Ngoc Linh Ginseng reaches global value

With its special biological potential and methodical development strategy, Ngoc Linh ginseng is being oriented to become a strategic product, promoting sustainable medicinal economic development, improving people's livelihoods, especially ethnic minorities in mountainous areas.

Ethnic minorities in Quang Ngai province select Ngoc Linh ginseng seedlings before planting. (Photo: Ngoc Linh)

Ngoc Linh ginseng grows uniquely in cool climates, organic-rich humus soil, high humidity and primeval forest ecosystems, so it has outstanding biological active ingredients, especially the unique ocotillol saponin group, different from ginseng and other ginseng species.

Unique value and outstanding development potential

Discovered by Pharmacist Dao Kim Long and his colleagues in 1973 in Ngoc Linh mountain area, this ginseng species was quickly confirmed as a new ginseng species in the world .

Professor, Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Ton Duc Thang University, a leading expert on medicinal herbs, said: “Ngoc Linh ginseng contains 52 saponins, including many valuable active ingredients such as majonosid-R2, vinaginsenosid-R1, vinaginsenosid-R2... which have anti-depressant, anti-oxidant and immune-enhancing effects. This is a unique medicinal value that no other ginseng species in the world has.”

Quang Ngai province identifies science and technology as the key foundation to develop Ngoc Linh ginseng into a high-value product.

Quang Ngai province identifies science and technology as the key foundation to develop Ngoc Linh ginseng into a high-value product.

Ngoc Linh Ginseng has also been recognized by the Prime Minister as a national product since 2017, and is included in the Vietnam Ginseng Development Program to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Quang Ngai province has identified Ngoc Linh ginseng as a key crop in the strategy for developing medicinal economy, organic agriculture and sustainable livelihoods in highland communes such as Mang Ri, Ngoc Linh, Xop, Tu Mo Rong... Thousands of Ngoc Linh ginseng seedlings are distributed free of charge to poor households and ethnic minority households.

Quang Ngai province has identified science and technology as the key foundation for developing Ngoc Linh ginseng into a high-value product. Since 2017, a series of provincial and national research topics and projects have been implemented, focusing on the following stages: Conservation of genetic resources, breeding, improvement of cultivation techniques, post-harvest preservation, deep processing and quality control.

Within the framework of the National Product Development Program “Vietnamese Ginseng”, the Ministry of Science and Technology approved 5 tasks under 2 national science and technology projects for Quang Ngai. These studies help standardize the process of seed production, organic ginseng care and develop technology to produce specialized biological products for ginseng.

At the provincial level, from 2017 to present, Quang Ngai has implemented 6 scientific and technological topics and projects on Ngoc Linh ginseng. Results achieved: Building and transferring the process of breeding, planting, caring, and preventing pests and diseases; analyzing the chemical composition of ginseng stems and leaves; evaluating the pharmacological value of stem and leaf parts; long-term preservation process of roots.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology of Quang Ngai province identified 30 chemical compounds from the stem and leaves of Ngoc Linh ginseng, including 6 ginsenosides and 10 compounds discovered for the first time. This result helps develop new products, enhancing the overall value not only from the root part.

From national treasure to national brand

In order to make the market transparent, prevent trade fraud and protect brands, the Center for Science and Technology Application of Quang Ngai province has been equipped with a modern system of DNA testing and saponin content analysis equipment with 3 testing processes. Deeply processed products from Ngoc Linh ginseng stems and leaves such as ginseng oolong tea, ginseng wine, and functional capsules are being researched and developed. Some local enterprises have initially successfully produced ginseng tea, ginseng extract, and cosmetics, expanding the domestic market and moving towards export.

Dr. Duong Hong To Quyen, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Traditional Medicine, stated: “Pharmacological studies confirm that the whole extract of 6-year-old Ngoc Linh ginseng has the effect of increasing strength, fighting stress, protecting the liver and enhancing immunity, surpassing ginseng. The ocotillol saponin group including majonosid-R2 or vina-ginsenosid-R2 has the effect of reducing anxiety and anti-depression equivalent to fluoxetine.”

Ngoc Linh ginseng is gradually affirming its position as a national product at international level.

Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Council of Quang Ngai province Nguyen Duc Tuy affirmed: "We will create the most favorable conditions for scientists and businesses to research, survey, invest and develop Ngoc Linh ginseng".

Ngoc Linh ginseng is gradually affirming its position as a national product of international stature. With the decisive participation of the entire political system, the support of scientists, businesses and people, Ngoc Linh ginseng contributes to improving public health and opening a strategic direction for sustainable development of medicinal economy in the Central Highlands.

Continuing to invest in research, standardizing processes, protecting brands and developing high-quality products is the way to bring the “national treasure” Ngoc Linh ginseng to stand shoulder to shoulder with world-famous ginseng species. This is not only the expectation of the traditional medicine industry, but also the responsibility and aspiration of the entire nation in the journey to affirm Vietnamese values ​​on the global medicinal map.

According to Nhan Dan Newspaper

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/sam-ngoc-linh-vuon-tam-gia-tri-toan-cau/20250822085909399