A group of scientists in Ho Chi Minh City extracted saponin and medicinal substances from Panax notoginseng root to make a paste to help control tumors and support the treatment of lung and breast cancer.
At the technology cooperation event organized by the Center for Information and Statistics of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of December 5, Dr. Le Thi Hong Van, Lecturer of Pharmacy Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Ho Chi Minh City introduced the high-tech production process from Panax notoginseng to support cancer treatment. This is the result of the group's 2-year research to support patients in treating lung and breast cancer with Panax notoginseng extract.
Dr. Le Thi Hong Van, head of the research project, shared at the event on the morning of December 5. Photo: Ha An
Panax notoginseng, scientifically known as Panax notoginseng, is a type of ginseng distributed mainly in Ha Giang , Cao Bang, Lao Cai... with an estimated output of 15 - 20 tons per year. According to Dr. Van, Panax notoginseng contains saponin and about 20 amino acids, including 6 essential amino acids that can resist and inhibit the proliferation of some lung, intestinal, liver, pancreatic, breast, rectal cancer cells... In addition, Panax notoginseng has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bleeding-stopping, nourishing, and strength-enhancing effects. Panax notoginseng tubers have the ability to grow strongly, so when the plant is 3 - 4 years old, it can be harvested. Panax notoginseng is sold on the market mainly in powder and capsule form.
The team has developed a process for producing liquid and solid ginseng extract to support the treatment of cancer patients with high medicinal properties. More than 30 sources of ginseng from different growing regions were collected by the research team, evaluating the saponin content and anti-cancer activities. The selected ginseng was steamed and extracted with alcohol solvent at a concentration of 80% for 3 hours at an optimal ratio to produce a high product with the best saponin content. The product is a liquid ginseng extract containing 88.3 mg of saponin, which can be absorbed into the body faster than the pill form currently on the market. Because ginseng has a characteristic bitter taste, the research team created a flavoring agent with red apples with a sweet taste to help users drink it more easily.
The research team tested on mice for 3-6 months to evaluate the anti-tumor ability of Panax pseudoginseng extract. Mice induced with cancer using DMBA can form tumors on the skin and internal organs. The results showed that Panax pseudoginseng extract controlled the size of tumors on the skin of mice. This made the tumors grow slower than in the group of mice that did not use it. Panax pseudoginseng extract also caused cancer cell necrosis with tumors in the lungs. In particular, the concentrated extract had a better necrotic effect on lung cancer cells than the liquid extract. This effect increased when Panax pseudoginseng extract was combined with paclitaxel.
According to Dr. Van, these are the initial results on the basic pharmacology of Panax notoginseng extract in controlling cancer cells. Further research and investment in the next phase for human testing is needed.
Dr. Nguyen Thanh Vu, Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center, noted that studies have shown that ginseng preparations in general contain substances that can activate cell proliferation genes. It is not excluded that these substances can stimulate cancer cells to grow rapidly, which can be harmful to patients. Therefore, research needs to evaluate the patient's cancer stages to recommend appropriate usage and dosage.
In addition, Dr. Vu believes that anti-cancer drugs need to be stable to ensure effectiveness when used. He hopes to cooperate with the research team for product testing in the next phase.
Mr. Vo Ngoc Hai, Deputy Director of the Center for Information and Statistics on Science and Technology, said that the unit will support connections with partners, suppliers, and consulting services to help the research team transfer technology so that the market has new products in the field of health care./.
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