In Thailand, the blend of heat and humidity creates an ideal environment for infections, especially during the rainy season from mid-May to October. Beyond the prevalent threat of dengue fever, skin problems like fungal infections disproportionately affect underserved communities, where poor living and working conditions increase their risk. Trinity Jantarach, a 17-year-old student at Bangkok Patana School (BPS), witnessed this issue during her volunteer work in the Khlong Toey slum. She saw firsthand the struggles of individuals dealing with ringworm, inspiring her to support these vulnerable communities.
Combining her interest in Thai herbs with her passion for science, Trinity began researching Snake Jasmine—a local herb renowned for its antifungal properties—at the Chanarat Lab under Professor Sittinan Chanarat, Chairman of the Biochemistry Department at Mahidol University. She visited a herb farm in Ang Thong, where she learned from farmers, harvested plants, and brought them to the lab for analysis, testing their effectiveness in inhibiting fungal growth. Encouraged by promising results, she produced a cream using Snake Jasmine extract and launched her social project, Botanica.
After receiving FDA approval for Snake Jasmine Cream as a cosmeceutical product, Trinity began distributing it at the Mercy Centre in Khlong Toey and the Ang Thong herb farm—both inspirations for her project. During her visits, she donated creams and educated community members on skin health and preventive care. “Seeing the improvements in their skin and hearing about reduced irritation filled me with relief; it was always my priority to help them,” she said.
Her commitment didn’t end there; she joined health outreach events with the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Unit, travelling to rural provinces in her mission to help those most in need. “Participating in these outreach programmes in remote areas really opened my eyes to how deep-rooted this issue is,” Trinity explained. “Many attendees, often farmers or rubber plantation workers, struggle to access conventional healthcare and suffer in silence.” Their gratitude and keen interest in her work have inspired her to continue her efforts.
Trinity envisions Botanica as more than a product; she aims to create a cycle of benefits that uplifts both the users and the farmers who cultivate the herbs, extending support across society.
