leaves, including saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and cycloartane-type triterpenoids. These natural chemicals are not only implicated in anti-parasitic effects, but also have demonstrated anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities in both in vitro (outside the body) and in vivo (in animals) experiments mdpi.com, iopscience.iop.org. For example, a 2023 review highlighted Cycloartane-type triterpenoids newly isolated from Sakae Na with potent inhibitory actions on enzymes relevant to cholesterol regulation and blood glucose control [search_pubmed]. Another recent study in Vietnam identified leaf extracts that not only combat bacteria but also display protective effects on liver cells exposed to toxins—raising hopes for future use in managing some liver diseases pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
From the Thai perspective, these laboratory findings are especially exciting when considered alongside the realities of community health. In rural provinces where access to modern healthcare can be limited and traditional practice endures among elders, the practical efficacy of plants like Sakae Na cannot be dismissed. A 2019 investigation in Thailand confirmed that extracts from the plant’s seeds showed significant activity against both parasites and select bacterial strains, and also pointed to potential for developing new herbal-based wound-healing treatments he02.tci-thaijo.org.
Yet, while lab-based science has validated much, it is careful not to overreach. Most studies conducted thus far are either in vitro, involve animal models, or focus on extracting specific compounds rather than the complex herbal mixtures used in human traditional medicine. Comprehensive clinical trials in humans—the gold standard for confirming safety and effectiveness—are still sparse. Health authorities therefore urge caution. As observed by experts in herbal pharmacology, while the promise of Sakae Na (and other traditional botanicals) is real, anyone considering using it medicinally should consult healthcare professionals, especially because potency and dosage can vary according to preparation and the user’s condition. Reports of toxicity are rare, but overuse or incorrect use—especially in children or during pregnancy—could present risks (a pattern seen with other medicinal plants with strong active ingredients) medthai.com.
The increasing popularity of herbal wellness in Thailand reflects both shifting attitudes and longstanding values. Tantric remedies and village recipes are often passed down within families or local healers who retain knowledge beyond what is captured in textbooks. This living heritage, celebrated in everything from rural markets to temple festivals, ensures that the narrative of Sakae Na remains dynamic. Indeed, the very names by which the tree is known in different provinces reflect deep linguistic and ethnic roots—tying it intimately to the cultural history of Isan, Phrae, Ubon Ratchathani, and beyond. In Thai folklore, Sakae Na is sometimes linked to stories of resilience, hardiness, and the triumph of simple wisdom over hardship.
With scientific interest growing, attention has turned also to the tree’s pharmacological possibilities beyond the traditional deworming arsenal. As noted, several newly identified cycloartane-type triterpenoids not only inhibit parasites but also show potential in modifying metabolic pathways involved in diabetes and cholesterol metabolism [search_pubmed]. Other investigations point to its anti-oxidant activity, which could support immune function or limit inflammation. Some early-stage research even explores its possible use in dermatology for skin healing or reducing allergic inflammation mdpi.com.
Yet these new frontiers bring new questions: How can beneficial compounds be isolated for maximum safety and effect? Can they be standardized into dosage forms that match the consistency modern medicine demands? Might overharvesting threaten the biodiversity or cultural integrity of rural forests if demand spikes for Sakae Na extract? As Thailand increasingly positions itself as a leader in herbal wellness and sustainable healthcare, these are pressing questions both for policymakers and community herbalists.
In summary, Sakae Na exemplifies the best of living Thai heritage—a practical remedy rooted in the land, refined over generations, and now standing at the edge of pharmaceutical innovation. Its story bridges the wisdom of rural healers and modern laboratories, providing a beacon for those who seek holistic approaches grounded in both nature and evidence.
For Thai readers—and indeed, for anyone choosing to explore traditional herbal options—the lessons are clear: Respect the complexity of both old and new. Consider consulting pharmacists or physicians familiar with both traditional and modern practice before using Sakae Na for health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illness. If using the remedy, seek standardized products when possible and follow recommended dosages. And finally, remember that traditional knowledge is best honored when combined with a critical, evidence-based approach that puts health and safety first.
The story of Sakae Na, as it continues to unfold, reminds us that the boundaries between folk medicine and modern science are not as rigid as they may seem. Both traditions offer tools for wellness; when wisely blended, they can offer remarkable possibilities for individual and community health.
Source links: