Interprofessional Journal of Health Sciences

Green Valorization of Passion Fruit Peel via Microwave-Assisted Extraction: Optimization of Phenolic Recovery and Process Efficiency

2025-08-21T07:42:26+07:00

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa O. Deg.) peel is a sustainable phenolic source with potential for use as nutraceuticals and functional foods. This study optimized microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) via response surface methodology. A central composite design was used to evaluate the effects of the ethanol concentration (54.89–80.11%), microwave power (364.78–785.22 W), and irradiation time (1.64–8.36 min) on the total phenolic content (TPC). The optimized conditions—67% ethanol, 700 W, and 5.8 min—yielded 12.52 ± 0.27 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry basis, which was ~60% higher than that of conventional reflux extraction (7.80 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g) and nearly triple that of hot water extraction (4.50 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g). This work highlights MAE as a rapid, scalable, and environmentally sustainable strategy for valorizing agro-industrial byproducts. These findings provide a platform for future compound-level profiling, antioxidant activity validation, and pilot-scale processing to support the circular economy and nutraceutical innovation.

Trends and Disparities in Non-Communicable Diseases among Thai Older Adults: Analysis of National Health Examination Surveys, 2008-2020

2025-10-06T08:25:26+07:00

One of the leading health concerns among Thai older adults is non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Understanding their long-term trends and disparities is crucial for guiding public health policy in the aging Thai society. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and trends of NCDs, including their associated sociodemographic, socioeconomic, behavioral risk factors, and caregiver needs among Thai individuals aged 60 and over from 2008 to 2020. In this study, public secondary data from three National Health Examination Surveys (NHES); NHES 4 (2008–2009), NHES 5 (2014), and NHES 6 (2019–2020) were used to determine the prevalence and trends of NCDs, including sociodemographic, socioeconomic, behavioral risk factors, and caregiver needs. Using secondary data limits the study to descriptive statistics, precluding inferential tests and the determination of causal relationships. The findings showed that the prevalence and trends of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension increased in all age groups between 2008 and 2020, while those of hypercholesterolemia decreased. Health-related behaviors showed reductions in smoking and physical activity in the overall population of all groups, but increases in heavy alcohol consumption and adequate intake of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, the need for caregiver assistance among the older population increased, suggesting a growing demand for long-term care services. The rising prevalence of NCDs and growing dependence on caregiver assistance among Thai older adults highlight an urgent public health challenge. A comprehensive national policy needs to prioritize NCD prevention, healthy aging promotion, and sustainable long-term care systems for both older adults and their caregivers.

Feasibility of Revising the Quality Standard for Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Content in Cannabis Inflorescence within Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia

2025-11-01T09:31:06+07:00

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is a plant that is widely cultivated in Thailand. It has been used for both traditional and contemporary medical conditions. Referencing the THP 2021, the standard for cannabis inflorescence in Thailand requires a minimum 1% w/w THC content. The lack of an upper THC limit risks high-potency cannabis inflorescence entering the supply chain. Compounding requires dose adjustment, but allowing high-THC batches, which are often unnecessary, exacerbates prescriber workload and amplifies the consequences of any dosing mistake. Establishing an upper THC limit for cannabis inflorescence is therefore crucial. Thus, the authors conducted an integrated review with policy recommendation to support this concept. The review utilized data sourced from Google Scholar and reliable information obtained from governmental agencies. Based on this study, both safety and efficacy data indicate that cannabis inflorescence as a raw material with low THC content is sufficient for treating patients with Thai landraces providing sufficient potency. This contrasts with most hybrid strains, which contain THC levels deemed excessive. Therefore, the authors propose that appropriate use of cannabis inflorescence can be achieved by setting THC criteria to reflect the range found in Thai cannabis strains (e.g., 1-12% w/w) exclusively for the production of Thai Traditional Drugs originating from ancient medical texts, thus aligning with Thai Traditional Medicine wisdom. Conversely, the original criteria should apply to inflorescence used in the manufacture of other products. These preventive measures constitute a patient right and align with the legal status of cannabis inflorescence as a controlled herb in Thailand.