Vietnamese ginseng, known scientifically as Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, has been discovered in 2013 and recognized as an official plant of Vietnamese ginseng by WFO (The World Flora Online). Dr. Pham Ha Thanh Tung and her research team have focused on developing a high-pressure liquid chromatography system to determine the main active ingredient MR2 content in Lai Chau ginseng samples. Their research found that the MR2 content in Lai Chau ginseng is much higher than the current regulations of the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia, highlighting its unique medicinal value.
Realizing the potential of Lai Chau ginseng, Dr. Tung’s team developed a processing technology to create a breakthrough for Vietnamese ginseng. The processing led to the discovery of a unique characteristic of Vietnamese red ginseng where ginsenosides transform similarly to Korean red ginseng, enhancing the effects of the ginsenosides while preserving the valuable MR2 compound. Despite challenges and difficulties in the research process, Dr. Tung developed a processing procedure that retains the bitterness of Vietnamese ginseng while preserving the main active ingredients, primarily the MR2 compound.
The technology process has been applied at Thai Minh Hi-tech factory, producing Lai Chau Red Ginseng products now available in the market and well-received by consumers for their taste and health benefits.
