Research and application of Curcuma aromatica extract

White turmeric is grown in Vinh Long.

Compounds and preliminary studies

According to the research team from the Institute of Tropical Biology (now the Institute of Life Sciences) - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, plant species in the genus Curcuma (ginger family - Zingiberaceae) have long been widely used because they contain numerous natural compounds with high biological activity, applied in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and health supplements.

Among them, Wild Turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisb) - commonly growing wild or cultivated in many localities in Vietnam - is a high-potential native plant thanks to its curcumol content, a sesquiterpenoid compound proven to have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and cancer cell growth-inhibiting effects.

In Vietnam, initial studies on white turmeric (Curcuma mangga) were founded on a provincial-level science and technology project in Tra Vinh province during the 2017 - 2019 period.

The obtained results show that white turmeric (Ngai trang) adapts well to alluvial soil conditions, exhibits stable growth, and delivers high yields when planted at an appropriate density and supplied with organic fertilizers.

Bioactivity and toxicity testing

Biological assays show that the extract from Curcuma aromatica rhizomes possesses significant antioxidant activity and inhibits the growth of certain cancer cell lines in research models.

In particular, toxicity studies show that ngai trang extract has a high safety profile, with no adverse effects on biochemical and hematological parameters or tissue structure in laboratory animals.

Finalizing the extraction and tablet formulation process

Thanks to these outstanding properties, the research team from the Institute of Tropical Biology (now the Institute of Life Sciences) - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology implemented the pilot production project "Perfecting the production process of health supplements containing Curcuma aromatica Salisb. extract".

The research team from the Institute of Tropical Biology (now the Institute of Life Sciences) - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology carried out the pilot production project: "Completing the production process of health supplements containing Curcuma aromatica Salisb. white turmeric extract."

The project has perfected the semi-industrial extraction process of white mugwort extract capable of handling hundreds of kilograms of raw materials per batch, while strictly controlling technical parameters to ensure the quality and consistency of the extract.

On that basis, quality standards for the extracts were established in accordance with the provisions of the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia. From the standardized extract, the research team continued to develop formulations and manufacturing processes for dietary supplement tablets.

Animal testing results and future research directions

Animal testing results showed that the product containing Ngải trắng extract helps boost immunity and support liver protection, as demonstrated by improvements in biochemical markers related to liver function and oxidative stress.

Notably, the product demonstrated a high level of safety during long-term use, with no abnormal hematological, biochemical, or histological indicators recorded. This result demonstrates that the product is not only biologically effective but also meets stringent safety standards.

The research team stated that in the coming time, they will continue to monitor long-term subchronic toxicity, evaluate product stability over time, and expand research to different models and target users.