Integrating GIS Mapping and Phytochemical Profiling to Identify Bioactive Medicinal Herbs for Community-Based Product Development in Northern Thailand

Authors

Wirinya Rojanateratham, Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, ThailandFollow
Nattanida Jantarach, Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
Varitha Ariyabukalakorn, Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
Taweewun Srisookkum, Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
Narongsuk Munkong, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Global interest in herbal bioactive compounds as alternative therapies has increased in recent years; however, scientific data on their distribution across species and on the active constituents of local medicinal plants remain limited. This study examined medicinal herbs cultivated by farmers in Mae Chai District, Phayao Province, Thailand, and assessed their antioxidant activities, as well as their phenolic and vitamin C contents, to support the development of evidence-based alternative medicine.

Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods design combining scientific experimentation with qualitative approaches. A total of 34 key informants participated. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, reflecting discussions, and Global Positioning System (GPS)-based field mapping conducted from May to December 2023. The concentrations of phenolic compounds and vitamin C, as well as antioxidant activities (FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH), were determined in herbal products.

Results: Thunbergia laurifolia (TL), Vernonia cinerea (VC), and Zingiber officinale (ZO) were processed into herbal teas sourced from farmer plantations identified by geographic coordinates. Among the tested species, Curcuma longa (357 mg/g) and Cissus quadrangularis (255 mg/g) showed the highest FRAP activity, while Cassia alata (95, 27 µg/mL) and T. laurifolia (150, 55 µg/mL) exhibited the strongest DPPH and ABTS antioxidant capacities. TL and CA had the highest phenolic and vitamin C concentrations, respectively.

Conclusion: These results confirm that key local herbs used for capsules and herbal teas possess antioxidant activity, supporting their role in sustainable health systems and evidence-based Thai traditional medicine.

Keywords: Herbs, Anti-oxidant, Thai Traditional Medicine, GIS mapping, Phytochemistry, Thailand

Recommended Citation

Rojanateratham W, Jantarach N, Ariyabukalakorn V, Srisookkum T, Munkong N. Integrating GIS Mapping and Phytochemical Profiling to Identify Bioactive Medicinal Herbs for Community-Based Product Development in Northern Thailand. J Health Res. 2026; 40(1):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1186

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