A Ngoc Linh ginseng root, unearthed by residents of Mang Ri commune (Tu Mo Rong district, Kon Tum province), weighs 0.5 kg. Photo: Provided by the author.
Ngoc Linh ginseng ( Panax vietnamensis var. vietnamensis ) and Lai Chau ginseng ( Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus ) both belong to the Vietnamese ginseng species ( Panax vietnamensis, Araliaceae ) and have similar shapes and chemical compositions. Consumers find it very difficult to distinguish between them.
Scientists at the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Ton Duc Thang University conducted research based on 42 samples of Lai Chau ginseng and 12 samples of Ngoc Linh ginseng. The research team developed a non-directional metabolite analysis method for differentiation. Representative samples of both ginseng types were also analyzed using ITS-rDNA gene sequencing to determine their origin.
Associate Professor Phan Ke Long (Vietnam Natural History Museum) - a member of the research team - said that the project started in November 2022. By June 2023, the research had results that could be used to assess the quality of Ngoc Linh ginseng and Lai Chau ginseng on the market, avoiding confusion and counterfeiting.
Scientists analyzed the metabolite data and found 13 characteristic saponins. Ngoc Linh ginseng is characterized by 7 saponins including majonoside R2, vinaginsenoside R13 (V-R13), ginsenoside Rd (G-Rd), ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1), notoginsenoside Fa (N-Fa), pseudoginsenoside Rs1 (PG-Rs1), and quinquenoside R1 (Q-R1). Lai Chau ginseng is characterized by 6 saponins including majonoside R1 (M-R1), vinaginsenoside R2 (V-R2), ginsenoside Rb2 (G-Rb2), notoginsenoside Fc (N-Fc), notoginsenoside R2 (N-R2), and notoginsenoside R4 (N-R4).
Dr. Long stated that the goal of identifying the characteristic active compounds in each type of ginseng is to accurately distinguish between fresh and processed ginseng, helping consumers use the product at its true value. The team is developing the next stages to create a faster identification technology, eliminating the need for laboratory analysis as is currently the case.
Ngoc Linh ginseng has a narrow distribution area in the Ngoc Linh mountain range, spanning the provinces of Kon Tum and Quang Nam. Studies show that Ngoc Linh ginseng contains 52 saponin compounds with antioxidant effects, reducing the risk of cancer and cholesterol. Lai Chau ginseng is mainly distributed in the highland districts of Muong Te and Sin Ho (Lai Chau), also known as black or red ginseng. Both types of ginseng are currently being cultivated in Lam Dong.
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