Page 63 - FoodFocusThailand No.195 June 2022

STRATEGIC R & D

"black galingale wine" or use it to produce Pumpkins
herbal medicine. Black galingale capsules, Pumpkins, or Cucurbita moschata Duchesne, are classified into two families. The first is the
powder, juice, and black galingale coffee are American pumpkin family, large fruit with a crumbly texture, and the second is the squash family,
all attractive choices available on the market which includes Thai and Japanese pumpkins. The Thai pumpkin's skin is green when young but
today. will turn yellow and green as it ages. The skin has a slightly rough texture. The peel is hard, and
the inner flesh is yellow with a flat white seed attached.
Gotu Kola Benefits of Pumpkin Rich in vitamins and minerals, pumpkins have numerous health
Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu benefits. Its high antioxidant content may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, boost
kola, is a perennial herb native to Asia. immunity, regulate blood pressure, lower the risk of cancer, prevent and control diabetes, and
People have used it in traditional medicine defend against age-related eye problems. Pumpkins are also high in fiber and low in fat and
for centuries due to its potential health calories, making them an ideal source of food for people who want to control their weight. While
properties. Some people believe that Gotu it has multiple health benefits, consuming too much pumpkin can cause bloating, indigestion, or
kola can aid wound healing, cognitive stomach discomfort.
improvement, and lowering blood pressure.
Despite the herb's long history of use, there
have been very few clinical studies on its
health benefits.
Benefits of Gotu Kola Gotu kola
contains triterpenoid saponins and other
compounds. Researchers believe these
compounds may be primarily responsible for
the plant's alleged health benefits. Traditional
uses of Gotu kola usually involve wound
healing, diarrhea relief, energy boosts,
anxiety reduction, skin disease treatment,
menstrual disorders, and prescriptions to
promote overall wellness for long and healthy
life.
Pilangkasa
Scientifically known as Ardisia polycephala
Wall and indigenous to Southeast Asia,
Pilangkasa is a small perennial plant found
across the continents, from the Ryukyu
Islands of Japan and spreading throughout
southern India. The height of the tree is about
2-3 meters. The trunk is a little branched
around the tree. It is a seed-propagated plant
that prefers sandy or clay soils and despises
sitting in wet soil. Pilangkasa provides a good
source of phenolic compounds, particularly
flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. It also
contains a lot of antioxidants and has
antibacterial properties, which could aid in
the relief of diarrhea and the nourishment of
the blood. It is commonly used to make jam,
fruit juice, or tea.
Benefits of Pilangkasa Young fruit,
leaves, and shoots have sweet and sour,
astringent flavors and can be eaten as
vegetables. Pilangkasa fruit is dark purple to
almost black when ripe. Its purple color
contains anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant
that prevents free radicals from destroying
cells in the body and reduces the risk of
cardiovascular disease and stroke. In the
digestive tract, it also inhibits the growth of
E. coli, a pathogen that causes diarrhea and
food poisoning. It contains a high level of
anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, and
jcomp
flavonoids, making it a good choice for
creating a healthy drink such as Pilangkasa
wine, and having properties that help prevent
arteriosclerosis and embolism, and other
diseases.
JUN 2022 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 63

23/5/2565 BE 14:26
60-64_Strategic R&D_Thai Herb.indd 63 23/5/2565 BE 14:26
60-64_Strategic R&D_Thai Herb.indd 63