THAI INDIGENOUS MEDICINE TREATMENT FOR KNEE PAIN

A survey of current Thai indigenous medicine treatment for knee pain was carried out in four regions of Thailand, by questionnaires and interviews.The causes of knee pain were classified into two categories: a) physical (injury, degenerative, inflammatory), and b) behavioral (obesity, occupational, and inactivity). The methods used by traditional healers to treat knee pain consisted of 1) aromatic herbal medicine(sesame oil, coconut oil), 2) compounded herbal medicine, 3) traditional Thai massage and/or point-pressure using natural products mainly animal teeth, 4) hot compression, 5) red lime plastering. Most practitioners also performed ritualistic or faith healing. The results of this survey confirm that Thai people continue to use traditional methods to treat knee pain problems. Further studies of the effectiveness and limitations of these methods are warranted so that the application of Thai traditional medicine and local wisdom with the best outcomes may be promoted as an alternative treatment for knee pain. Acknowledgements: Mae Fah Luang University and folk healers in four regions of Thailand

Airborne trace elements near a petrochemical industrial complex in Thailand assessed by the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum (Despr. ex Nyl.) Hale

7siSeveral trace elements discharged by the petrochemical industry are toxic to humans and the ecosystem. In this study, we assessed airborne trace elements in the vicinity of the Map Ta Phut petrochemical industrial complex in Thailand by transplanting the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum to eight industrial, two rural, and one clean air sites between October 2013 and June 2014. After 242 days, the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn in lichens at most industrial sites were higher than those at the rural and the control sites; in particular, As, Cu, Mo, Sb, V, and Zn were significantly higher than at the control site (p < 0.05). Contamination factors (CFs) indicated that Cd, Cu, Mo, and Sb, which have severe health impacts, heavily contaminated at most industrial sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most elements were associated with industry, with lesser contributions from traffic and agriculture. Based on the pollution load indexes (PLIs), two industrial sites were highly polluted, five were moderately polluted, and one had a low pollution level, whereas the pollution load at the rural sites was comparable to background levels. This study reinforces the utility of lichens as cost-effective biomonitors of airborne elements, suitable for use in developing countries, where adequate numbers of air monitoring instruments are unavailable due to financial, technical, and policy constraints.partially_openopenBoonpeng, Chaiwat; Polyiam, Wetchasart; Sriviboon, Chutima; Sangiamdee, Duangkamon; Watthana, Santi; Nimis, Pier Luigi; Boonpragob, KansriBoonpeng, Chaiwat; Polyiam, Wetchasart; Sriviboon, Chutima; Sangiamdee, Duangkamon; Watthana, Santi; Nimis, Pierluigi; Boonpragob, Kansr