A Qualitative Ethnopharmacological Analysis of Cannabis-Based Formulations for Insomnia in Thai Traditional Medicine Recipes

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Published: 2025-07-01
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v9i6.43
Keywords:
Thai Traditional Medicine, Insomnia, Ethnopharmacological, Cannabinoid, Cannabis sativa L.

Main Article Content

Chawalit Yongram
Safety Research and Development Section, Regulatory Technical Support Division, Office of Atoms for Peace, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Rumrada Meeboonya
Division of Cannabis Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
Suwadee Chokchaisiri
Division of Cannabis Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
Orawan Wonganan
Division of Cannabis Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
Piyaporn Sansila
Division of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
Piput Kaewudom
Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok 65130, Thailand
Narin Kakatum
Division of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
Yodwit Kanjanakaroon
Herbal Product Division, Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Thavatchai Kamoltham
Division of Cannabis Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
Anuvat Roongpisuthipong
Division of Cannabis Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
Panupan Sripan
Division of Cannabis Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand

Abstract

This qualitative research analyzes 34 cannabis-containing formulations for insomnia treatment from Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) texts. The analysis identified 121 distinct herbs, with Myristica fragrans (9.34%), Cannabis sativa (6.96%), Wurfbainia testacea (3.18%), Borneol camphor (2.98%), and Aquilaria crassna (2.78%) being the most commonly utilized. Cannabis flowers were predominantly utilized (85.71%), preferred over leaves, seeds, and stems, demonstrating traditional practitioners’ recognition of higher cannabinoid concentration in inflorescences. Formulations were categorized into three therapeutic categories: Direct Formula (targeting specific symptoms), Supportive Formula (promoting overall well-being), and Compound Medicine (restoring body balance). The phytochemical effects on sleep regulation were demonstrated through a sophisticated understanding reflected in the predominant taste properties: Spicy-Pungent (28.24%), Fragrant-Cool (19.08%), and Toxic-Narcotic (13.74%). The research identified 18 processed materials and various vehicle substances including cannabis leaf water and alcohol, indicating advanced pharmaceutical preparation techniques predating modern medicine. The findings from this systematic analysis provide a foundation for developing alternative therapies for insomnia and support efforts to preserve the heritage of Thai traditional medicine.

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Article Details

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 6 (2025): Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research (TJNPR)

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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Yongram, C., Meeboonya, R., Chokchaisiri, S., Wonganan, O., Sansila, P., Kaewudom, P., Kakatum, N., Kanjanakaroon, Y., Kamoltham, T., Roongpisuthipong, A., & Sripan, P. (2025). A Qualitative Ethnopharmacological Analysis of Cannabis-Based Formulations for Insomnia in Thai Traditional Medicine Recipes. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research (TJNPR), 9(6), 2673-2683. https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v9i6.43

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