As the first unit to receive the transfer of Ngoc Linh ginseng tissue culture (TNC) in-vitro propagation technology from the Department of Science and Technology, Sam Sam Company Limited (Tam Ky) has actively worked to improve and perfect the propagation process, mastering in-vitro tissue culture technology, and gradually establishing a stable ginseng seedling source.
Mastering the Technology
Along with the opportunity supported by the Provincial People’s Committee to lease forest environmental services for ginseng cultivation across a total area of 10 hectares, Sam Sam Company Limited has actively invested in collaborative research, application, and mastering Ngoc Linh ginseng propagation technology using in-vitro tissue culture (TNC) techniques. Sam Sam is the first enterprise to receive the Ngoc Linh ginseng propagation technology transfer process from the Department of Science and Technology.
After receiving the transfer, the unit has strived to improve several procedures and stages in research and seedling production, mastering ginseng propagation technology through the following stages: creating in-vitro samples from rhizomes (tubers) and ginseng leaves; generating callus tissue – secondary embryos, forming seedlings; creating in-vitro seedlings with complete root systems. The unit has also invested in strengthening human resources and perfecting laboratory equipment and TNC systems to meet standards, including seedling training nurseries.
In the first phase, the company propagated 23,000 tissue-cultured ginseng plants meeting standards for nursery transfer, of which 10,000 plants were transferred for training at the nursery on Ngoc Linh mountain (Nam Tra My). The tissue-cultured plants evaluated in the nursery showed uniform growth and development, with a 70% survival rate after 5 months. Mature plants developed large tubers, normal leaf morphology, and structures similar to naturally occurring ginseng.
Ms. Truong Thi Phuong Lan – Production Director of the company, shared: ‘The initial successful training of tissue-cultured ginseng in natural conditions confirms that TNC ginseng plants can grow and develop normally in their native homeland. These initial results provide confidence and a foundation for the company to continue refining processes and overcoming adverse conditions such as pests and fungal diseases in nurseries and plantation areas (Tra Linh commune, Nam Tra My). The company continues to research factors affecting tissue-cultured ginseng survival rates in nurseries and plantations, aiming to increase young plant survival rates (substrate, temperature, humidity, training duration)'”
Product Line Diversification
From 2017 to 2020, Sam Sam Company Limited led the scientific research project “Study on Preparation and Evaluation of Safety and Effectiveness of Ngoc Linh Ginseng Soft Capsules” (led by Ms. Duong Thi Mong Ngoc – Ho Chi Minh City Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Center). The Ngoc Linh ginseng soft capsule product received high evaluation from the provincial acceptance council.
Ms. Tran Ut – Director of the Ngoc Linh Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Center in Quang Nam, stated that this is a large-scale research project with important content, high scientific product value, and significant applicability. The fact that a business is the lead agency represents a novel approach, a way of “commercializing” research results and effective application. The soft capsule product will be easier to distribute in the market, whereas each liang of ginseng root costs millions of dong. Creating such derivative products will help consumers more easily access Ngoc Linh ginseng products.
Not only promoting research, collaboration, and scientific and technological transfer, Sam Sam Company is also actively training high-quality workforce, training inspection, analysis, and in-depth research personnel specializing in NCM ginseng and ginseng-based products. Currently, many of the unit’s product lines have established market presence, including products supporting diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, cardiovascular health, energy-boosting supplements, and male physiological improvement products.
Ms. Truong Thi Phuong Lan shared that the company has been investing in completing the factory, fully investing in ginseng and herbal extract areas, with research formulas perfected and officially operational since 2021. However, the challenge lies in limited raw materials for Ngoc Linh ginseng products, primarily due to the scarcity and high cost of Ngoc Linh ginseng seedlings. The company’s goal is to proactively source at least 60% of raw materials, with the remainder through partnerships and product procurement. The unit has already planted 2 hectares and is working to develop a total of 10 hectares of ginseng under forest canopy in Nam Tra My.
“We are striving to invest in equipment, technology, and standardized NCM facilities, actively collaborating with institutes and experts who have decades of experience in Ngoc Linh ginseng NCM research and development. We continue to partner with local areas to plant dozens of hectares of other medicinal plants under forest canopies in Quang Nam’s mountainous regions, serving research and extraction of functional foods from ginseng and medicinal plants, as well as specialized medicines and health care products,” Ms. Lan said.
Source: Quang Nam Newspaper
Original link: http://baoquangnam.vn/cong-nghe-va-cuoc-song/lam-chu-cong-nghe-nhan-giong-sam-ngoc-linh-107131.html
