Exhibition Medicinal plants

"Aspirin" tablets

Aspirin is a synthetic drug originated from willow bark (Salix tetrasperma Roxb., SALICACEAE). In the Ancient Egyptian herbal recipe, willow bark has been used as drug for fever, pain and inflammation since 2000 B.C. Moreover, Chinese, Indian, and Thai traditional medical recipes also assert the same categories. In 1817, the active substance of willow bark called salicin was discovered, which was later modified to salicylic acid and further to "acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin" to reduce the side effects. Later in 1897, a method of chemical synthesis was used in aspirin production, resulting in a greatly reduced cost. Aspirin can be used effectively as an antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. Due to its severe side effect on the reduction of blood clotting activity, it is later prohibited for those categories. Now it can be prescribed under the close supervision of a physician for patients who have high cholesterol or acute heart disease to prevent blood clotting and blockages of blood flow.

"Oseltamivir phosphate" capsules

The trade name of “Oseltamivir phosphate” is Tamiflu® is prescribed to treat virus influenza, such as influenza A (H3N2) bird flu (H5N1) and 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). Originated from Star anise fruit (Illicium verum Hook. f., ILLICIACEAE), shikimic acid has been extracted and further modified its structure to “Oseltamivir phosphate”. The mechanism of action is to inhibit enzymes in virus cell wall, blocking its ability to stick on the surface of infected cell and resulting in an inability to damage other healthy cells. It is useless and not suitable to take this medicine for prevention which may lead to virus mutation and drug resistance.

"Vincristine" and "vinblastine" injections

"Vincristine" and "vinblastine", the alkaloids from Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don), APOCYNACEAE) are chemotherapy drugs for leukemia administered in the form of intravenous injection. Scientists started to study the extraction methods since the 1950s. After tested and developed through many researches, it was approved by the Commission of the Food and Drug Administration of the United States (USFDA) and was launched in 1963. Like many other chemotherapy substances, however, it has undesirable side effects. Therefore, research studies are still carried out to develop and invent new derivatives as a cancer medicine.

"Bromhexine" syrup

"Bromhexine" is a synthetic drug which has been developed from vasicine, an alkaloid obtained from the extract of Adhatoda leaf (Justica adhatoda L. ACANTHACEAE). It was a mucolytic agent that increases the production of mucus in the respiratory tract and makes the phlegm less viscous, helping the cilia transport the phlegm out of the lungs. It has continued to be popularly used until the present.

Antiseptic solution for wounds from "Mangosteen peel"

In Thai traditional medicine, water boiled with mangosteen peels (Garcinia mangostana L. CLUSIACEAE) has long been used for wound cleansing. Presently, research studies have revealed that active constituents in mangosteen peels are xanthone derivative such as "alpha-mangostin". These compounds possess anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and promote wound healing. In 2002, researchers of the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation succeeded in developing a topical, antiseptic product for acute wounds called "Garcidine" which has proved to be as effective as povidone-iodine.

"Bromelain" tablets

People in the Americas have used pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., BROMELIACEAE) to help digestion and reduce inflammation for hundreds of years before "bromelain" was extracted from its stems and fruit juice in 1800. Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes which is proved to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Physicians now prescribe bromelain tablets to the patients to destroy the dead and damage tissue from the inflammation especially in the nose and nasal cavity, and surgical wounds.

"Glucomannan" vermicelli

Thai people use konjac underground stem (Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch, ARACEAE) as food for many generations. It is cut into thin pieces, steaming or baking, and eaten with rice; or soaked in limewater, washed with clean water, and used to make a dessert. Presently, the "glucomannan" is extracted from konjac. It is a carbohydrate containing mannose and glucose sugars which can form a gel when heated in the alkaline condition. It can be used to make vermicelli, jelly, or other gelatin products for cooking, or in capsules as dietary supplement for obese and diabetic patients due to its low number of calories and its cholesterol reducing properties.

Pain Killing Product from "Chili"

The spicy taste of chili fruit (Capsicum frutescens L., SOLANACEAE) is produced from "capsaicin" which is commonly found in the white pith or placenta and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to relieve muscles and joint pain. Apply capsaicin product to the affected area, it will first stimulates the skin's sensory nerve endings which resulting in the feeling of burning sensation, later it inhibits the production mechanisms of inflamed substances and relieves the pain. Capsaicin can be dissolved well in fat, oil, alcohol and formulated into creams, gels and sprays for topical use.

"Senna" tablets

The leaves and young pods of senna (Senna alexandriana Mill, FABACEAE) have been used as stimulating laxative. The active substances are anthraquinone glycosides such as "sennoside". It stimulates the contraction of large intestine, reduces the intestinal transit time and reabsorption of water and minerals of the stool. It also increases mucus secretion for stool lubricity. However, it can cause abdominal cramps. Continuous use for more than a month can cause abnormality of the bowel movements and causes drug addict.