Thai Medical Innovation Spotlight
Last updated: 31 Dec 2025
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Background & Research Overview
Thailand has marked an important milestone in integrative medical innovation through the successful development of a cannabidiol (CBD)–based herbal formulation for oral pain relief. This research was led by Thai dental medicine specialists, reflecting the country’s growing strength in evidence-based herbal therapeutics.
According to Professor Dr. Waranun Buajib, DDS, PhD, Faculty Member in Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, the research team achieved encouraging clinical outcomes with a topical CBD herbal paste developed specifically for oral lesions. The formulation demonstrated faster wound healing and effective pain reduction, with results comparable to—or in certain cases exceeding—those of conventional medications currently used in clinical practice.
Clinical Applications
The CBD herbal formulation was developed primarily as a topical oral medication designed to address common oral and maxillofacial conditions, including:
• Aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
• Oral mucosal wounds
• Neuropathic oral pain
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)–related jaw pain
In addition, a CBD-based herbal cream was formulated for external application around the jaw joint area, offering targeted relief for patients experiencing pain near the ear or jaw hinge—symptoms frequently observed among older adults.
Mechanism of Action & Patient Outcomes
Researchers highlighted that CBD possesses notable anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, including:
• Inhibition of inflammatory mediators
• Modulation of pain signaling pathways within the nervous system
Clinical findings indicated measurable patient benefits, such as:
• Significant reduction in pain intensity
• Faster healing of oral lesions
• High to very high patient satisfaction
When compared with standard treatments, many patients reported shorter recovery times. Importantly, the CBD herbal cream demonstrated effective skin penetration and statistically significant pain reduction without causing the initial burning sensation commonly associated with certain conventional topical medications. Improved mouth-opening capacity was also observed after approximately 6–7 days of continuous use.
Clinical Significance & Future Outlook
The research team concluded that the Thai-developed CBD herbal formulation demonstrates sufficient efficacy for real-world clinical application, representing a meaningful advancement in dental and oral pain management.
Professor Dr. Waranun further emphasized that this study establishes an important foundation for future clinical research in dental herbal medicine—an area historically limited by insufficient human trials and inconsistent clinical outcomes.
From Thai Herbal Wisdom to Clinical Innovation
This research highlights the potential of Thai herbal cannabis-based medicine and its integration into modern clinical practice. Key impacts include:
• Expansion of evidence-informed treatment options for patients
• Reinforcement of Thailand’s role in integrative healthcare innovation
• A sustainable pathway from agricultural cultivation to clinical application
• Contribution to improved patient quality of life and the long-term health economy
Thailand has marked an important milestone in integrative medical innovation through the successful development of a cannabidiol (CBD)–based herbal formulation for oral pain relief. This research was led by Thai dental medicine specialists, reflecting the country’s growing strength in evidence-based herbal therapeutics.
According to Professor Dr. Waranun Buajib, DDS, PhD, Faculty Member in Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, the research team achieved encouraging clinical outcomes with a topical CBD herbal paste developed specifically for oral lesions. The formulation demonstrated faster wound healing and effective pain reduction, with results comparable to—or in certain cases exceeding—those of conventional medications currently used in clinical practice.
Clinical Applications
The CBD herbal formulation was developed primarily as a topical oral medication designed to address common oral and maxillofacial conditions, including:
• Aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
• Oral mucosal wounds
• Neuropathic oral pain
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)–related jaw pain
In addition, a CBD-based herbal cream was formulated for external application around the jaw joint area, offering targeted relief for patients experiencing pain near the ear or jaw hinge—symptoms frequently observed among older adults.
Mechanism of Action & Patient Outcomes
Researchers highlighted that CBD possesses notable anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, including:
• Inhibition of inflammatory mediators
• Modulation of pain signaling pathways within the nervous system
Clinical findings indicated measurable patient benefits, such as:
• Significant reduction in pain intensity
• Faster healing of oral lesions
• High to very high patient satisfaction
When compared with standard treatments, many patients reported shorter recovery times. Importantly, the CBD herbal cream demonstrated effective skin penetration and statistically significant pain reduction without causing the initial burning sensation commonly associated with certain conventional topical medications. Improved mouth-opening capacity was also observed after approximately 6–7 days of continuous use.
Clinical Significance & Future Outlook
The research team concluded that the Thai-developed CBD herbal formulation demonstrates sufficient efficacy for real-world clinical application, representing a meaningful advancement in dental and oral pain management.
Professor Dr. Waranun further emphasized that this study establishes an important foundation for future clinical research in dental herbal medicine—an area historically limited by insufficient human trials and inconsistent clinical outcomes.
From Thai Herbal Wisdom to Clinical Innovation
This research highlights the potential of Thai herbal cannabis-based medicine and its integration into modern clinical practice. Key impacts include:
• Expansion of evidence-informed treatment options for patients
• Reinforcement of Thailand’s role in integrative healthcare innovation
• A sustainable pathway from agricultural cultivation to clinical application
• Contribution to improved patient quality of life and the long-term health economy
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