Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology center: Mastering technology and affirming the immunomodulatory activity of Panax Vietnamensis hairy roots.

(SHTP) - The Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center has recently completed a scientific research project titled "Immunostimulating Effects of Extracts from the Hairy Roots of Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv." This research was led by a team from the Division of Animal Biotechnology, in collaboration with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City. This research represents a significant effort in research and application, reinforcing the capacity to harness biomass cultivation technology from valuable medicinal herbs and fostering innovation within the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors in Ho Chi Minh City.

(Figure 1: Examining the immunostimulatory effects of Panax vietnamensis hairy root extract in an in vivo mouse model at the Division of Animal Biotechnology)

The research was carefully designed using an integrated approach. This involved evaluating biomass raw materials, optimizing the extraction process to enhance active ingredient concentrations, and confirming pharmacological effects through in vivo animal studies. While the natural cultivation of Panax vietnamensis requires a growth cycle of 5 to 7 years under specific soil conditions, the in vitro hairy root culture system can be completed in 3 months while fully preserving the characteristic saponin biomarkers. By using a standardized hot water extraction method, the research team successfully increased the total saponin content of the extract to 20.94% (calculated as MR2 equivalent), which is a 3.1-fold increase compared to the raw material.

This research goes beyond traditional phytochemical analysis by thoroughly examining the biological effects of a potent extract in an acute immunosuppressive mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide. Remarkably, the in vivo experimental outcomes demonstrated that the aqueous extract from Panax vietnamensis hairy roots produced a pronounced dose-dependent response. At a dosage of 200 mg/kg body weight, it yielded a statistically significant immunomodulatory effect (p < 0.05) when compared to the pathology group. Specifically, this remarkable preparation not only restored the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial macrophage system, as evidenced by the carbon clearance index, but also effectively boosted the proliferation and recovery of total white blood cell counts. Furthermore, it played a vital role in regenerating and protecting the structure of both central and peripheral lymphoid organs, restoring the relative weight of the spleen to 0.721% and the thymus to 0.223%. The findings indicate that the extract may serve as a therapeutic agent in immunomodulation.

To guarantee reliability and scientific objectivity, the study assembled a team of highly experienced scientists and researchers from the Division of Animal Biotechnology, along with leading experts in Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine. All animal care and experimental procedures were approved by the Biotechnology Center's Animal Ethics Advisory Committee, ensuring compliance with established scientific standards for operations and evaluation criteria.

The success of this research presents promising long-term applications, demonstrating that in vitro hairy root biomass cultivated can provide pharmacological efficacy comparable to that of natural ginseng. This advancement addresses the urgent issue of the scarcity and conservation of native medicinal genetic resources. It serves as a fundamental scientific basis for standardizing the production process of active ingredients at both pilot and industrial scales, laying a foundation for future preclinical trials.

In the coming years, the Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center will continue to strengthen its partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, fostering collaboration in technology transfer related to the extraction processes and the development of high-value healthcare products derived from Panax vietnamensis hairy roots. This will greatly enhance the bio-economy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Divison of Animal Biotechnology

The study has been accepted for publication in the Open University Journal of Science (September 3^rd 2026, No. 229/TCKH – Volume 21, Issue 2).