Research on preparing Lan Kim Tuyen tablets and Ginseng Stone tablets to support cancer patients
The project is implemented on the basis of the Cooperation Agreement on Science and Technology between Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the People's Committee of Gia Lai province, and based on the practical needs of Gia Lai province in researching the composition of compounds and biological effects of medicinal plants Lan Kim Tuyen and Ginseng Stone, and at the same time, develop products derived from these medicinal plants in health support and protection. The project has been accepted, evaluated and graded Excellent by VAST Acceptance Committee.
Ginseng Stone, also known as the Healthy tree, scientifically known as Curcuma singularis Gagnep., belongs to the Ginger family, the genus Turmeric, and was first discovered in Vietnam. The rhizomes and tubers of Ginseng Stone are noted to have the effect of strengthening health, strengthening tendons, increasing vitality, treating rheumatism and kidneys, limiting body weakness and supporting the treatment of some diseases. However, the pharmacological effects of this plant have not been well studied.
Plant morphology of Ginseng Stone tree acquired in Kbang district, Gia Lai
Anoectochilus setaceus, also known as Clouded Orchid, the Diamond tree of the Orchidaceae family, also has many biological effects such as anti-inflammatory activity, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic effects. In particular, recent studies have shown that Kim Tuyen Orchid has immune-boosting and anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Currently, in Vietnam, there are about 12 different species of Kim Tuyen Orchid discovered in many regions, of which some species have high medicinal and commercial value such as Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata, Anoectochilus roxburghii Lindl. However, at present, this group of medicinal plants has not been well researched, is being exploited rampantly, making scarcity and depletion of medicinal resources.
Plant morphology of Kim Tuyen orchid acquired in Kbang district, Gia Lai
In order to contribute to promoting the medicinal development plan and orientation for the development of Ginseng Stone and Lan Kim Tuyen medicinal plants in Gia Lai province, VAST and Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee assigned Institute of Tropical Biology to implement the project "Research on determining the composition of bioactive compounds of Anoectochilus setaceus and Ginseng Stone ( Curcuma singularis) to create health support products for cancer patients" code: UDNGDP.02/20-21, led by Dr. Le Thanh Long.
The project has identified a number of components of bioactive compounds (anti-cancer activity) present in medicinal herbs of Kim Tuyen Orchid and Ginseng Stone. The results demonstrated in vitro toxic activity of extracts on several different cancer cell lines, but had little effect on normal cells. The study also clarified the molecular mechanism of toxic cancer cells of extracts through Caspase-dependent apoptosis as well as in vivo antitumor effects in mouse models of sarcoma tumors. In addition, the results of safety evaluation studies show that Ginseng extract is not toxic to laboratory animals with test dose levels, on the contrary, Ginseng extract has some toxic effects, especially for liver metabolism when used high doses for a long time. The results of evaluation of the activity and safety of the extracted product at the in vitro and in vivo levels are a precursor to further preclinical and clinical trials.
The research team has also developed standardized raw material acquisition procedures; the preparation process of Lan Kim Tuyen tablets and Ginseng Stone tablets, basic quality standards (TCCS) for high extract products and tablet products (film-coated). This is the basis for the coordination and association with pharmaceutical enterprises and companies in the transfer of research results, trial production at pilot scale and commercial scale. In addition, the research results have standardized the input materials of Kim Tuyen Orchid and Ginseng Stone, and developed 02 sets of basic quality standards for high-extract products and tablets (film-coated) products containing high extracts according to the standards of Vietnam Pharmacopoeia V. These sets of quality standards are an important basis in the construction build a list of quality control and evaluation of extracted products and products derived from medicinal herbs of Kim Tuyen Orchid and Ginseng Stone according to the standards of the Vietnam Pharmacopoeia.
In terms of products of the project, the research team has achieved a number of products including: Type I products (03 international articles on ISI/SCIE catalog, 05 national journal articles); form II products (Certificate of registration of announcement of Lan Kim Tuyen film-coated tablets, Certificate of registration of announcement of Ginseng Stone film-coated tablets); Class III products (100 g of Kim Tuyen orchid extract, 100 g of Ginseng Stone extract, 1500 Kim Tuyen orchid film-coated tablets, 1500 ginseng film-coated tablets); V-type products (Set of high standards for extraction of Kim Tuyen Orchid and Ginseng Stone, High extraction process containing index compounds from Kim Tuyen Orchid and Ginseng Stone, Preparation process of tablets containing high extract of Kim Tuyen Orchid and tablets containing high extract of Ginseng Stone, The process of checking the quality of tablets containing high extract of Kim Tuyen orchid and tablets containing high extract of Ginseng Stone), and training 02 masters in Biotechnology.
The research results of the project will help managers in formulating local medicinal development policies (conservation of rare plant varieties, cultivation planning and development of medicinal areas); create development orientations, improve the value of medicinal plants (Kim Tuyen Orchid and Ginseng Stone) and transform the crop structure, creating products of high medical and economic value in Gia Lai province. At the same time, support business units and pharmaceutical companies in developing plans for cooperation in production and commercialization of products from Kim Tuyen Orchid and Ginseng Stone.
Ginseng Stone film-coated tablets
Lan Kim Tuyen film-coated tablets
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version