An Analysis of Local Knowledge of Phit-Samdaeng in Yang Sisurat District, Maha Sarakham Province and The Medicinal Plants Used to Relieve Its Symptoms

Introduction: “Phit-Samdaeng” is a Thai term often used to refer to an illness of eating unsuitable foods. However, its use in a diagnosis is limited due to the unclear definition and description. This study aimed to compare knowledge of Phit-Samdaeng symptoms and treatments in Northeastern folk medicine, Thai Traditional Medicine, and medicinal plants in the Yang Sisurat District of Thailand. Methods: Semistructured interviews and participatory observations were used to collect data from 12 folk healers. Questions were designed to obtain local knowledge of Phit-Samdaeng and medicinal plants. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparison and interpretation. Results: Some symptoms of Phit-Samdaeng in the nine scriptures of Thai Traditional Medicine, Tumraya Silajaruek Watprachethupon, and of Kin-Phit and Phit-Kaboon, in Tamraya Boran Isan, were similar in Yang Sisurat. However, the names were different. There were also differences in species and the recipes of herbal remedies among folk healers and in the textbooks. The most used plants to treat Phit-Samdaeng by folk healers were Clerodendrum paniculatum L. and Clausena wallichii Oliv. var. guillauminii (Tanaka) Molino. Only nine species had pharmacological effects relating to Phit-Samdaeng treatment. Conclusions: The knowledge of Phit-Samdaeng symptoms in Yang Sisurat District were consistent with the Northeast folk medicine and Thai Traditional Medicine. The most commonly used species were native plants of Thailand. However, information on the medicinal taste and property from scriptures and pharmacological evidence is lacking. Therefore, the pharmacological activity and toxicity of herbal remedies should be further investigated for efficacy and safety.