#Thaimedicine

A recent breakthrough study has revealed that a small population of brain cells could be the decisive factor in reversing type 2 diabetes, challenging decades-old beliefs that link the condition solely to obesity and insulin resistance. Conducted by researchers at the University of Washington and published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the study found that silencing certain hyperactive neurons in diabetic mice led to a dramatic and sustained normalization of blood sugar levels—regardless of any changes in body weight or eating habits. This pioneering research could stand to transform diabetes management not only for patients internationally but also for millions of Thais living with this chronic disease (Neuroscience News).

A new study suggests that hyperactive brain cells could be a key driver of type 2 diabetes, challenging the long-held view that obesity and insulin resistance alone determine the disease. Researchers from a leading university conducted experiments in diabetic mice, showing that silencing a small group of neurons in the hypothalamus markedly normalized blood sugar for months—without changes to weight or eating habits. The findings offer a potential shift in how diabetes is treated worldwide, including for millions of Thais living with the condition.

A groundbreaking study published in Nature reveals that psychedelics such as psilocybin may do far more than alter perception or mood—they fundamentally rewire the communication between the brain and the immune system, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of psychiatric and inflammatory conditions worldwide. This research, led by a Harvard Medical School assistant professor and conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, suggests a paradigm shift for mental health therapies, moving beyond neurotransmitter-focused interventions to include neuroimmune pathways as central targets for future drugs and treatments (Neuroscience News; Nature).

A new study published in Nature suggests psychedelics like psilocybin may do more than alter mood. They could rewire the communication between the brain and the immune system, offering a potential path to treating psychiatric and inflammatory conditions. Led by a Harvard Medical School assistant professor and conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the research points to a shift in mental health therapy—targeting neuroimmune pathways alongside traditional neurotransmitter-focused approaches. In Thailand, this emerging field resonates with efforts to bridge neuroscience and holistic health practices, while underscoring the need for rigorous safety and efficacy data.

With its signature refreshing aroma and a presence in Thai cuisine, teas, and traditional healing, saranae (สะระแหน่, Mentha × cordifolia) is more than a culinary flourish—it’s a living link between ancient wisdom and modern herbal science. The story of saranae weaves through Thai kitchens, bustling markets, and the annals of both folk medicine and laboratories worldwide, showing how a humble herb continues to captivate health-conscious Thais with its potent, versatile properties.

Saranae, known in Thai as สะระแหน่ (Mentha × cordifolia), is more than a garnish. It is a living link between ancestral wisdom and modern herbal science. In Thai kitchens, markets, and clinics, this humble mint continues to captivate health-conscious readers with its versatility and aroma.

A familiar sight in Thailand, saranae is valued both as a flavor enhancer and a traditional remedy. Its bright leaves brighten laab, desserts, and beverages, while also cooling the body and soothing the mind. During Thailand’s hot season, mint water and mint tea are common home remedies for stomach discomfort, headaches, and heat-related fatigue. Folk healers long attributed digestive relief, reduced bloating, and refreshed senses to saranae, mirroring its broader Southeast Asian appreciation for mint in food and healing.

Across Thailand’s forests and village gardens, a humble fern still whispers through the leaves. กระแตไต่ไม้, known regionally as ฮำฮอก, ใบหูช้าง, and กูดขาฮอก, climbs trunks and thrives in humid shade. For generations, Thai communities have trusted its rhizome for healing wounds, strengthening bones, and restoring vitality. Today, scientists and traditional healers are exploring how this emblem of cultural heritage might complement evidence-based medicine.

The plant is woven into local life from Isaan plains to the forests of Kanchanaburi and the southern coast. Its name evokes the nimble forest creature, underscoring how communities relate to nature. Thai herbalists have long prized the rhizome for treating fractures, fevers, and digestive issues. In rural areas where access to healthcare can be uneven, กระแตไต่ไม้ remains a familiar care option, integrated with other traditional practices that sustain local health rituals.

In Thailand’s lush forests and village gardens, the whisper of ancient healing can still be heard—in the shade of a sprawling tree, where กระแตไต่ไม้ (Drynaria quercifolia), known regionally as ฮำฮอก, ใบหูช้าง, กูดขาฮอก, and more, climbs trunks and flourishes in the damp shadow. For generations, Thais have entrusted “the oakleaf fern” with treating wounds, strengthening bones, and restoring well-being. But in an era of evidence-based medicine, how does this traditional remedy stand up to scientific scrutiny? From the wisdom of healers to breakthroughs in pharmacological labs, กระแตไต่ไม้’s story is a fascinating intersection of cultural heritage and modern validation.