Panax vietnamensis, Vietnamese ginseng or Ngoc Linh ginseng is a herb belonging to panax family. It was found in 1973.
The herb can be found growing central Vietnam mostly in the Mount Ngoc Linh area and also in Quang Nam provinces. The Vietnamese name “Sâm Ngọc Linh” is derived from the area where it can be found growing. The plant is also seen to be growing in central and southern parts of China.
Panax vietnamensis is the southernmost ginseng known to human. Panax vietnamensis is highly valuable and considered as a threatened plant. Government has even encouraged locals living in the correct areas to plant ginseng.
Because of the high value and increased demand from herbal medicine industry, local Vietnamese have over-harvested the plant growing in wild. It is extremely hard to find wild growing Vietnamese ginseng. What is making the things even more tricky, it the species slow growing feature, and it takes around 10 years to reach the ideal maturity level.
Big scale farmers have also faced troubles as thefts are very common.
Fake seeds are also a big problem. Fake seeds reach the ideal maturity level in much shorter time and can be grown in lower altitudes than the real ones (real ones grow above 1200 meters (4000ft).
Panax vietnamensis is said to be very effective in treating kidney failure, impotence and anti-tumor promoting activities. It enhances liver function and prevents cirrhosis. It also does a great job as a detoxifier, strenghtener and stress reliever.
The price of Panax vietnamensis is even higher than the Korean red ginseng.
