ABSTRACT
Objective: Dendrobium spp., the major globally commercializing tropical orchid, has been continuously used in Chinese medicine. However, preparation and standardization of this therapeutic orchid including its clinical evidence for topical application are sparely to be exploited. Methods: Maceration of the white orchid (Dendrobium cv. Khao Sanan) in water was varied on the extraction time. The extraction yields and total polysaccharide content of the extracts were compared. The best extract condition was selected, standardized, and evaluated on safety and skin hydrating efficacy in human volunteers. Results: The extraction for 3 h gave the extract with polysaccharide content that significantly (P < 0.001) greater than the other extraction times with the following specification: yield [(35.60 ± 2.51)%], moisture content [(7.65 ± 0.21)%], total polysaccharide, sugar, reducing sugar and ash content [(72.95 ± 2.37)%, (34.38 ± 0.00)%, (16.28 ± 0.00)%, and (0.12 ± 0.00)%], pH (4.42 ± 0.01), viscosity [(15.07 ± 0.12) cps] swelling and water absorption capacities [(10.00 ± 0.00)%, (1.19 ± 0.24) g/g]. This antioxidative polysaccharide caused no skin irritation with a better skin hydrating efficacy than the untreated skin and the benchmark as examined in 22 Thai volunteers. Conclusion: White Dendrobium is ready to be supplied as a specialty ingredient with a safe and efficient profile for skin dryness therapy. This innovative application of the identified traditional Chinese medicinal herb flows in the main stream of the consumers’ preferences and demand upon natural derived products.
ABSTRACT
This research aimed to study the consumers’ attitudes and behaviors in purchasing and using sunscreen cosmetics. One hundred and seventy nine Thai consumers aged over 15 years old at Pattaya beach, Chonburi Province were randomly interviewed by questionnaire. It was found that 90.5% were women, aged 20-39 years old (83.8%), educated bachelor degree (64.8%) and earned average monthly income 17,013.34 Baht. Most of the consumers daily applied sunscreen cosmetics (75.4%) and mainly purchased from supermarkets, cosmetic stores or mini marts (78.2%). The brand royalty consumers were only 25.1% whereas 71.5% of them always alternated the brand. The consumers’ demography was not significantly affected on purchasing and using behavior except occupation (F-test = 2.43, p=0.037). Purchasing and using attitudes significantly correlated with behaviors. This informative study is available for those who are dealing with public relation and education relevant to cosmetics providing the appropriated information on sunscreen cosmetics selection prevents misuse accordingly.
ABSTRACT
This study collected financial information and information on essential oils used in Thai spas via questionnaires mailed to 105 spa managers or owners who operate spas certified by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. The majority of investments were less than 50 million Thai Baht (64.76%), of which hotel and resort spas dominated (44.76%). The predominant spa services given were aromatherapy massage (87.20%), followed by facial and body treatment (80.78%) and steam/sauna (74.82%). Most of the spa owners used natural essential oils (77.14%) as opposed to synthetic essential oils (22.86%). The five most popular essential oils were lavender (35.71%), lemongrass (20.54%), orange (16.07%), peppermint (15.18%) and jasmine oils (12.50%), respectively. Factors affecting essential oil selection in order of importance were organoleptic properties, therapeutic efficacies, purity, certification, price, supplier and tester.