Vietnamese scientists have recently sequenced genes to differentiate between Lai Chau ginseng and Ngoc Linh ginseng to prevent confusion and counterfeiting.
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), which have similar shapes and chemical compositions, making it difficult for users to distinguish between them.
Researchers at the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Ton Duc Thang University conducted a study based on 42 samples of Lai Chau ginseng and 12 samples of Ngoc Linh ginseng. The research team developed an untargeted metabolomics analysis method to differentiate between the two. Representative samples of both ginseng types were also analyzed using the ITS-rDNA gene sequencing method to determine their origins.
Ngoc Linh ginseng root dug by the Mang Ri people weighing 0.5 kg. (Photo: NVCC).
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Ke Long from the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, a member of the research team, stated that the project commenced in November 2022. By June 2023, the research yielded results that can be used to assess the quality of Ngoc Linh and Lai Chau ginseng on the market, thereby preventing confusion and counterfeiting.
The scientists analyzed metabolomics data and identified 13 characteristic saponins. Among them, 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 noted that the goal is to identify the distinctive active compounds in each type of ginseng to accurately differentiate both fresh and processed ginseng, helping consumers utilize the product’s true value. The team is developing further stages to establish a faster identification technology, as opposed to the current laboratory analysis.
- Ngoc Linh Ginseng has a narrow distribution in the Ngoc Linh mountains spanning the provinces of Kon Tum and Quang Nam. Studies show that Ngoc Linh ginseng contains 52 saponin compounds that have antioxidant effects, reduce cancer risk, and lower cholesterol…
- Lai Chau Ginseng is mainly found in the mountainous districts of Muong Te and Sin Ho in Lai Chau and is also known as black ginseng and red ginseng. Both types of ginseng are currently being cultivated in Lam Dong.
Rare ginseng forest secretly planted in Kon Tum
