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o Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine Vol. 8 Nos. 2-3 May-December 2010 ÒÚ˘

Abstract
Ethnobotany of Ruk Yai and Thai Folk Wisdom to Detoxify Ruk Lacquer
1
Tanit Padumanonda , Chayan Pichaeansoonthon 1, 2
1 Department of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002
2 The Academy of Science, The Royal Institute of Thailand, Sanam Suea Pa, Khet Dusit, Bangkok 10300
Ethnobotany is the scientific study of the relationships that exist between people and plants. Gluta usitata
(Wall.) ding hou or ruk yai has had a profound impact on Thai culture due to the use of its latex in various Thai
arts, especially lacquerware. Ruk lacquer is also a main component used in the creation of various elaborate
traditional Thai arts, including gilded lacquer art, lai kammalor and mother-of-pearl inlay. Various parts of
ruk yai, such as stem bark, seed and latex, have been used as an herbal drug or combined with other herbs and
used as a traditional medicine. However, latex from ruk yai can cause an allergic skin reaction in craftsmen
and individuals who accidently contact the plants. Long-chain polyphenolic compounds called thitsiol are the
main components in ruk lacquer that cause skin allergy. Thai folk wisdom provides intriguing formulations
passed down from generation to generation concerning herbal bath preparations and herbal pastes to detoxify
ruk lacquer. Generally, the caustic polyphenol compounds derived from ruk lacquer can be weakened by
neutralizing them with formulations having astringent action.
Key words: Gluta usitata, toxicity, ethnobotany