A systematic study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology has shed light on the ethnobotanical significance, chemical composition, and promising antiglycation activity of seven Elsholtzia species native to upper northern Thailand. Led by a collaborative team of researchers from China and Thailand, the study bridges traditional knowledge from six ethnic groups with modern scientific analysis, uncovering new potential for these aromatic plants in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.
For generations, ethnic groups including the Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lawa, Lisu, Tai Lue, and Tai Yai have utilized Elsholtzia species for diverse purposes. Most species serve as culinary staples—used fresh or dried as spices in local soups and chili pastes or consumed as side vegetables—while others play key roles in traditional medicine and as natural insect repellents. Notably, E. penduliflora is valued by the Hmong for nourishing chicken soups and health-promoting decoctions, and E. winitiana is used by the Akha to treat conditions ranging from cancer to dog bites. Most species are cultivated in upland rice fields and home gardens, with only E. beddomei found in natural forest margins, highlighting the deep integration of these plants into local livelihoods.
The research team conducted comprehensive chemical analyses on five of the seven documented species, focusing on phenolic compounds—known for their antioxidant and antiglycation properties. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), they identified three major phenolics: rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, and luteolin, with striking species- and plant part-specific variations. E. beddomei leaves stood out with the highest rosmarinic acid content (667.9 mg/100 g) and total phenolic content (36.04 mg GAE/g), more than double the phenolic levels of common antioxidant-rich vegetables like spinach and broccoli. E. griffithii contained the highest ferulic acid (2.25 mg/100 g), while luteolin was exclusive to E. stachyodes (15.4 mg/100 g).
In antiglycation activity tests using the methylglyoxal (MGO)-BSA assay—with aminoguanidine as the positive control—E. beddomei leaf extract demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effect, with an IC₅₀ value of 1.65 mg/mL. This activity correlates strongly with its high phenolic content, supporting the hypothesis that phenolic-rich extracts, particularly those with elevated rosmarinic acid, offer enhanced protection against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs form when excess sugar reacts with proteins in the body, contributing to diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and retinal damage.
The researchers note that while the crude extracts show weaker antiglycation potency than synthetic inhibitors like aminoguanidine, purification could concentrate active phenolics to improve efficacy. Future work will explore large-scale cultivation, seasonal and environmental influences on phytochemical profiles, and bioassay-guided isolation of key compounds. Collaborations with local communities will remain central to ensuring equitable benefits and preserving cultural heritage tied to these valuable plant resources.
This study not only documents endangered ethnobotanical knowledge but also underscores the critical link between cultural and biological diversity. As the global burden of diabetes grows, the findings offer a timely reminder of the potential hidden in traditional plant use—proving that age-old wisdom can guide innovative solutions for modern health challenges.
About the Study
Published in Frontiers in Pharmacology on December 9, 2025 (DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1673250), the research was conducted by Angkhana Inta, Pitchaya Mungkornasawakul, Lalida Shank, Wittaya Pongamornkul, Yinxian Shi, Yao Fu, and Ruyu Yao. It was supported by funding from the National Research Council of Thailand, Yunnan International Joint Innovation Platform, and other institutions. The study involved ethnobotanical surveys across 40 villages in three provinces of upper northern Thailand, followed by chemical analysis and in vitro antiglycation testing.