How to distinguish Ngoc Linh ginseng and Lai Chau ginseng

Vietnamese scientists recently sequenced genes to distinguish between Lai Chau and Ngoc Linh ginseng to avoid 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 ) with similar shape and chemical composition. It is difficult for users to distinguish.

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

Ngoc Linh ginseng dug by the Mang Ri people weighs 0.5kg. (Photo: NVCC).

Associate Professor. Dr. Phan Ke Long, Vietnam Museum of Nature, member of the research team, said that from November 2022 the project will be implemented. By June 2023, the research will have results that can be used to evaluate the quality of Ngoc Linh ginseng and Lai Chau ginseng on the market, avoiding confusion and counterfeiting.

Scientists analyzed metabolite data revealing 13 characteristic saponins. Ngoc Linh ginseng is characterized by 7 saponins including majonoside R2, viginsenoside 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), vigininsenoside R2 (V-R2), ginsenoside Rb2 (G-Rb2), notoginsenoside Fc (N-Fc), notoginsenoside R2 (N-R2) and notoginsenoside R4 (N-R4).

Dr. Long said, the purpose of finding specific active ingredients in each type of ginseng is to accurately distinguish both fresh ginseng and processed ginseng, helping consumers to use the product at its correct value. The team is developing the next stages to be able to provide faster identification technology instead of having to analyze in the laboratory as currently.

• 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 with antioxidant effects, reducing the risk of cancer and cholesterol.
• Lai Chau ginseng is mainly distributed in the highland districts of Muong Te and Sin Ho, Lai Chau, also known as black Panax ginseng and red Panax ginseng. Both types of ginseng are currently bred in Lam Dong.

Precious ginseng forests are grown 'secretly' in Kon Tum

Asexual propagation of Ngoc Linh ginseng

Digging up 100 year old Ngoc Linh ginseng