This study explored the ecological and cultural significance of Thailand’s wetlands, particularly the Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area and the Lower Songkhram River. These areas were essential for biodiversity, flood prevention, and supporting local livelihoods, serving as food sources, biofertilizers, and natural water purifiers. However, these wetlands faced mounting threats from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, jeopardising their ecological health and biodiversity. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted to assess regional and demographic patterns in using and recognising algae and aquatic plants. The collected data highlighted traditional ecological knowledge held primarily by older community members. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyse generational differences in knowledge and utilisation, focusing on the potential generational knowledge gap due to migration trends among younger individuals. The study revealed significant biodiversity differences between the wetland areas, with Nong Bong Kai exhibiting greater diversity in aquatic plant species. Older residents demonstrated higher recognition and use of algae and aquatic plants for sustainable practices, though a generational knowledge gap was evident. This gap suggested that local ecological knowledge may be at risk as younger residents migrate to urban areas. This research underscored the need for conservation and educational initiatives to bridge generational gaps and engage younger generations in resource management. By integrating local cultural practices and focusing on high-impact species like Lemna perpusilla Torr. and Hydrilla verticillate (L.f.) Royle, region-specific conservation efforts could enhance wetland sustainability, preserve biodiversity, and support ecosystem health in Thailand’s wetland regions.

This study investigated the aroma profiles, nutritional composition, and bioactive potential of three edible Curcuma species, namely Curcuma candida, C. singularis, and C. petiolata, traditionally consumed in Northern Thailand. An aroma analysis revealed distinct volatile profiles for each species. C. petiolata was qualitatively characterized by high sabinene levels, while β-pinene, limonene, caryophyllene, and humulene were prominent markers for C. candida, and C. singularis exhibited the highest abundance of camphor. A nutritional analysis showed the edible floral tissue of C. petiolata to possess the highest carbohydrate (83.47 g/100 g DW), protein (18.04 g/100 g DW), and energy content (342.83 g/100 g DW). The mineral composition of the edible flowers revealed high levels of macronutrients, including phosphorus (0.36 g/100 g DW), potassium (1.82 g/100 g DW), sodium (0.33 g/100 g DW), and calcium (1.30 g/100 g DW). Palmitic acid (31,098 mg/100 g DW) was the predominant saturated fatty acid, while linoleic acid (45,356 mg/100 g DW) was the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid from these edible flora species. The ethanolic extracts of floral tissues of C. singularis exhibited the highest total phenolic content (0.26 mg GAE/g DW), followed by C. petiolata. Conversely, C. petiolata demonstrated the highest total flavonoid content (0.20 mg QE/g sample), followed by C. singularis (0.11 mg QE/g sample). Antioxidant potential exhibited a significant positive correlation with the quantified total flavonoid content. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the nutritional and bioactive properties of edible Curcuma flowers, providing valuable information for the development of novel functional foods with unique flavor profiles and potential health benefits.

Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne or Chiang Da, the local northern Thai vegetable, is renowned for its anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties and is highly sought after by the functional food industry. This research investigated the relationship between the physiological characteristics, genetic variation, and chemical compositions of different Chiang Da accessions. Two commercial lines (COM1 and COM2) and eight local accessions (BAC1-8) of Chiang Da were gathered and maintained in the same study plot for the investigation of their morphological characteristics, genetic variation, and nutritional and phytochemical constituents. From the morphological data, the two commercial lines were clearly distinctive with their closely related leaf structures. Random amplification of the polymorphic illustrated the genetic diversity between the local accessions and commercial strains in a similar pattern as described by their morphology characteristics and proximate contents. The phytochemical characteristics, nonetheless, projected the two commercial lines in separate groups. The outcome of this study could be beneficial toward the selection of the Chiang Da strains with specific traits for plant breeding programs of functional food interest.