Cu always had a habit, no matter how busy, of dedicating time daily to reading books and newspapers, especially new scientific information. One day, he chanced upon an article in Health and Life Magazine by pharmacist Dao Kim Long about Ngoc Linh ginseng.

According to the author, Ngoc Linh ginseng is one of the rare “miracle herbs,” discovered over a century ago in the vast forests of Kon Tum (Central Highlands).

Long noted that ginseng holds immense value for life, being a nourishing medicine that enhances immunity and vitality. The ginseng in Vietnam ranks among the top ginseng varieties worldwide.

Cu decided to meet pharmacist Dao Kim Long to talk about the ‘miracle herb’. At their first meeting at Long’s home in Hanoi, the two found immediate rapport. Long recounted that 50 years ago, he, a professor at the Hanoi University of Pharmacy, was tasked with searching for medicinal plants in the southern battlefields to serve soldiers and civilians in the war zone.

After years traversing deep forests and rugged mountains, in June 1972, this incredibly rare ginseng was discovered on Ngoc Linh mountain in Tu Mo Rong district (Kon Tum province).”

Cu said: “Could you join me on a trip to Kon Tum to see this ‘miracle herb’? If it is really as valuable as you described, I’ll pour my heart into building the largest Ngoc Linh ginseng pharmaceutical corporation in Vietnam, which cultivates, processes, and supplies products domestically and internationally.”

Both of them took a flight from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Buon Me Thuot Airport in Dak Lak, and then took a taxi to Tu Mo Rong district in Kon Tum province, where Long found Ngoc Linh ginseng 50 years ago.

Upon arrival, Cu felt giddy at the height of 1,700 meters above sea level, with peaks shrouded in clouds like snow. Long couldn’t contain his emotion upon retracing his steps, as the “miracle herb had been preserved by the ethnic community for over 20 years.”

The arduous trip was deeply rewarding for Cu, who saw the leaves, flowers, roots, and tubers of the miracle herb firsthand. He also learned the Xe Dang’s secrets of planting and caring for the ginseng, as well as the soil and climate conditions ideal for growth.

Establishing VKD Group

Scientists and experts from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and Technology analyzed Ngoc Linh ginseng samples and concluded that the rhizome and root of Ngoc Linh ginseng contain 84 saponin compounds, far surpassing other ginseng varieties worldwide. The stems and leaves yield 19 saponins.

Ngoc Linh ginseng contains 18 trace elements, including vitamins E, B2, B12, and 16 amino acid complexes. It enhances health, helps prevent diseases, regulates the cardiovascular system, nourishes blood, promotes red blood cell regeneration, and stimulates blood circulation.

Scientists believe that Ngoc Linh ginseng can be used to make diverse, high-value health and cosmetic products. This product variety was both the “key” and the motivation for Cu to establish the Vietnam Ngoc Linh Ginseng Pharmaceutical Corporation (VKD Group).

To build a large corporation, he devised a four-step strategy for both the present and future: 1- Research and Training, 2- Production, 3- Communication and Promotion, 4- Commerce and Services.

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and Technology provided guidance, enabling Cu to engage senior technical experts from France and the US to conduct training in Vietnam and guide workers at factories to process Ngoc Linh ginseng into 26 different products, from nourishing supplements and Ngoc Linh ginseng liquor to energy drinks, cosmetics, and candies branded with Ngoc Linh ginseng.

Just a week after the initial trip to Ngoc Linh’s vast forests with pharmacist Dao Kim Long, Cu flew back to Kon Tum alone. He negotiated with the Xe Dang people to acquire 4 hectares of Ngoc Linh ginseng, over 10 years old, to secure raw materials for the corporation’s production.

After nine years of perseverance, Cu’s aspiration became reality. The Ngoc Linh ginseng processing plant in Hoa Binh province has produced 26 products distributed through numerous domestic agents. These products have gained strong customer appeal.

Phan The Cai