A traditional wood-based remedy known as khunthongphayabat is drawing attention from scientists. In rural Thailand and across Southeast Asia, the Suregada multiflora wood has long been used to treat skin issues, fevers, and inflammatory complaints. Now researchers are exploring how its ancient uses align with contemporary health studies, shedding new light on this storied plant.
For Thai communities, khunthongphayabat is both familiar and enigmatic. Its heartwood has been a staple in regional healing traditions and is often included in mixtures aimed at cooling inflammation and soothing hot ailments. Regional names such as Yai Pluak, Dook Hin, and Ma Duk Lueam reflect its wide presence in local pharmacopoeias. What exactly is inside this wood, and how is modern science validating its traditional reputation?
Recent studies have begun to reveal the bioactive compounds of Suregada multiflora. A comprehensive review in Pharmaceuticals highlights that the genus is rich in diterpenoids—substances known for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, with potential anticancer properties. Researchers have identified more than 100 phytochemicals from this plant family, including abietane-type diterpenoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and lignans. These findings help explain the plant’s long-standing use in folk medicine and point to its therapeutic potential.
Historically, khunthongphayabat has been employed to treat eczema, rashes, fungal infections, swelling, fevers, gum disease, and even certain lymphatic and venereal conditions. In Thailand, the wood, sometimes combined with other herbs, appears in topical creams and oral formulations, and occasionally in cancer-supporting blends. Ethnomedical surveys document its widespread role in community health, underscoring its deep cultural roots.
Laboratory work provides a bridge from tradition to pharmacology. A notable study examined the bark’s extracts and identified heliosecopeinolide A, a diterpene lactone, as a strong inhibitor of nitric oxide production in immune cells—an important inflammatory mediator. The test achieved an IC50 of 8.6 micrograms per milliliter, indicating meaningful anti-inflammatory activity comparable to conventional agents. Heliosecopeinolide A also reduced prostaglandin E2 by dampening the expression of iNOS and COX-2 enzymes, aligning with Thai concepts of cooling inflammation at the source.
Beyond anti-inflammatory effects, other extracts from Suregada multiflora show antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial activity. Leaves, roots, and bark have demonstrated inhibition of skin and gum pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, while root extracts have targeted diarrheal and wound-associated bacteria such as Shigella and E. coli. These findings suggest a potential role for traditional herbs in integrated care, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare.
In Thai practice, khunthongphayabat features in balance-focused therapies, especially during hot seasons when skin irritations and fevers rise. The bitter, cooling plant is believed to draw heat from inflamed areas, a view that resonates with laboratory evidence of its anti-inflammatory actions. However, most rigorous clinical trials are still needed. A pilot study on a topical cleanser containing Suregada multiflora—used alongside other herbs—indicated potential benefits for atopic dermatitis, but it did not isolate the plant’s individual contribution. This cautious stance is typical in herbal research, where promising signals require robust human trials.
Scientists are also exploring the plant’s anticancer potential. Certain abietane-type diterpenoids from Suregada multiflora have shown activity against cancer cell lines in lab settings. While intriguing, these results are far from clinical use, and researchers emphasize the need for standardized extracts and comprehensive safety assessments before any medical recommendations can be made.
Safety remains a priority. Traditional warnings note that improper use or high doses can cause toxicity due to alkaloids in the plant. Thai healers stress careful preparation, measurement, and avoidance of use by pregnant women and young children unless supervised by qualified practitioners. This risk-awareness mirrors the broader caution observed in modern herbal science and underscores the importance of consulting licensed professionals.
Across South and Southeast Asia, preparations using Suregada multiflora appear in diverse contexts—from liver health practices in India to gum disease remedies in Bangladesh—demonstrating the plant’s wide-ranging cultural relevance. These parallels enrich the global conversation about herbal medicine and its potential role in contemporary health.
Looking ahead, the field aims to advance structured clinical trials and pharmacological analyses. The plant’s unique diterpenoid and triterpenoid compounds may serve as foundations for new anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. For Thailand, this could translate into locally rooted options for managing chronic skin conditions and infections, with careful standardization guiding safe use.
Practical guidance for readers: respect the cultural heritage of khunthongphayabat, but approach it with caution. If you’re considering remedies containing Suregada multiflora for skin issues or fever, consult a licensed physician or accredited traditional practitioner. Avoid self-medicating with raw herbs or concentrated extracts, and seek products backed by independent testing, safety assessments, and clear labeling. Support research-informed choices and prioritize treatments that demonstrate verified safety and efficacy.
The story of khunthongphayabat illustrates how Thai wisdom can harmonize with modern science. It stands as a reminder of the ongoing journey from folk medicine to evidence-based practice, guided by local values and global research alike.
For further context, refer to the 2023 comprehensive review in Pharmaceuticals and related studies summarized in PubMed.