Chula–Mahidol Present AnthoRice™ Complex Hair-Root Care Innovation

Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University have formally joined forces to transfer technology behind AnthoRice™ Complex, a breakthrough Thai innovation that transforms organic Riceberry rice into an advanced hair-root care serum. The collaboration was unveiled at a press conference titled “AnthoRice™ Complex – From Thai Soil to Global Science,” highlighting how Thai agricultural heritage and cutting-edge biomedical research are converging to create high-impact health and wellness solutions.

Developed by researchers from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, AnthoRice™ Complex combines extracts from organic Riceberry rice with StemAktiv® technology. The research has been rigorously validated and published in international academic journals and is now preparing to enter clinical trials at Siriraj Hospital next year.

AnthoRice™ Complex represents a Thai-developed cosmeceutical innovation based on natural ingredients, designed for the global market with a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The project elevates Thailand’s expertise in rice and herbal science by grounding its innovation in human hair follicle biology (dermal papilla cells). By linking cellular-level mechanisms to a systematic pathway toward clinical research, the initiative reflects an integrated collaboration among academic institutions, researchers, and the medical sector—demonstrating how Thai research can be translated into real-world applications that meet international standards in a sustainable and impactful way.

From Vision to Partnership

The press conference was held on December 17, 2025, at the Visid Prachuabmoh Building Building, Chulalongkorn University. The event opened with keynote remarks by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and Prof. Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University, who shared their vision of universities as engines that transform research into tangible benefits for society and public health.

Following the opening remarks, both university presidents presided over the technology transfer agreement signing between Chula PharTech Co., Ltd. and Thaithonburi Corporation Co., Ltd., witnessed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorasit Vongsutilers, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, and Prof. Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.

Science That Travels from Cells to Clinics

The event continued with presentations by Thailand’s leading stem cell and biomedical researchers, tracing the journey of AnthoRice™ Complex from fundamental cellular research to its upcoming clinical phase at Siriraj Hospital in early 2026:

• “Autophagy & Stem Cell Activation” by Prof. Dr. Pithi Chanvorachote,
  Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University
• “Reducing Oxidative Stress to Slow Hair Aging at the Molecular Level”
  by Prof. Dr. Uraiwan Panich, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
• “From Hair Root Science to Clinical Research in Human Volunteers”
  by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattapon Thuangtong, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Research with Real-World Impact

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat emphasized that the role of universities today extends far beyond teaching and academic publishing. True impact, he noted, lies in integrating education, research, and social and economic value creation to improve quality of life.

The collaboration between Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital exemplifies how academic excellence can translate into practical innovation—from increasing farmers’ income and adding value to Thai rice, to improving public health outcomes. More than a product, AnthoRice™ represents a research ecosystem that connects people, communities, and the nation, with global relevance.

A Model of End-to-End Innovation

Prof. Dr. Piyamitr Sritara highlighted that this partnership elevates research from theory to systematic real-world application, particularly through clinical trials at Siriraj Hospital, which provide scientific credibility and evidence-based validation. The project integrates the entire value chain—from farmers and raw materials to researchers, clinicians, manufacturers, and the private sector—creating a rare and powerful model for Thailand’s research and innovation landscape

Elevating Thai Herbal Research to Global Standards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorasit Vongsutilers explained that AnthoRice™ exemplifies the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ long-term commitment to continuous, high-standard research, ensuring quality control and efficacy from upstream to downstream. This approach not only strengthens Thailand’s herbal research credibility but also fuels sustainable industrial and economic development.

Prof. Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul added that the collaboration brings laboratory research into real clinical settings. Any product intended for patient use must be supported by robust scientific evidence, and AnthoRice™ is now progressing through that critical stage. Clinical outcomes are expected to confirm both safety and effectiveness, paving the way for broader medical and international applications.

From Organic Rice Fields to Advanced Cosmeceuticals

Prof. Dr. Pithi Chanvorachote, lead researcher, explained that the project operates under a formal MOU focused on joint research and innovation. Organic Riceberry rice—sourced from farming communities in Phetchabun and Phichit provinces, areas affected by climate change and price volatility—was selected as the core raw material. Through standardized, safe extraction processes, the research team identified powerful compounds such as anthocyanins and antioxidants, shown in laboratory studies to stimulate melanin production and support hair follicle function.

The research has since evolved into ready-to-market products, including hair serums and shampoos. Clinical trials at Siriraj Hospital are now underway, with the goal of upgrading the products from cosmetics to cosmeceuticals within the next six months.

A New Scientific Approach to Hair Health

AnthoRice™ Complex introduces a new paradigm in addressing hair loss and premature graying—by restoring hair health at the cellular root level, rather than treating surface symptoms. Studies show that extracts from five Thai herbs—butterfly pea, Indian gooseberry, kaffir lime, soybean, and rang chuet—work synergistically to activate key hair stem cell genes (OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2) by up to five to six times. Meanwhile, Riceberry rice extract stimulates melanin production through dual biological pathways, offering promising potential to delay or reverse premature graying.

A First-of-Its-Kind National Collaboration

AnthoRice™ Complex marks the first fully integrated collaboration between two of Thailand’s leading universities to develop rice-based cosmeceuticals from farm to clinic. The project spans organic farming, GMP-certified production, clinical trials at a national medical institution, and technology transfer for commercial scale-up—while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 8, 9, 12, and 17.

Clinical trials at Siriraj Hospital will run for 24 weeks, evaluating hair density, hair color changes, scalp health, and overall safety—bringing Thai innovation one step closer to the global stage.

Learn more or follow the project at:

Website: www.Anthoricethailand.com
Facebook: AnthoRiceOfficial
LINE: Line@AnthoRice

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