#Phytochemistry

Saba (สะบ้า), known to botanists as Entada rheedii Spreng., is a giant climber found winding its way through Thailand’s forests, bearing massive pods filled with glossy, oval seeds. Known by many local names—สะบ้ามอญ, สะบ้าใหญ่, มะบ้าหลวง, มะนิม, หมากงิม, and more—this remarkable plant holds a special place in traditional Thai and Southeast Asian herbalism. Yet, while Saba’s seeds have long been a source of healing, ceremony, and even magic, a new chapter is unfolding as science begins to validate—and sometimes challenge—the wisdom sewn into local customs. For Thai readers curious about natural health solutions with ancient roots, Entada rheedii represents a fascinating intersection of folklore, pharmacology, and global botanical research.

Saba, or Entada rheedii Spreng., is a giant climber that threads through Thailand’s forests, bearing long pods and glossy seeds. Known by many local names—สะบ้ามอญ, สะบ้าใหญ่, มะบ้าหลวง, มะนิม, หมากงิม, and more—the plant sits at the crossroads of traditional Thai and Southeast Asian herbalism. Now, science is beginning to validate—and sometimes challenge—the wisdom woven into local practices. For readers curious about nature-based health solutions with deep roots, Entada rheedii sits at an intriguing intersection of folklore, pharmacology, and global botanical research.

For generations, the deep reddish-brown extract known as สีเสียดไทย (Si Sied Thai), derived from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree, has been a staple in Thai herbal pharmacies and village medicine chests alike. Once a ubiquitous remedy for diarrhea, sore throat, and wounds, Si Sied Thai is now drawing fresh scientific interest for its rich array of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. But does this ancient astringent live up to its venerable role, or is it simply a relic of another era? Recent laboratory studies, cultural documentation, and emerging pharmacological findings suggest the answer is a fascinating blend of both tradition and science, urging a new generation to look again at its unique healing potential.

For generations, Thai wisdom keepers have regarded ส้มโอมือ (sôm o mue), or Citrus medica L.―known in English as ‘Buddha’s Hand’, citron, or ส้มมือ (sôm mue)—as a fragrant gift from nature, thriving across temple gardens, village fences, and the annals of ancient pharmacopeias. In an era where health-conscious readers yearn for authentic remedies grounded as much in heritage as in evidence, ส้มโอมือ shines as both a cultural artifact and a rising star of modern pharmacological research. Today, as science investigates the very compounds once praised by village healers, a fascinating convergence emerges: ancient Thai medicinal practices are increasingly gaining validation in the global scientific narrative.

Som poi, a spiny shrub known to Thai households for centuries, sits at the crossroads of tradition and science. Village life used its pods as a natural shampoo, while leaves and young pods steeped in decoctions were valued for relief from pain, fevers, and digestion issues. Today, researchers are uncovering the plant’s pharmacological potential, offering new health possibilities while honoring Thai heritage.

In many rural Thai homes, som poi remains a symbol of purification and renewal during Songkran and other New Year celebrations. Its use in scented water for ceremonial cleansing reflects a deep cultural belief in harmony with nature and fresh beginnings. Across generations, the plant has also served culinary and cosmetic roles, shaping household routines and local wellness practices.

For centuries, the spiny shrub known to Thais as “som poi” has quietly played a role in kitchens, bathing rooms, and healing traditions across the country. From using its pods as a cleansing shampoo to brewing its leaves for herbal teas, Acacia concinna—once a staple in village life—is now at the center of a scientific renaissance, as researchers unravel its ancient secrets and unlock new health possibilities for the modern age (prosea.prota4u.org; phar.ubu.ac.th).

For centuries, สีเสียดเทศ—known scientifically as Uncaria gambir—has been a trusted remedy in the apothecaries and homes throughout Southeast Asia. Revered in both Thai and wider Southeast Asian herbal traditions, it has historically served as a versatile medicinal ally, from soothing stomach complaints to tending to wounds. Today, สีเสียดเทศ’s transformation from regional folk remedy and trade commodity to a subject of modern pharmacological research reveals a vibrant intersection of culture, tradition, and science—one that offers intriguing prospects, but also calls for careful scrutiny and respect.

Mangosteen hides its treasure inside a thick, glossy purple rind. The snow-white segments have long enchanted eaters and earned the nickname “Queen of Fruits.” Today, mangosteen sits at the crossroads of ancient herbal wisdom and modern biomedical research—a story with strong relevance for Thai readers and health enthusiasts worldwide.

Across Thailand’s markets and orchards—from Chanthaburi’s fertile plains to southern groves—mangosteen is more than a seasonal fruit. For centuries, the fruit, rind, and even tree bark have appeared in local remedies and rituals believed to balance the body and restore health. But what does current science say about these traditional claims? How can Thais and visitors enjoy mangosteen while understanding its true medicinal potential?

In the forests and hills of Thailand, the evergreen climber known locally as Wheny Daeng (Gnetum macrostachyum) has long been a part of traditional healing. With local names like Wheny Dook, Muay Daeng, Wheny Lued, and Kamphaeng Phet Jet-Chan, this resilient vine embodies rural wisdom and holds promise for scientific exploration. Recent research is beginning to unpack folk knowledge, suggesting that this traditional remedy may possess real pharmacological potential and could bridge ancient healing practices with contemporary biomedical science.

Tucked within the lush forests and hills of Thailand, an evergreen climber known locally as เมื่อยแดง (Gnetum macrostachyum) has woven itself into the fabric of traditional medicine for generations. With monikers like เมื่อยดูก, ม่วยแดง, เมื่อยเลือด, and กำแพงเพชรเจ็ดชั้น, this resilient vine is more than botanical curiosity—it is a symbol of local wisdom and a promising subject for scientific discovery. Recent research has started peeling back the layers of folk knowledge, finding that this traditional remedy may indeed hold genuine pharmacological potential, offering a fascinating convergence of ancient healing rituals and contemporary biomedical science.

Across the rice fields and riverbanks of Thailand’s Northeast, stories spin about a curious plant whose roots are as twisted as the folklore surrounding them. Known as “ปลาไหลเผือกน้อย” (pla lai phueak noi) or regionally as “เอี่ยนด่อน,” Eurycoma harmandiana Pierre has woven itself into the medicinal traditions of Thai and neighboring Lao communities for generations. Bearing a name that translates to “white eel” in local dialects—“เอียน” meaning eel and “ด่อน” denoting the white color—this small but potent shrub holds a revered place in Isan folk practice as a source of wellness, vitality, and resilience, cherished particularly for its powerful roots.

For centuries, the aromatic leaves and knobbly fruits of the kaffir lime—known in Thai as makrut—have graced Thai kitchens, ritual spaces, and medicine cabinets. Its distinctive fragrance is instantly recognisable in tom yum soup and green curry, yet beyond its culinary appeal lies a trove of traditional healing wisdom. Today, scientists are delving deep into this humble plant’s chemistry, revealing how ancient practices may be supported—and sometimes challenged—by modern research.

Makrut lime, known in Thai as makrut, has long colored Thai kitchens, rituals, and traditional medicine. Its fragrant leaves and knobby fruit flavor dishes like tom yum and green curry, but they also carry a rich history of healing knowledge. Today, researchers are exploring the chemistry of this plant, testing which ancient practices hold up under modern science and where they may diverge.

Makrut lime (Citrus hystrix) plays a special role in Thai life. Indigenous to Southeast Asia and widely grown across rural Thailand, its uses extend beyond food. The leaves are used in ceremonial cleansing to bless homes, while the essential oils appear in perfumes, massage, and natural insect repellents. Traditional healers incorporate nearly every part of the plant—leaves, rind, juice, and roots—for ailments from headaches and stomach issues to high blood pressure and postpartum recovery. In Thai culture, makrut’s reach goes from the kitchen to the clinic and the home.

Thailand’s forests have long been a living pharmacy. The herb เปล้าใหญ่ (Pao Yai or Croton oblongifolius) is prized as a household remedy and now attracts pharmacological study. The plant’s leaves, bark, and seeds form a bridge between ancestral knowledge and contemporary science. For health-conscious Thai readers, Pao Yai offers insight into how local plants may support, but not replace, standard medicine as research continues.

Across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of South Asia, Pao Yai has long been used to restore balance and cleanse the body. In different regions it goes by names such as เปล้าหลวง in the north, เปาะ in Kamphaeng Phet, and ควะวู in Kanchanaburi. Though meanings vary, the underlying aim remains similar: easing illness, aiding recovery after childbirth, and supporting overall well-being. Modern references note its traditional roles in decoctions, hot baths, and herbal steam rituals.

Across Thailand’s Northeast, locals tell of a small shrub whose roots are said to renew strength and vitality. Known as ปลาไหลเผือกน้อย (pla lai phueak noi) or “เอี่ยนด่อน” in some regions, Eurycoma harmandiana Pierre has long featured in Isan and Lao healing traditions. The name, literally describing a “white eel,” underscores the plant’s place in local folklore and its honored status as a tonic with powerful roots.

This piece traces Eurycoma harmandiana from ancient practice to contemporary science. Rural healers, village stories, and modern laboratories converge as researchers examine whether traditional claims hold up under today’s standards. Thailand’s renewed interest in botanical heritage highlights the potential of this humble root to inspire both cultural pride and new health insights.

Thailand’s lush forests have long been a pharmacy for its people, with “เปล้าใหญ่” (Pao Yai or Croton oblongifolius Roxb.) prized as both a household herbal medicine and a subject of modern scientific inquiry. Once the preserve of village healers and traditional midwives, the leaves of Pao Yai are now being examined with the lens of pharmacological research, offering a fascinating bridge between the wisdom of the ancients and the rigor of modern science. As health-conscious Thais and global communities turn to natural options, understanding the story of Pao Yai opens a window on how local plants can support—yet must never replace—conventional healthcare, especially as research unfolds.

Borapet, or Tinospora crispa, has twined through Thai gardens and folk healing for generations. Known regionally as khruea khao ho, chong ching, or jetamoon yam, it has long been used to treat fevers, aid digestion, support diabetes management, and heal wounds. Today, scientists are increasingly testing this bitter vine to separate traditional wisdom from evidence, while Thai communities watch closely.

In rural and urban Thailand alike, Borapet’s signature bitterness is celebrated as a healing force. It is a staple in classic ya dong tonics, cooling teas, and fever remedies. Folklore holds that the vine cleanses the blood, strengthens the body, and balances inner heat—a concept rooted in traditional humoral theories shared across Asia. Many elders recall Borapet teas used to reduce fever, stimulate appetite, or help manage diabetes. Carried in market stalls and temple gardens, Borapet remains a familiar sight in everyday Thai life.

For centuries, Borapet (Tinospora crispa)—also known in different Thai regions as khruea khao ho, chong ching, or jetamoon yam—has twined its bitter stems through local gardens, folk medicine chests, and herbal lore across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Praised by elders for its invigorating and cooling qualities, Borapet has long been a household staple for treating a perplexing range of ailments: from fevers and diabetes to wound healing and indigestion. Today, as modern science turns its gaze toward ancient remedies, Borapet’s reputation as a local panacea is receiving fresh scrutiny—and, in some cases, careful scientific validation.

Tūmka, a small seed from the Strychnos nux-blanda tree, sits at a crossroads between centuries of folk wisdom and modern science. Known by many regional names—Kotkakling, Khimka, Makting, and Sa Laeng Jai—the seed is famous for both healing potential and serious danger. In Thailand, communities across rural areas keep its memory alive while experts scrutinize its real-world health implications.

This dual reputation mirrors a broader conversation about traditional remedies in Thailand. The seed’s appearance in local medicines is matched by cautions about toxicity, illustrating a cultural tension between reverence for ancestral knowledge and the demands of contemporary health standards.

For centuries, Tūmka—the modest seed from the Strychnos nux-blanda tree—has held a mysterious place in Thai folk medicine. Known under a constellation of regional names, including “Kotkakling”, “Khimka”, “Makting”, and “Sa Laeng Jai”, the seed’s reputation oscillates between being a powerful remedy and a perilous poison. With its origins woven through the rural and traditional communities of Thailand, Tūmka continues to intrigue both cultural custodians and biomedical scientists alike. But how much of its legacy stands up to modern science—and what should health-conscious readers know if they encounter this potent botanical?

Chùm hèt thét, scientifically Cassia alata L., is a familiar sight in Thai villages and along rural roads. Its bright yellow, candle-like flowers accompany a long-standing home remedy for skin conditions and constipation. Today, it sits at the intersection of traditional wisdom and evidence-based medicine, offering Thai readers a clear example of how culture and science can guide health decisions.

In Thailand, Cassia alata is part of everyday healing. It appears on the Thai Household Herbal Drug List and the List of National Herbal Drugs for its laxative and antifungal properties. Beyond Thailand, communities have long used the plant for generations. The Tikuna people of the Amazon rely on it for digestive health, while communities in Africa apply its leaves topically for fungal infections. Traditional methods include chewing, boiling, or pounding leaves into a paste for topical use, explaining why the plant is widely cited in folk medicine.

Chaluud, a fragrant bark used in Thai traditional medicine, is mainly harvested from Alyxia reinwardtii. Locally known as luud, chanud, or nood, it has perfumed homes, herbal shops, and ceremonies for centuries. Today, researchers are examining its biology, scent compounds, and potential health effects, highlighting a bridge between age-old knowledge and modern science.

In Thai markets and households, chaluud’s aroma evokes memory and comfort. Across southern Thailand and neighboring Southeast Asian communities, its bark is valued not only for remedies but also for scenting clothing, spirits, and sacred spaces. Its place in the Thai pharmacopeia underscores its cultural significance as a link between health, tradition, and community. Studies by leading institutions underscore the bark’s central role in a regional tapestry of use and meaning.

In the world of Thai traditional medicine, few herbal remedies are as multi-faceted, aromatic, and steeped in history as chaluud (ชะลูด). Harvested mainly from the bark of Alyxia reinwardtii—also known locally as “luud,” “chanud,” or “nood” depending on region—chaluud has perfumed Thai homes and pharmacies for centuries. Today, as interest in natural medicines grows worldwide, this “white cinnamon” is drawing modern scientific scrutiny, revealing an intriguing intersection between age-old folk wisdom and contemporary pharmacological research.

Across Thailand’s hills and sacred forests, the red-hearted wood known as Chandan Daeng (Dracaena loureiroi) has long stood at the crossroads of culture and healing. The heartwood’s deep crimson colors Buddhist altars and crafts, while traditional uses symbolize vitality, protection, and wellness. As global interest in herbal remedies grows, Chandan Daeng invites a closer look at how ancient wisdom and scientific inquiry intersect for Thai readers.

Communities have long valued Chandan Daeng for supporting blood circulation, easing pain, and speeding wound healing. In regional languages, its name echoes in healing chants and village lore. Legends speak of monks discovering its power after fungal transformation, portraying the wood as a bridge between earth and spirit. Today, researchers explore whether this vivid heartwood offers more than symbolism, examining its chemistry for evidence-based benefits.