Scientists in Vietnam have carried out research on gene sequencing to differentiate between Lai Chau and Ngoc Linh ginseng, in order to prevent confusion and counterfeiting. Both Panax vietnamensis var. vietnamensis and Lai Chau ginseng (Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus) are part of the Vietnamese Ginseng species (Panax vietnamensis, Araliaceae), and have similar shapes and chemical compositions, making them difficult for users to distinguish.
The Vietnam Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Ton Duc Thang University analyzed 42 samples of Lai Chau ginseng and 12 samples of Ngoc Linh ginseng. They developed a method that can analyze a non-targeted set of metabolites for discrimination, using ITS-rDNA gene sequencing to determine the origin of representative samples of both types of ginseng.
Associate Professor Dr. Phan Ke Long stated that the project will be implemented from November 2022 to June 2023. Once completed, the research results will be used to evaluate the quality of Ngoc Linh ginseng and Lai Chau ginseng in the market, helping to avoid confusion and counterfeiting.
The analysis revealed 13 characteristic saponins in both types of ginseng, with Ngoc Linh ginseng having seven saponins while Lai Chau ginseng has six saponins. The purpose is to accurately identify these specific active ingredients in each type of ginseng in order to differentiate between fresh and processed ginseng and help consumers use the product effectively.
