Compilation, explanation and restoration of Moh Phon's herbal formulations for skin conditions

Abstract

Moh Phon’s traditional Thai medicine formularies were developed, compiled and recorded by Abhakara Kiartivongse or Moh Phon until 1915. This study aimed to elucidate traditional Thai medical wisdom regarding to Moh Phon formularies, especially for skin diseases. Herbal crude drugs in Moh Phon’s traditional Thai medicine formularies for skin diseases were compiled and authenticated for their vernacular and scientific names. The descriptions of plant species, ethnomedical uses, pharmacological activities and active constituents and toxicities were scientifically reviewed and established. The prevalence of plant species used in the formularies was analyzed. The formularies for 26 symptoms or diseases in the skin were found in 32 chapters in Moh Phon’s traditional Thai medicine formularies. The methods of using were pound, rasp, decoction, crush, crumble, digestion, sqeeze, cut , mix, chew, burn, fried, and apply, poultice, drink, cover, rub, shower, eat. A total of 66 species and 57 genera were characterized and were divided into 54 dicotyledons (31 families), 12 of monocotyledons (8 families). The most frequent botanical families were Arecaceae (18%), Fabaceae/Leguminosae (14%), Alliaceae (12%), Solanaceae (11%), and Zingiberaceae (11%). Frequent species were Cocos nucifera L. (11%) and followed by Citrus aurantifolia Swingle (5%) and Allium sativum L. (4%), Allium ascalonicum L. (4%), Cassia alata (L.) Roxb (4%). The scientific information of Moh Phon traditional Thai medicine formularies for skin diseases was provided. Plant species were characterized for crude drug authentication and quality of medication.