BANGKOK, THAILAND – French companies have shown formal interest in Thai-developed herbal medicines designed to treat sexual dysfunction in men and women.
Dr. Kanyapak Silarak, Assistant Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine and Director of Phra Ajarn Fan Ajaro Hospital in Sakon Nakhon, said on Tuesday that the department had expanded clinical use of traditional Thai herbal formulas as part of an ongoing research program.
Department reports successful male treatment trials
Dr. Kanyapak confirmed that teams under the department used the formula known as ‘Ongkachat Tay’, which contains long pepper, wild betel, chili, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, sakae, and cannabis, to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Clinical observation involving several dozen male patients demonstrated improved blood circulation and sexual performance.
“The department has been promoting the use of Thai traditional wisdom in caring for people with erectile dysfunction, especially through the application of the formula ‘Ongkachat Tay’, which has shown positive effects on circulation and vitality.”
said Dr. Kanyapak Silarak, Assistant Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine
Interest from French natural health companies
French suppliers and distributors of natural health products expressed commercial interest in partnering with the department to develop and possibly market these herbal formulas under bilateral collaboration. Talks reportedly began after France reviewed research data submitted by the Thai health agency.
According to Dr. Kanyapak, the department saw this as both an economic and cultural opportunity to extend the commercial use of Thai herbal pharmacopoeia.
Ongoing studies for female therapies
In addition to the male-focused ED formula, researchers at the department continued work on the experimental female treatment named ‘Naree Phlee Cheep’, designed to address female sexual dysfunction. Early studies launched in 2023 identified plant compounds showing potential hormonal benefits.
National formulation standards and economic goals
Thailand currently lists more than 18 certified national Thai herbal formulas that the government classifies under tonics and rejuvenation medicines. These include Men’s Vitality Formula No. 1, composed of bitter lotus, ginger, long pepper, wild betel, piper sarmentosum, black pepper, bitter eggplant, and Tao Yai Mom root, which remain available to licensed practitioners under the Ministry of Public Health’s national medicine registry.
Dr. Kanyapak stated that formal inclusion of ‘Ongkachat Tay’ in the National List of Essential Medicines was under review to ensure academic validation and create pathways for scientific export certification.
- 18 registered Thai herbal tonic formulas under national protection
- Ongoing research and export interest from at least one French company
- Clinical testing on male and female sexual performance since 2023
- Pending addition of herbal ED drug to National Essential Medicines list
The ministry indicated that a full economic impact assessment for international trade of these formulas would be completed after final research findings in 2025, with potential future export volumes yet to be determined.