Scientists now prove the medical efficiency of 20 polyherbal tonics used in traditional Thai medicine

A recent clinical test has provided evidence to support the medical efficacy of a score of polyherbal formulas used in traditional Thai medicine. The results suggested that the twenty herbal tonics are rich sources of polyphenols that can chelate toxic metals and scavenge harmful free radicals, thereby protecting the human body from harm.

The study was supported by the Prince of Songkla University. The findings were published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• Ninety-eight different plants from Thai ethnomedicine were collected and processed into 20 different bracer and tonic formulas. Each polyherbal formula was tested for its antioxidant activity.
• In addition, the formulas were also applied to Vero cells at significant doses. The results were analyzed for their cytotoxic properties.
• Water extracts of the THP-R016 and THP-R019 formulas revealed a large concentration of phenolics and flavonoids.  They were also able to scavenge significant amounts of superoxide anion and peroxides.
• The THP-R019 polyherbal tonic was able to chelate the highest amount of toxic metals. Meanwhile, the THP-R016 demonstrated the best antioxidant activity overall.
• Flavonoids and phenolics in the THP-R016 formula are theorized to be responsible for the antioxidant activity of the polyherbal tonic. Further investigation of these active ingredients, their activities, and their benefits are underway.

The researchers concluded that aqueous extracts of these Thai polyherbal tonics have potential as sources of natural antioxidants for future disease treatments.

If you are interested in the details of the study, visit this page.

To learn more about the traditional Thai herbal medicines used to treat diseases, visit HealingArts.news.

Journal Reference:

Chanthasri W, Puangkeaw N, Kunworarath N, Jaisamut P, Limsuwan S, Maneenoon K, Choochana P, Chusri S. ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITIES AND TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENTS OF 20 POLYHERBAL REMEDIES USED AS TONICS BY FOLK HEALERS IN PHATTHALUNG AND SONGKHLA PROVINCES, THAILAND. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 21 February 2018;18(1). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2131-y.