Distinguishing Ngoc Linh ginseng and Lai Chau ginseng

Ngoc Linh ginseng root dug up by Mang Ri people weighs 0.5kg. Photo: NVCC — Ngoc Linh ginseng root dug up by people of Mang Ri commune (Tu Mo Rong district, Kon Tum province) weighs 0.5kg. Photo: NVCC

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 ) with similar shapes and chemical composition. It is very difficult for users to distinguish.

Scientists at the Vietnam Museum of Nature, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Ton Duc Thang University conducted the study on 42 Lai Chau ginseng samples and 12 Ngoc Linh ginseng samples. The research team developed a non-directional metabolite set analysis method to differentiate. Representative samples of the two ginseng types were also analyzed using ITS-rDNA gene sequencing to determine their origin.

Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Ke Long (Vietnam Museum of Nature) - a member of the research team said that the project will be carried out from November 2022. By June 2023, the research results can be used to evaluate 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. Of which, 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 said that the purpose of finding the characteristic active ingredients in each type of ginseng is to accurately distinguish between fresh and processed ginseng, helping consumers to use the product at its true value. The group is developing the next stages to be able to provide faster identification technology instead of having to analyze in the laboratory as it is now.

Ngoc Linh ginseng has a narrow distribution area in Ngoc Linh mountain in Kon Tum and Quang Nam provinces. Studies show that Ngoc Linh ginseng contains 52 saponin compounds that have antioxidant effects, reduce the risk of cancer, cholesterol... Lai Chau ginseng is mainly distributed in the highland districts of Muong Te and Sin Ho (Lai Chau), also known as black ginseng, red ginseng. Both of these ginseng types are currently being propagated in Lam Dong.

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