Comparative Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Accelerated Stability of Tri-Phon-That Remedies Containing Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle versus Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf
Keywords:
Tri-Phon-That formulation, Anti-inflammation, Stability testingAbstract
Tri-Phon-That is a traditional herbal remedy composed of three plants: Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle, Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) A.Dietr., and Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. It reduces fever and relieves pain. Some individuals contend that C. nardus may adversely affect their skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of replacing C. nardus with Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf in the Tri-phon-that formulation. We investigated and compared the anti-inflammatory activity, chemical composition, and stability of the modified formulation with the original one. The findings demonstrated that the Tri-phon-that formulation with C. citratus exhibited anti-inflammatory properties comparable to the original recipe, as indicated by its similar effects on nitric oxide and interleukin-6 production. Chemical studies revealed that both formulations contained zerumbone, compound D, and DMPBD. Accelerated stability testing, conversely, revealed a significant decrease in the levels of DMPBD and zerumbone after day 30. At this stage, the anti-inflammatory activity of both extracts started to decrease. Our findings indicated that C. nardus can be substituted with C. citratus. Both extracts exhibited instability under accelerated conditions. They should be maintained at low temperatures for preservation purposes.
References
Foundation for the Restoration and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine, Ayurved Thamrong School (Jivaka Komarabhaj). Tamra Phesatchakam Thai: Kanaphesat [Thai Pharmacy Textbook: Kanaphesat]. Bangkok: Pimdee Printing Center; 2005. 103 p. Thai.
Krupunyamat L. Thai Traditional Pharmacy Textbook. 2nd ed. Nonthaburi: Ayuveda School (Shewakakomarapat), Foundation for the Promotion of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine; 2016. 277 p. Thai.
Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, Fang J, Zuo Z, Deng J, et al. Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs. Oncotarget. 2018;9(6):7204-18.
Furman D, Campisi J, Verdin E, Carrera-Bastos P, Targ S, Franceschi C, et al. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nat Med. 2019;25(12):1822-32.
Chitkrachang N, Sakpakdeejaroen I, Kwanchian D, Lertdamrongdej T, Panthong S. Chemical composition analysis using HPLC-UV and inhibitory activity of Thai herbal formulation on proinflammatory mediators. Trends Sci. 2025;22(8):10135.
Deeoun S, Phuneerub P, Palanuvej C, Ruangrungsi N, Towiwat P. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Tree-Phon-Thad remedy. TJPS. 2014;38(4):188-94.
Jarukitsakul S, Chatawatee B, Rueangsaksit C, Biakhaw P, Padthong A, Abdulloh B. The study on effectiveness of TRI-PHOL-THAT oil poultice in patients with low back pain syndrome. Health Science, Science and Technology Reviews. 2024;17(1):65-80. Thai.
Chang CJ, Tzeng TF, Liou SS, Chang YS, Liu IM. Acute and 28-day subchronic oral toxicity of an ethanol extract of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith in rodents. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:608284.
Koontongkaew S, Poachanukoon O, Sireeratawong S, et al. Safety evaluation of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. rhizome extract: acute and chronic toxicity studies in rats. Int Sch Res Notices. 2014;2014:632608.
Kpoviessi S, Bero J, Agbani P, et al. Chemical composition, cytotoxicity and in vitro antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial activity of essential oils of four Cymbopogon species from Benin. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):652-9.
Piasecki B, Biernasiuk A, Skiba A, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Ludwiczuk A. Composition, anti-MRSA activity and toxicity of essential oils from Cymbopogon species. Molecules. 2021;26(24):7542.
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, et al. Safety and efficacy of citronella oil from Cymbopogon nardus for all animal species. EFSA J. 2024;22(5):e8790.
Ministry of Industry. Notification of hazardous substances (No. 8), B.E. 2555 (2012). Royal Gazette. 2012;129(186):20. Thai.
Do T. Vietnamese medicinal plants and remedies. Hanoi: Medicine Publisher; 2004.
Lulekal E, Tesfaye S, Gebrechristos S, et al. Toxicity and phytochemical analysis of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil. Toxicol Rep. 2019;6:1289-94.
Wongmanit P, Tungsukruthai P, Phetkate P, et al. Safety assessment of Cymbopogon citratus extract in CKD patients. Phcog J. 2023;15(6):976-86.
Kumar P, Nagarajan A, Uchil PD. Analysis of cell viability by MTT assay. Cold Spring Harb Protoc. 2018;2018(6):95505.
International Organization for Standardization. ISO 10993-5: Biological evaluation of medical devices—tests for in vitro cytotoxicity. 2009.
Makchuchit S, Rattarom R, Itharat A. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of Benjakul extract. Pharmacotherapy. 2017;89:1018-26.
Panthong S, Itharat A, et al. Bactericidal and anti-inflammatory activity of Cassia garettiana extract. Sci World J. 2020;2020:1653180.
ICH. Q1A(R2) stability testing guidelines. 2003.
Prommee N, Itharat A, et al. Ethnopharmacological analysis of Prasachandaeng remedy. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021;268:113520.
Thai Traditional Medicine Institute. Pramuan Sanphakhun Samunphrai Thai. Bangkok: War Veterans Organization Printing; 2012.
Wat Pho Traditional Medical School. Pramuan Sanphakhun Ya Thai. Bangkok; 1961.
Chanthai S, Prachakoll S, Ruangviriyachai C, et al. Extraction influence on volatile compounds of citronella and lemongrass. J AOAC Int. 2012;95(3):763-72.
Kaewchoothong A, Tewtrakul S, Panichayupakaranant P. Nitric oxide inhibition by Zingiber cassumunar extracts. Phytother Res. 2012;26(12):1789-92.
Chien TY, Huang SK, Lee CJ, et al. Zerumbone anti-inflammatory effects. Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(2):249.
Jeenapongsa R, Yoovathaworn K, Sriwatanakul K, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Zingiber cassumunar. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;87(2-3):143-8.
Nakamura S, Iwami J, Matsuda H, et al. Phenylbutanoids from Zingiber cassumunar. Chem Pharm Bull. 2009;57(11):1267-72.
Kesharwani SS, Bhat G. Nanotechnology-based approaches for zerumbone. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020;56(11):557.
Janpim K, Nualkaew S, Priprem A. Stability testing of Plai extract. In: Proceedings of Graduate Research Conference; 2012.
Wisuitiprot V, Jaidee W, et al. Thermal degradation kinetics of phenylbutanoids. Sci Asia. 2025;51(4):1-9.
Tangyuenyongwatana P, Chareonsap PP, Gritsanapan W. HPTLC analysis of phenylbutanoid in Zingiber cassumunar. Thai J Pharm Sci. 2017;41(3):117-22.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 KKU Research Journal (Graduate Studies)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
