In a previous screening program for mosquitocides from local edible plants in Thailand, essential oils (EOs) of Cyperus rotundus, Alpinia galanga and Cinnamomum verum, were found to possess promising adulticidal activity against Aedes aegypti. With the aim of reducing usage of conventional insecticides and improving the management of resistant mosquito populations, this study was designed to determine the potential synergism in the adulticidal efficacy of EOs on permethrin toxicity against Ae. aegypti, both pyrethroid-resistant and -susceptible strains. EOs extracted from rhizomes of C. rotundus and A. galanga as well as C. verum barks were evaluated for chemical compositions and adulticidal activity against Muang Chiang Mai-susceptible (MCM-S) and Pang Mai Dang-resistant (PMD-R) strains of Ae. aegypti. Adulticidal bioassays of EO-permethrin mixtures for synergistic activity were also performed on these Ae. aegypti strains. Chemical characterization by the GC-MS analytical technique demonstrated that 48 compounds were identified from the EOs of C. rotundus, A. galanga and C. verum, representing 80.22%, 86.75% and 97.24%, respectively, of all compositions. Cyperene (14.04%), β-bisabolene (18.27%) and cinnamaldehyde (64.66%) were the main constituents of C. rotundus, A. galanga and C. verum oils, respectively. In adulticidal bioassays, EOs of C. rotundus, A. galanga and C. verum were effective in killing Ae. aegypti, both MCM-S and PMD-R strains, with LD50 values of 10.05 and 9.57 μg/mg female, 7.97 and 7.94 μg/mg female, and 3.30 and 3.22 μg/mg female, respectively. The adulticidal efficacy against MCM-S and PMD-R Ae. aegypti of these EOs was close to that of piperonyl butoxide (PBO, LD50 values = 6.30 and 4.79 μg/mg female, respectively) but less pronounced than that of permethrin (LD50 values = 0.44 and 3.70 ng/mg female, respectively). Nevertheless, combination-based bioassays discovered the accomplished synergism of EOs together with permethrin. Significant synergistic effects with permethrin against both the strains of Ae. aegypti were recorded in the EOs of C. rotundus and A. galanga. Addition of C. rotundus and A. galanga oils decreased the LD50 values of permethrin against MCM-S dramatically from 0.44 to 0.07 and 0.11 ng/mg female, respectively, with synergism ratio (SR) values of 6.28 and 4.00, respectively. Furthermore, EOs of C. rotundus and A. galanga also reduced the LD50 values of permethrin against PMD-R drastically from 3.70 to 0.42 and 0.003 ng/mg female, respectively, with SR values of 8.81 and 1233.33, respectively. The synergy of enhanced adulticidal toxicity recorded from EO-permethrin combinations against both strains of Ae. aegypti presents a promising role of EOs as a synergist for improving mosquitocidal efficacy, particularly in situations where conventional compounds are ineffective or inappropriate.

Coffea arabica pulp (CP) is a by-product of coffee processing. CP contains polyphenols that have exhibited beneficial effects, including antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects, as well as enhanced insulin sensitivity, in in vitro and in vivo models. How polyphenols, as found in CP aqueous extract (CPE), affect type 2 diabetes (T2D) has not been investigated. Thus, the present study examined the potential antidiabetic, antioxidant, and renoprotective effects of CPE-rich polyphenols, using an experimental model of T2D in rats induced by a high-fat diet and a single low dose of streptozotocin. The T2D rats received either 1000 mg/kg body weight (BW) of CPE, 30 mg/kg BW of metformin (Met), or a combination treatment (CPE + Met) for 3 months. Plasma parameters, kidney morphology and function, and renal organic transport were determined. Significant hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, increased renal lipid content and lipid peroxidation, and morphological kidney changes related to T2D were restored by both CPE and CPE + Met treatments. Additionally, the renal uptake of organic cation, ³H-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺), was reduced in T2D, while transport was restored by CPE and CPE + Met, through an up-regulation of antioxidant genes and protein kinase Cα deactivation. Thus, CPE has antidiabetic and antioxidant effects that potentially ameliorate kidney function in T2D by preserving renal organic cation transport through an oxidative stress pathway.

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link (C. militaris) contains various beneficial substances, including polysaccharides (galactomannan), nucleotides (adenosine and cordycepin), cordycepic acid, amino acids, and sterols (ergosterol and beta-sitosterol). It also contains other essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins (E, K, B1, B2, and B12), and minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium). Due to the numerous health benefits of supplements and products containing C. militaris extract, their popularity has increased. However, the immunostimulant effect of C. militaris remains unclear. Therefore, this study developed a functional beverage from the submerged fermentation of C. militaris (FCM) and aimed to investigate the potential of FCM in healthy male and female volunteers in Phayao Province, Thailand. This study provides essential information for the development of healthy drink products. Healthy men and women were provided either FCM containing 2.85 mg of cordycepin or placebo for 8 weeks (n = 10 for each gender). The immune cell markers, immunoglobulins, and safety parameters were assessed initially at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks. The NK cell activity markedly increased in the male FCM group from baseline (p = 0.049) to 4 weeks after receiving FCM. Compared with those in the placebo group, the NK activity in women who received FCM for 8 weeks significantly increased (p = 0.023) from baseline. Within-group analysis revealed that the IL-1β levels were markedly reduced in the male FCM group (p = 0.049). Furthermore, the IL-6 levels decreased from baseline in the female FCM group (p = 0.047). The blood sugar, lipid, and safety indices were not different between the experimental groups. FCM can potentially be developed as an immune-boosting supplement without liver, kidney, or blood component toxicity.

Banana inflorescence is consumed as a traditional Thai cuisine for milk lactation in maternal breastfeeding. In this study, the inflorescence of banana (Musa x paradisiaca) was extracted in various solvents to determine the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging. A suitable extract was developed into a beverage. We compared the results for the amount of total phenolic compounds and the capability of antioxidants obtained in polar and non-polar solvents. The extract in a high-polarity solvent demonstrated high total phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The bioactive compounds of banana inflorescence contained β- sitosterol, flavonoids, saponin, and other phenolic compounds such as catechin and isoquercetin. The aqueous extract of banana inflorescence was developed to act as a primary beverage ingredient. The beverage containing the aqueous extract of banana inflorescence (BAB) exhibited a brownish-yellow color and displayed high acidity and high total phenolic compounds, which are responsible for the antioxidant activity. The food processing of BAB showed no contamination of microbial pathogens. From our results, we concluded that banana inflorescence is a beneficial health food supplement for general consumers. Additionally, the beverage provides convenience and an alternative drink for postpartum mothers who breastfeed for their infants.