The hair growth-promoting activities of Thai native red (Sang-Yod-SY and Mun-Poo-MP) and black (Black glutinous-BG and Hom-Nil-HN) pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) extracts, including in vitro 5α-reductase inhibition, hair growth-promoting activity on human hair germinal matrix cells, and in vivo hair-cycle-converting activity in C3H/HeMlac mice, were investigated. Moreover, these extracts were determined to be safe via cytotoxicity (HaCaT cell) and in vivo irritation tests. The results showed that SY red rice extract with high contents of proanthocyanidin (1.50 ± 0.16 mgECE/g extract) exhibited significantly higher 5α-reductase inhibitory activity (18.5 ± 9.0 mgFEA/g extract) (p < 0.05). The maximum growth-promoting activity for human matrix cells treated with SY extract reached about 216.2 ± 0.7% (1 mg/mL) relative to control (100%) after 3 days culture (p < 0.05). Moreover, topical application of 1 mg/mL SY red pericarp rice extracts on shaven C3H skin in telogen phase led to significant hair regeneration (97.2 ±1.3%) based on the shaven area, while vehicle application only tended to yield a regeneration of 50.9 ± 11.7%. Red rice extracts were found to be safe, without signs of cytotoxicity and irritation. This research demonstrates the health benefits and safety of SY red pericarp extract when used for hair growing activity and its potential for use as a natural hair growth promoter and 5α-reductase inhibitor.

The doublespotted queenfish, Scomberoides lysan (Forsskål, 1775), is an economically important coastal teleost with aquaculture potential. Although aspects of growth and reproduction have been investigated, the digestive physiology of this species remains poorly characterized, representing a critical gap for the development of evidence-based aquaculture protocols. This study provides a morphological and histological characterization of the digestive system of female S. lysan (mean total length = 57.0 ± 0.5 cm) obtained from aquaculture ponds. We examined the entire alimentary canal, from the oral cavity to the hindgut, with special attention to gill structures relevant to feeding mechanics. Distinctive morphological features included heterogeneous gill rakers, with elongated, spine-like structures on the first gill arch contrasting with shorter, blunt rakers on subsequent arches, potentially facilitating opportunistic feeding across different prey types. The intestinal coefficient (0.20-0.36; mean = 0.27 ± 0.05) confirmed carnivorous feeding habits. Histologically, the digestive system exhibited the typical four-layer organization (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa) throughout, with region-specific specializations. Notably, gastric glands were significantly more abundant in the cardiac region than in the pyloric stomach (p < 0.01), suggesting functional compartmentalization of digestive processes. Specialized mucus-secreting cells were distributed throughout the digestive system, with variable densities among regions. These findings provide foundational insights into the digestive biology of female S. lysan, establishing an anatomical framework for future studies on digestive morphophysiology in emerging aquaculture species.

Oyster health is important for aquaculture productivity and sustainability. In Thailand, the white scar oyster, Crassostrea belcheri, is being promoted for cultivation, yet its health status has not been compared between research breeding and community farming sites. This study evaluated histopathological features, ultrastructure, apoptosis, and defender against apoptotic death 1 (dad1) gene expression in sexually mature C. belcheri collected from these two sites. Gill tissues were examined by histology, transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, and gene expression analysis, while organ condition was assessed using a Health Assessment Index (HAI). The proportion of TUNEL-positive cells in the gills and mantle differed significantly between sites (p < 0.05), with higher levels in oysters from the farming site. In contrast, TUNEL-positive cells in the digestive gland did not differ significantly between sites, although brown cells were observed only in the digestive gland of oysters from the breeding site, suggesting possible physiological stress. To assess the expression level of dad1 in oysters cultured under different conditions, RT-qPCR revealed no significant difference between the two sites. The breeding site also had lower temperature and salinity than the farming site. Overall, these findings suggest that site-specific environmental conditions may influence gill health and stress-related responses in C. belcheri, providing baseline information for oyster health assessment and aquaculture management.