Vietnamese ginseng to the world

Ngoc Linh ginseng is one of the precious medicinal herbs used by Xe Dang ethnic people. Its scientific name is Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. It was found in the peak area of Ngoc Linh mountain in Quang Nam and Kon Tum provinces. This ginseng species has high medicinal and economic values. The VND-9-thousand-billion project on Ngoc Linh ginseng conservation and development towards 2030 was approved by the Government of Vietnam in 2015. In June, 2017, Ngoc Linh ginseng was formally recognized as a national product.

Ngoc Linh ginseng

Up to now, there have been about 60 Panax ginseng samples found in Vietnam with over 50 types of saponin, among which 24 new structures were named Vina-ginsenoside-R1 - R24. They are used to improve health and vitality.

Solutions to Ngoc Linh ginseng development have recently been discussed in a seminar. According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung, the development of Vietnamese ginseng helps increase its economic values, improve the locals' income and speed up the local socio-economic development. The project on the development of Vietnamese national ginseng has been carried out and agreed by the locals, scientists and businessmen.

Also stated by Mr. Tung, the products made from Ngoc Linh ginseng should ensure food hygien and safety, and build their brand names. Prof.Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc focused on scientific information about planting, harvesting and processing ginseng. However, the most important thing, according to Chairman of the Nam Tra My district's People's Committee Ho Quang Buu, is the conservation of the ginseng's original gene sources.

Prof.Dr. Park Jeong Hill from College of Pharmacy, the Seoul National University (Korea) supposed Vietnamese ginseng potential thanks to its high saponin content. Vietnam needs more scientific reports and articles so that the Vietnamese ginseng quality is internationally recognized and known. Hopefully, Vietnamese ginseng will go abroad in a near future.