The discovery of Ngoc Linh ginseng can be considered one of the most significant findings in the field of medicine, not just in Vietnam.
Ngoc Linh Ginseng – A Precious and Rare Herb
Ngoc Linh ginseng is a herbaceous plant that was discovered in 1973 by the medicinal plant investigation team of the V Region’s Folk Medicine Department on Ngoc Linh Mountain, located in the two provinces of Kon Tum and Quang Nam. In 1985, two scientists (Dr. Ha Thi Dung and Dr. Grushvitsky) identified Ngoc Linh ginseng as a new species, endemic to the flora of Vietnam, belonging to the genus Panax L., family Araliaceae, and named it Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv (according to the Vietnam Ginseng Center – 1993). It is one of 250 rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book.
Only two provinces in the country, Kon Tum and Quang Nam, have Ngoc Linh ginseng, and within these provinces, ginseng is found in only 5 districts, specifically in 16 communes of Tu Mo Rong District (Kon Tum) and Nam Tra My District (Quang Nam). Ngoc Linh Mountain, standing at 2,598 meters, is considered the roof of the Central Highlands, featuring pristine forests and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with natural conditions particularly suited for the growth and development of Ngoc Linh ginseng.
According to research results from the Ministry of Health in 1978, Ngoc Linh ginseng contains a significantly higher amount of Saponin (one of the chemical components of herbal plants that is very beneficial to human health) compared to other types of ginseng worldwide.
This is one of the ginseng varieties with the highest Saponin content.
Analysis of the stem, roots, and tubers of Ngoc Linh ginseng revealed 52 types of Saponin, including 26 Saponins with chemical structures commonly found in Korean ginseng, American ginseng, and Japanese ginseng, and 26 Saponins with new structures not present in other ginseng varieties.
This makes it one of the ginseng types with the highest Saponin content. Additionally, the aerial parts of the ginseng, such as leaves and stems, have isolated 19 Dammaran Saponins, of which 8 have new structures.
Ngoc Linh ginseng is described as having an elegant appearance, with a stem that is entirely green or tinged with purple, averaging between 40 to 100 cm in height. The stem is slender, with a diameter of approximately 4mm, but stands out with clear nodes spaced 0.5 to 0.7 cm apart, resembling bamboo, a symbol of elegance and uprightness.
The leaves of Ngoc Linh ginseng grow alternately on the nodes, compound leaves shaped like a duck’s foot, with serrated edges and covered in fine hairs on both sides. At the top of the stem are compound leaves that capture sunlight.
Ngoc Linh ginseng flowers bloom only when it is 4 to 5 years old, and it flowers just once a year, with each flower cluster containing 60-100 light yellow flowers, along with stamens and styles that appear to stretch out to embrace the light.
The roots of this ginseng twist above the ground with numerous secondary roots and tubers. The fruits of Ngoc Linh ginseng start as bright green when young, transitioning to dark green, yellowish-green, and finally a vibrant orange-red when ripe, symbolizing the plant’s vigorous life force.
Benefits of Ngoc Linh Ginseng
Research has identified that Ngoc Linh ginseng contains 17 amino acids, 20 trace minerals, and essential oil content of 0.1%.
Ngoc Linh ginseng helps enhance vitality and combat fatigue for heavy laborers.
Saponin MR2 acts as an antibiotic, accounting for half of the total content, and is recognized for its ability to inhibit cancer cells and prolong life (according to the American Journal of Nutrition, 1995). It helps patients enhance their immune system, nourish blood, improve overall health, and reduce side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
It boosts vitality to combat fatigue in heavy laborers and those under mental stress, as ginseng contains numerous vitamins and minerals that optimize energy use, enhance brain activity, and improve memory. It stimulates the immune system thanks to important organic compounds such as Germ, Glycoside Panaxin, and vitamins B1 and B5, which help improve physical strength, enhance health, reduce nervous exhaustion, improve adrenal gland function, increase testosterone, and enhance male sexual health. The saponin active ingredients in ginseng also stimulate hormone production, activate skin metabolism, eliminate dead cells, and contribute to preventing aging and oxidation.
Furthermore, experts have demonstrated that the saponin active ingredients in Ngoc Linh ginseng help block fats, increase red blood cell regeneration, and promote blood circulation, aiding in the prevention of atherosclerosis, enhancing health in the elderly, detoxifying the whole body for better appetite and sleep, and improving mental clarity.
For over 30 years, scientists both domestically and internationally have confirmed that Ngoc Linh ginseng is a rare and precious type of ginseng, ranked among the top four ginseng varieties in the world today, alongside Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng, and American ginseng.
On August 16, 2016, the Intellectual Property Department issued a geographical indication registration certificate No. 00049 for Ngoc Linh ginseng products in the communes of Mang Ri and Ngoc Lay in Tu Mo Rong District, Kon Tum Province, and Tra Linh Commune in Nam Tra My District, Quang Nam Province, in order to widely inform various levels, organizations, and businesses… both domestically and internationally about the great value of Ngoc Linh ginseng in the market.
The Ministry of Science and Technology approved an investment project of 567 billion VND for the 2014-2024 period to develop Ngoc Linh ginseng into a national product.
156-Year-Old Ngoc Linh Ginseng Becomes a World Record
According to the Vietnam Record page, in 2016, in a small village in Nam Tra My District of Quang Nam Province, a 156-year-old Ngoc Linh ginseng tuber became a highlight attracting international attention. Dubbed the “world champion” in age, this ginseng tuber represents the vigorous and precious life of this endemic plant.
The journey of discovering and establishing the record for this rare Ngoc Linh ginseng tuber is a fascinating story. This tuber was discovered in a pristine forest, where it has survived through countless historical upheavals and natural changes. The long years have allowed this ginseng to accumulate a vast amount of nutrients and saponins, increasing its medicinal value.
Image of the 156-year-old Ngoc Linh ginseng tuber. (Photo: Vietnam Records).
The preservation and study of this ancient Ngoc Linh ginseng plant are currently receiving special attention from experts and scientists. They hope that through thorough research, the secrets of the health benefits and advantages of this ginseng will be discovered and widely applied in modern medicine.
However, the question arises as to why Ngoc Linh ginseng has yet to establish a strong brand presence in the market, particularly in building a national brand. Currently, despite its high economic value, Ngoc Linh ginseng is primarily consumed in the domestic market and has not truly reached the international market.
Moving forward, Vietnam needs a thorough strategy to truly position Ngoc Linh ginseng as a symbol of the nation’s medicinal strength, from improving quality and diversifying products to promoting and building the brand. With a rich historical culture and outstanding medicinal value, Ngoc Linh ginseng has the potential to stand alongside renowned ginseng brands worldwide and become a source of pride for Vietnam on the international stage.
