From a Folk Medicinal Plant to a Pneumonia-Support Product: The Scientific Journey of Quyt Hoi
From a folk medicinal plant of the Pu Luong mountain region (Thanh Hoa), Quyt hoi was for the first time “decoded” using modern research methods, from genetic identification to analysis of its anti-inflammatory mechanism at the cellular and molecular levels. The research is especially significant in the context where pneumonia and respiratory diseases remain major challenges. At the biological level, many cases of severe pneumonia are associated with an excessive immune response, producing large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 along with nitric oxide (NO). This is the central mechanism in the study of new-generation anti-inflammatory solutions.
By combining morphological comparison and gene sequencing, the research team for the first time accurately determined the scientific name of Quyt hoi as Citrus × aurantium L., in which the “×” indicates that this is a naturally hybridized species. Analysis of the leaf essential oil revealed high contents of the aromatic compounds thymol and thymol methyl ether, components associated with the biological activity and anti-inflammatory potential of the medicinal material.
Plant morphology of Quyt hoi (Citrus × aurantium L.)
When evaluated in the laboratory, the extract from Quyt hoi leaves showed a strong ability to inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO) as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, the roots of the Nho dong plant also showed strong anti-inflammatory activity without causing toxicity in experimental animals. From these medicinal materials, the team isolated potential compounds such as tangeretin, nobiletin, morindone, ostruthin, and murrayafoline A.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Cuong said: The team collaborated with the Institute of Biology to evaluate the effects of these compounds on a model simulating bacterial and viral co-infection. The results showed that the natural compounds have potential in controlling the “cytokine storm” phenomenon — an excessive immune response that can lead to acute lung injury.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Cuong and his research team in the laboratory (Photo: Minh Duc)
From the research results, the team selected Quyt hoi leaves and Nho dong roots to develop the product. A process for extraction with 95% ethanol from Quyt hoi leaves was successfully developed at a scale of 15 kg/batch, accompanied by a basic standard in accordance with the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V.
On that basis, HL capsules were formulated with the main ingredients being Quyt hoi leaf extract combined with Nho dong root extract, curcumin (from turmeric), and menthol (from peppermint leaves). This combination creates a synergistic effect when multiple active ingredients jointly participate in regulating different inflammatory mechanisms, from reducing cytokine production and limiting oxidative stress to supporting the protection of lung tissue in an experimental pneumonia model.
Sample of the trial product Vuong Phe Plus in bottled form (Photo: Minh Duc)
Notably, the HL capsules showed positive effects in the experimental model by helping to reduce edema, limit fluid accumulation, and markedly improve lung tissue damage. The product also achieved promising safety, with no signs of toxicity recorded at a dose equivalent to 4 capsules/day for adults.
The research results were published in 4 international articles in the SCIE list, affirming the value of elevating indigenous medicinal plants through systematic scientific methods.
Translated by Quoc Khanh
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