Chulalongkorn University Pharmacy Researcher Wins Gold Medal and 2 special awards

Police Capt. Dr. Suchada Sukrong from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Chulalongkorn University, along with researchers from the Center for Expertise on DNA Barcodes of Thai Medicinal Plants, achieved remarkable success. Dr.Kannika Thongkhao and Dr.Chayapol Tangpattong, also from Chulalongkorn University, were awarded gold medals and received two special honors for their outstanding invention. They were presented with the Best Invention category award by the "First Institute of Inventors and Researchers of Iran" (FIRI) from the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as a special prize from the "Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic" and the "Czech Metallurgical Society" from the Czech Republic. These accolades were bestowed upon them during the 16th International Invention and Innovation Show (INTARG 2023), held on May 24-25, 2023, at the Katowice International Conference Center in Katowice, Republic of Poland. The prestigious recognition was a result of their innovative work on a "Rapid DNA immunochromatographic assay for detection of toxic Aristolochia species, the plants responsible for aristolochic acid nephropathy" (a kidney disease caused by aristolochic acid). The invention and innovation contest attracted participants from over 30 countries worldwide, showcasing a remarkable display of creativity. With more than 300 entries, Thailand stood out with a significant presence, contributing 29 innovative works from 19 esteemed institutions. These participating agencies include Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Kasetsart University, Srinakharinwirot University, Burapha University, Naresuan University, Mae Jo University, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chulabhorn Science School, Lop Buri School, Satri Witthaya, and the Prince Royal's College. The participation of these agencies in the contest was made possible through the support of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. The innovation behind this discovery originated from a keen interest in Khrua Khruea herbs, specifically the roots of the Aristologia genus (Aristolochia), which are widely used in various traditional medicinal practices around the world, including Thai medicinal formulas. These herbs possess beneficial properties such as fever reduction and appetite stimulation. However, it was observed that plants belonging to the Aristologia genus contain a chemical constituent called aristolochic acid, which is known to be a human carcinogen and can lead to various kidney diseases, including kidney failure, kidney cancer, and urinary tract cancer. The research team at the Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, led by Police Capt. Dr. Suchada Sukrong from Chulalongkorn University, continuously monitored the utilization of Khrua Khruea herbs. During their investigation, they discovered that plants from this genus were being sold and mixed into medicinal recipes. The revolutionary "Colored Row Rapid DNA Test Kit specific to the Aristolokia genus" comprises a collection of antigen-attached primers and antigen-labeled primer sets, along with a lateral flow test kit. This innovative kit enables the detection of plants belonging to the Aristologia genus, including herbaceous plants. It can be applied to various forms of herbal medicines, such as pharmaceuticals, pill powders, formulas, and bolus, with exceptional precision, accuracy, and high sensitivity. The kit is user-friendly, allowing for easy interpretation of results within 90 minutes by observing a color bar, similar to a COVID-19 test. The "Aristologia Rapid DNA Test Kit" serves multiple purposes, including inspecting herbal raw materials for entrepreneurs, examining finished products for public health authorities, and supporting law enforcement agencies. However, the Center of Expertise aspires to further enhance these innovations to enable even faster examinations. The goal is to develop a simplified version that can be readily utilized by individuals at the point of need, empowering the general public to test their own herbal medicines.