Potential from essential oil-containing plant sources in the Northwest region
The Northwest region of Vietnam, including the provinces of Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La and Hoa Binh, with a large area of about 33,000 km², is a region with a unique and diverse ecosystem. This is a place that preserves rich plant resources, especially valuable essential oil-containing plants. This area is not only famous for its diverse vegetation but also has a large forest area, up to millions of hectares, where medicinal plants under the forest canopy thrive, many of which have the potential to exploit essential oils. However, research and exploitation of essential oil-containing plant resources here are still limited and need to be further explored and evaluated.
Based on the above facts, the research team of Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Huy Thai has implemented the Project: "Investigation and evaluation of essential oil plant resources in some provinces in the Northwest region of Vietnam and proposed solutions for conservation and sustainable use" (code: UQDTCB.05/22-24). The project focuses on building a detailed database of essential oil plant resources in four provinces in the Northwest region, aiming to discover potential essential oil-containing plant species, bringing scientific, economic and social value. At the same time, the team also proposes solutions to protect, cultivate, develop and sustainably use valuable plant species, in order to effectively exploit and conserve precious natural resources.
Discover essential oil plants in the Northwest region
Scientists focused on essential oil plants in the Northwest region, including the provinces of Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bien. The research scope was mainly implemented in the following nature reserves and surrounding areas: Pa Co - Hang Kia, Phu Canh (Hoa Binh); Xuan Nha, Sop Cop, Muong La (Son La); Muong Te, Pu Ta Leng mountain (Lai Chau) and Muong Nhe, Muong Phang (Dien Bien).
Study area map
Within the framework of the research, the team recorded 233 plant species belonging to 36 families and 110 genera with essential oils in some provinces in the Northwest region. Detailed information on the morphology, biology, ecology and distribution of some representative species was also collected, creating a foundation for a deeper understanding of the local flora. During the implementation process, the team collected 100 sample numbers, including 220 specimens, forming a rich dataset, contributing significantly to research and conservation.
Based on the analysis results, scientists have identified 167 essential oil plant species with diverse uses, divided into 6 main resource groups: Timber trees, medicinal plants, edible plants, ornamental plants, spices and plants with conservation value. In particular, there are 22 species listed for conservation according to the Vietnam Red Book and Decree 84 of the Government. The group also analyzed the content and chemical composition of essential oils from 56 plant species. Many of these species were analyzed and recorded for the first time, opening up great opportunities in exploiting economic value and guiding future applied research.
Piper umbellatum L. (Piper umbellatum) - Newly analyzed species for chemical composition of essential oil
Scientists have built a detailed database of essential oil plants in four provinces in the Northwest region, including information on the content and chemical composition of about 56 species. The team also proposed conservation and sustainable development solutions, such as planting, breeding and controlled exploitation. The results can be applied to management agencies in Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bien provinces, including the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Science and Technology, to plan and develop the region effectively and sustainably.
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Huy Thai said: The biodiversity conservation model combining in-situ and ex-situ conservation is also focused on to protect rare and endangered plant species in the context of climate change. Cooperation between authorities and local communities is an important factor to promote the potential of plant resources in the Northwest region.
From the results of the Project, the research team has published 7 articles in prestigious domestic and international journals, making important contributions to the field of science and application. Typically, the article in Rec. Nat. Prod. (2022) analyzed the chemical composition of essential oils from leaves and stems of Illigera rhodantha Hance, a species endemic to Vietnam, opening up potential applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In 2023, the study in the Journal of Essential Oil Research provided valuable data on essential oils from parts of the Keteleeria davidiana plant, supporting the development of flavoring products and plant protection preparations. In particular, the article in the Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants (2024) not only determined the chemical composition but also clarified the antibacterial activity of essential oils from Michelia tonkinensis, contributing to promoting the development of natural antibacterial medicinal herbs.
In addition, the group also published articles in domestic journals, such as a research paper on the essential oil of Podocarpus pilgeri in TNU Journal of Science and Technology (2022) and the first article on the essential oil of needles and cones of Pinus fenzeliana in Academic Journal of Biology (2024). These studies open up great prospects for application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
The project has provided important data on essential oil plant resources in the Northwest region, creating a solid foundation for solutions to conserve and sustainably develop potential plant species. From the success of the project, scientists hope to continue researching and analyzing the chemical composition of some essential oil samples from other species whose main components have not yet been clearly identified by GC/MS. In addition, testing the antimicrobial activity of potential essential oil samples will help clarify important scientific applications in the fields of medicine and plant protection. These studies not only expand the application potential of essential oil plants but also contribute to promoting the conservation and sustainable development of resources in the Northwest region.
Some photos of field ecology
Translated by Quoc Khanh
Link to Vietnamese version
