Therapeutic Innovation from Plant-Derived Thai Herbal Extracts: α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity, Mechanistic Insights and Formulation Potential of the Selected Thai Rejuvenation Remedy

Sangkanu S, Pitakbut T, Buekhuntod C, Phoopha S, Khanansuk J, Udomuksorn W, Chandarajoti K, Dej-adisai S (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Life MDPI

Book Volume: 16

Article Number: 1084

Journal Issue: 7

DOI: 10.3390/life16071084

Abstract

This study highlights the therapeutic innovation potential of bioactive plant extracts derived from the selected Thai Rejuvenation Remedy 2 (TRJ 2) for antidiabetic applications. By integrating phytochemical profiling with in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assays and in silico analyses, including molecular docking and density functional theory (DFT), a comprehensive evaluation of the extract’s bioactivity and mechanistic basis was achieved. The findings demonstrate that both the relative abundance and chemical reactivity of constituent compounds contribute to the overall inhibitory effect through synergistic and competitive interactions. Piperine was identified as a potential bioactive metabolite, with a theoretically strong binding affinity and high reactivity toward the target enzyme. Among the tested extracts, the 80% ethanol extract exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 = 34.32 µg/mL), underscoring the importance of extraction optimization for maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, formulation of the extract with cyclodextrin significantly enhanced solubility and improved pharmaceutical characteristics, meeting the quality requirements of the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP). However, the detection of cadmium slightly above permissible levels indicates the need for stricter raw material quality control. Overall, TRJ 2 represents a promising source of bioactive plant-derived compounds and a viable candidate for development into innovative, ready-to-use herbal therapeutics for diabetes management.

Authors with CRIS profile

Thanet Pitakbut Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie

Involved external institutions

Prince of Songkla University, PSU TH Thailand (TH)

How to cite

APA:

Sangkanu, S., Pitakbut, T., Buekhuntod, C., Phoopha, S., Khanansuk, J., Udomuksorn, W.,... Dej-adisai, S. (2026). Therapeutic Innovation from Plant-Derived Thai Herbal Extracts: α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity, Mechanistic Insights and Formulation Potential of the Selected Thai Rejuvenation Remedy. Life, 16(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/life16071084

MLA:

Sangkanu, Suthinee, et al. "Therapeutic Innovation from Plant-Derived Thai Herbal Extracts: α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity, Mechanistic Insights and Formulation Potential of the Selected Thai Rejuvenation Remedy." Life 16.7 (2026).

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