#ClinicalResearch

Across Thai gardens and temple courtyards, the distinctive aroma of holy basil—known locally as kaphrao (กะเพรา)—is a familiar and beloved presence. For centuries, Ocimum tenuiflorum, or tulsi as it is called in much of South Asia, has served as far more than a culinary herb or ornamental plant. Revered throughout Thai and Asian traditions for both its healing powers and spiritual significance, holy basil is emerging as a botanical protagonist in the intersection between ancient remedies and modern science. Recent research is now unpacking the many claims surrounding this plant, exploring whether its time-honored reputation as a “Queen of Herbs” holds up in the laboratory as well as in the lore of Thai families.

Berberine, a plant compound gaining global popularity and recently dubbed “nature’s Ozempic,” is capturing the attention of health-conscious Thais and practitioners alike. Marketed as a supplement for everything from weight loss and diabetes to cholesterol reduction, this herbal extract is now backed by a wave of recent scientific studies. But does the hype stand up to clinical scrutiny, and what should Thai consumers and healthcare providers know before jumping on the trend? Drawing on the latest research and expert opinions, we untangle the facts, the risks, and the promise of berberine for Thailand’s growing health-supplement market.

San Phra Hom, a name echoing through Thai highland villages and bustling city markets alike, has captivated healers and scientists with its fragrant promise of wellness. Known variously as “Keiang Pa Yai” in northern Thailand, “Porki” among Karen communities, and by its scientific designation Eupatorium fortunei, this unassuming leafy herb bridges generations, cultures, and continents. Today, as modern science peels back the layers of botanical mystery, San Phra Hom finds itself at the crossroads of ancient tradition and clinical scrutiny, heralding a new chapter in natural medicine for health-conscious Thais and curious global citizens alike.

Tucked beneath a thick, glossy purple rind, the delicate snow-white segments of mangosteen have long enchanted anyone lucky enough to taste them. Revered throughout Southeast Asia and lovingly dubbed the “Queen of Fruits,” this tropical treasure has inspired myths, royal favor, and deep respect among traditional healers. Today, mangosteen stands at the fascinating crossroads of ancient herbal wisdom and cutting-edge biomedical research, offering a compelling story for Thai readers and global health enthusiasts alike.

In the landscape of traditional herbal medicine, few remedies bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific endorsement as seamlessly as เทียนเกล็ดหอย, known internationally as Plantago ovata or Ispaghula seed. Revered from the arid plains of South Asia to bustling Thai communities, the husk of its tiny seeds has been a natural healer for centuries—a gentle laxative, a digestive soother, and, recently, a subject of rigorous clinical research. As health-conscious Thais increasingly seek remedies that respect both tradition and modern evidence, the story of เทียนเกล็ดหอย offers a blueprint for harmonizing old and new approaches to well-being.

Nestled in the folklore and village gardens across Thailand, the unassuming Kan Tee Saw—known scientifically as Vitex trifolia—has for centuries been revered as a multifaceted healer. Called by names as varied as kan tee saw khaw in Chonburi, khon din saw in the central regions, phii suea noi in the North, or thian khaw in Phetchaburi, this plant’s rich medicinal history threads through every region and dialect, embodying a unique harmony of nature’s bounty and human ingenuity. Today, as researchers turn magnifying lenses and test tubes onto the ancient remedies of Thai traditional medicine, Kan Tee Saw emerges not just as a cultural artifact but as a botanical protagonist on the cusp of scientific validation. What follows is a journey through its uses, lore, modern research, and what the future may hold for this cherished herbal medicine.

Kluai Namwa, known botanically as Musa x paradisiaca and cherished across Thailand for generations, is far more than a simple tropical staple – it’s a beloved piece of both culinary heritage and traditional pharmacopoeia. This unassuming banana, commonly harvested while still unripe, has a profound legacy as a trusted remedy in Thai homes. Today, a fresh wave of laboratory research is illuminating the clinical potential of this age-old fruit, drawing new connections between ancient healing traditions and modern biomedical science.

In the lush forests and fertile soils of Thailand, a deep violet rhizome known locally as “krachaidam” (กระชายดำ) stands at the remarkable crossroads of traditional therapy and modern science. Revered for generations, krachaidam—scientifically identified as Kaempferia parviflora—is much more than a culinary curiosity or folk medicine staple. Today, this member of the Zingiberaceae family, sometimes called “Thai black ginger” or “Thai ginseng,” is stirring global scientific interest for its possible role in human health, bridging ancient wisdom with clinical promise.