Chulalongkorn and Mahidol Universities have collaborated to develop a cosmeceutical innovation from Thai Riceberry rice, transferring the AnthoRice™ Complex technology and preparing for clinical trials at Siriraj Hospital.
The Faculty of Pharmacy at Chulalongkorn University and the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, announced the success of their historic collaboration in developing AnthoRice™ Complex, an innovative hair root serum made from extracts of organic Thai Riceberry rice.
The technology transfer signing ceremony was held at the ground floor hall of Wisit Prachuapmoak Building, Chulalongkorn University, with Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University, and Professor Dr. Wiles Phurivatchar, President of Chulalongkorn University, jointly opening the event. Deans from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital and the Faculty of Pharmacy, Chulalongkorn University, also participated as witnesses to the signing.
Research published in the journal in vivo 38: 1767-1774 (2024) found that extracts from five Thai herbs—Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea), Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), kaffir lime, soybean, and Tinospora crispa—can stimulate stem cell genes (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2) in human hair root cells up to 5-6 times via StemAktiv® technology. Meanwhile, Riceberry rice extract rich in anthocyanin activates melanin production through two pathways simultaneously: the SRC Pathway and the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin Pathway. This represents a novel cellular approach to addressing hair loss and premature graying.
AnthoRice Complex integrates decades of stem cell research on Thai herbs with the Thai resource of Riceberry rice, achieving promising laboratory test results. Today marks a proud milestone as the research advances systematically into clinical trials at Siriraj Hospital.
Professor Dr. Piti Janwarachoti of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Chulalongkorn University, stated that knowledge of anthocyanins and pigment biology forms the essential basis for explaining Riceberry rice's potential in systematically enhancing hair health. This reveals the hidden value of Thai rice through verifiable science and sets a model for a sustainable ecosystem.
Professor Dr. Uraiwan Panich from the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, said the clinical trials at Siriraj will be a key step to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of AnthoRice™ in volunteers. They will assess hair density, color changes, and scalp health over 24 weeks. For those experiencing thinning hair or premature graying, this may offer a genuinely Thai research-based new option.
Associate Professor Dr. Ratthapon Tuangthong of the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, revealed that the Farm-to-Follicle AnthoRice™ Complex innovation ecosystem is Thailand's first fully integrated innovation system. It begins with over 50 organic Riceberry rice farming families in Phichit Province, supported by research and development from Chulalongkorn and Mahidol Universities, production controlled by Chula Fartech Co., Ltd. under GMP standards, and driven into society by Thainathaburi Corporation.
/ VST ECS (Thailand) Company Limited, part of the VST ECS Group and a leading IT distributor in the Asia-Pacific region, continues its charitable activities. Recently, it donated 1,500,000 baht to the Ramathibodi Foundation under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, to support the Adult Hematology Cancer Fund at Ramathibodi Hospital, aiding cancer patients lacking financial resources for treatment.
Mr. Somsak Petchtaweeporndej, CEO of VST ECS (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with executives, presented the 1,500,000 baht donation raised from the "VST ECS GOLF CHARITY 2025" event, supported by partner companies, management, and employees. The donation was received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suporn Chanjaruni and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimjai Nipharak, faculty members of the Hematology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, at the Ramathibodi Foundation reception room, 4th floor, Somdet Phra Theparat Building, Ramathibodi Hospital.
/ PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), represented by Mr. Thanasit Wichaipairojvong, Senior Vice President of Digital Technology Excellence, and executives, received the Thailand Technology Excellence Award in the AI – Oil & Gas category from Mr. Chris Head, General Manager of Asian Business Review magazine (Singapore), at the 2025 Asian Technology Excellence Awards. PTTEP earned this award for developing X.brain, an AI engine applying machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI technologies to enhance petroleum exploration and production operations, thereby increasing business value and operational efficiency.
/ Central Pattana Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading sustainable real estate developer, under the vision "Imagining better futures for all," connects all business sectors—retail, residence, hotel, and office—reinforcing its role as a placemaker that develops spaces to improve everyone's quality of life. It has partnered with TEDxBangkok 2025 under the theme "Through the Cracks," aiming to raise awareness about social problems and cracks in Thai society while inviting everyone to seek solutions for a better quality of life.
Through the "Conversations for the Future" event, a platform for dialogue where every conversation starts the journey of imagining better futures for all, the initiative drives ideas and advances development of future spaces for Bangkok and Thailand. Mr. Napat Chirathivat, Head of Project Operation - Special Projects, and Ms. Pawal Chirathivat, Manager of Hotel Business Development at Central Pattana Public Company Limited, participated in the event.