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ข่าวประชาสัมพันธ์ครั้งที่1 22 mar 2022 Khon Kaen University Joins Forces with Miss Lily to Develop the World’s First Andrographolide Nano emulsion Product Against COVID-19 Khon Kaen University joins forces with Miss Lily to develop the world’s first Andrographolide nano emulsion technology, which can increase the efficacy of the active ingredient in Andrographis paniculata used to fight COVID-19. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D, President of Khon Kaen University, stated that, “The spread of COVID-19 has made the traditional herb, Andrographis paniculata (Fah Talai Jone), the hope for alleviating patients’ symptoms, due to its properties in relieving cold symptoms and inhibiting virus proliferation. The key active ingredient in Andrographis paniculata that protects against and inhibits COVID-19 is Andrographolide, which has recently gained international attention. This compound has been further developed with medical technology and features in a number of research studies from abroad. Prof. Monchai Duangjinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Khon Kaen University, citing information from research studies, stated that, “Andrographolide is a diterpene lactone and is a major active ingredient found in the traditional herb Andrographis paniculata. Research studies from both within Thailand and abroad found that the compound relieves fever, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, and has a bitter taste. Currently, Andrographis paniculata is widely used across Thailand, either for its leaves and other parts or its crude extracts in pellet or capsule form. As this compound is water insoluble, its absorption is limited to 2.67%, requiring individuals to consume three to four capsules each time, three to four times per day, totaling 9-16 capsules per day or an equivalent of 180 mg of Andrographolide per day. “The team has researched and developed the world’s first Andrographolide Nano Emulsion, which helps increase absorption by more than six times, thus requiring only a small amount while resulting in very high efficacy. This also reduces the risk of an overdose from the consumption of herbal medicine in its usual form. Dr. Nopparat Inwiset, Head of Research Department, Miss Lily Co., Ltd. stated, “Nano emulsion technology has been used in a variety of products for quite a long time, be it in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, but it has not been used to develop Andrographolide in this form yet. Most of the available research tend to focus on the medicinal properties of Andrographolide in its powdered form. During the Nano emulsion process in the laboratory, there were several challenges, such as ensuring the consistency of particles smaller than 100 nanometers and maintaining the stability of the solution. In conducting experiments, it is important to identify the right type and amount of solution as well as to adjust the pH levels to prevent oxidation and harmful levels of acidity. “An even more difficult task is adapting the manufacturing process within the lab to a factory setting. With this shift, we faced many obstacles. The state-of-the-art and incredibly agile tools in the lab – for example, the ultrasonic Homogenizer at 60,000 hertz and the high-speed homogenizer that can reach up to 10,000 rounds per minute ensure the quality and consistency of the manufacturing process. On the other hand, the machinery in most of Thailand’s manufacturing plants were unable to meet the specified standards. As a result, Miss Lily sent in a team of engineers to learn about the manufacturing process from the lab and adapted it to the factory setting by modifying the machinery, enabling them to meet the standards. This is one of the main difficulties in bringing academic research to the market, due to the disconnect between the research conducted within laboratories and the manufacturing process happening in factories.”