Exploitation and development of genetic resources of Bach bo and Rau dang bien

In the context of increasing demand for high-quality medicinal herbs, proactively sourcing domestic resources through conservation and development of genetic resources is becoming an urgent task.

From that reality, the topic "Research on exploitation and development of two genetic resources of Stemona tuberosa Lour. and Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.) as medicinal materials" (code NVQG-2022/DT.12), under the Program for conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources to 2025, oriented to 2030, chaired by Dr. Le Hung Tien, Center for Research on Medicinal Materials of North Central Vietnam, has created valuable scientific and technological results, contributing to supplementing important raw materials for the Vietnamese pharmaceutical industry.

Bai bu and Rau dang bien are both valuable medicinal plants with a long history of use in traditional medicine. However, natural exploitation sources are shrinking and unstable, while the demand of the pharmaceutical industry is increasing. Based on that reality, the research team focused on evaluating the agrobiological characteristics, usage value and building the entire process of seed production - planting - harvesting - processing 2 genetic resources according to advanced standards.

Sea bitter vegetables.

The most notable result is that the group has successfully built a technical process for seedling production using both sexual and asexual methods, and a process for medicinal plant production according to GACP-WHO guidelines - a mandatory standard in cultivating high-quality medicinal plants. In parallel, the group has built basic standards for seeds, seedlings and complete medicinal plants of both genetic sources, creating a foundation for future quality control activities.

Based on the collected data, the project has built and operated many experimental scale production models: a model of producing Bach bo seedlings on an area of ​​1,000 m² with a capacity of 15,000 seedlings/year; a model of growing Rau dang bien seedlings on 500 m², reaching 400,000 seedlings/year; a model of growing Bach bo medicinal herbs on 2 hectares and Rau dang bien medicinal herbs on 1 hectare. From there, the research team has produced 2,000 kg of medicinal herbs that meet the basic standards for each genetic source, proving the feasibility and effectiveness of the process.

These results not only contribute to science, providing data on biology, ecology, and usage value of two medicinal plants, but also have great significance for production. The technical processes and basic standards developed by the project will be an important basis for issuing official processes, widely applied in Thanh Hoa and localities with similar conditions. At that time, people can master production techniques according to GACP-WHO standards, expand the growing area, and improve the quality and value of medicinal herbs.

Cyclamen.

The economic efficiency of the project is clearly demonstrated by solving the shortage of raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry. The optimized technical process helps reduce production costs, increase productivity, improve product quality and commercial value. If replicated, the research results will create more jobs, contribute to improving income and improving the lives of people in the growing areas. At the same time, being proactive in domestic raw material sources helps reduce dependence on imports, increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese medicinal products.

In terms of society, the project helps to standardize the synchronization from seed - planting - harvesting - preliminary processing, ensuring the quality and safety of medicinal herbs. This is also the basis for adding to the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia, creating a legal corridor for production and commercialization. More importantly, the formation of standard growing areas of Bach bo and Rau dang bien will contribute to the conservation of precious genetic resources, and the rational and sustainable use of natural medicinal resources.

With the achieved results, the task not only has scientific significance but is also an important step in the strategy of developing the Vietnamese medicinal herbs industry in a sustainable and modern direction, meeting the needs of community health care in the new period.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/khai-thac-va-phat-trien-nguon-gen-bach-bo-va-rau-dang-bien-197251201113427541.htm