Vietnam boasts a rich and diverse flora, with many endemic species. Among them, Ngoc Linh ginseng (Vietnamese ginseng; scientific name: Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.), a high-value endemic ginseng species, has been recognized as a national treasure. While numerous studies have been conducted on its rhizomes and roots, research on its leaves remains limited. In this study, six compounds (1–6) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of P. vietnamensis. Their structures were elucidated using ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods, and comparisons with known literature data. The identified compounds are: 12β,20(R),25-β trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1); 12β,20(R),25-trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2); notoginsenoside SFt1 (3); ginsenoside Rh2 (4); ginsenoside Rg3 (5) and notoginsenoside L1 (6). Except for compound 3, which was isolated from the leaves for the first time, the other five compounds are reported from this species for the first time. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay of the pure isolated compounds revealed that compounds 1, 4, and 6 exhibited significant activities, with IC50 values of 133.5, 105.5, and 14.9, respectively. For comparison, the positive control, acarbose, had an IC50 value of 138.2 µM.

Vietnam boasts a rich and diverse flora, with many endemic species. Among them, Ngoc Linh ginseng (Vietnamese ginseng; scientific name: Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.), a high-value endemic ginseng species, has been recognized as a national treasure. While numerous studies have been conducted on its rhizomes and roots, research on its leaves remains limited. In this study, six compounds (1–6) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of P. vietnamensis. Their structures were elucidated using ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods, and comparisons with known literature data. The identified compounds are: 12β,20(R),25-β trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1); 12β,20(R),25-trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2); notoginsenoside SFt1 (3); ginsenoside Rh2 (4); ginsenoside Rg3 (5) and notoginsenoside L1 (6). Except for compound 3, which was isolated from the leaves for the first time, the other five compounds are reported from this species for the first time. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay of the pure isolated compounds revealed that compounds 1, 4, and 6 exhibited significant activities, with IC50 values of 133.5, 105.5, and 14.9, respectively. For comparison, the positive control, acarbose, had an IC50 value of 138.2 µM.

Vietnam boasts a rich and diverse flora, with many endemic species. Among them, Ngoc Linh ginseng (Vietnamese ginseng; scientific name: Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.), a high-value endemic ginseng species, has been recognized as a national treasure. While numerous studies have been conducted on its rhizomes and roots, research on its leaves remains limited. In this study, six compounds (1–6) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of P. vietnamensis. Their structures were elucidated using ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods, and comparisons with known literature data. The identified compounds are: 12β,20(R),25-β trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1); 12β,20(R),25-trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2); notoginsenoside SFt1 (3); ginsenoside Rh2 (4); ginsenoside Rg3 (5) and notoginsenoside L1 (6). Except for compound 3, which was isolated from the leaves for the first time, the other five compounds are reported from this species for the first time. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay of the pure isolated compounds revealed that compounds 1, 4, and 6 exhibited significant activities, with IC50 values of 133.5, 105.5, and 14.9, respectively. For comparison, the positive control, acarbose, had an IC50 value of 138.2 µM.

Vietnam boasts a rich and diverse flora, with many endemic species. Among them, Ngoc Linh ginseng (Vietnamese ginseng; scientific name: Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.), a high-value endemic ginseng species, has been recognized as a national treasure. While numerous studies have been conducted on its rhizomes and roots, research on its leaves remains limited. In this study, six compounds (1–6) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of P. vietnamensis. Their structures were elucidated using ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods, and comparisons with known literature data. The identified compounds are: 12β,20(R),25-β trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1); 12β,20(R),25-trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2); notoginsenoside SFt1 (3); ginsenoside Rh2 (4); ginsenoside Rg3 (5) and notoginsenoside L1 (6). Except for compound 3, which was isolated from the leaves for the first time, the other five compounds are reported from this species for the first time. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay of the pure isolated compounds revealed that compounds 1, 4, and 6 exhibited significant activities, with IC50 values of 133.5, 105.5, and 14.9, respectively. For comparison, the positive control, acarbose, had an IC50 value of 138.2 µM.

Vietnam boasts a rich and diverse flora, with many endemic species. Among them, Ngoc Linh ginseng (Vietnamese ginseng; scientific name: Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.), a high-value endemic ginseng species, has been recognized as a national treasure. While numerous studies have been conducted on its rhizomes and roots, research on its leaves remains limited. In this study, six compounds (1–6) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of P. vietnamensis. Their structures were elucidated using ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods, and comparisons with known literature data. The identified compounds are: 12β,20(R),25-β trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1); 12β,20(R),25-trihydroxydammara-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2); notoginsenoside SFt1 (3); ginsenoside Rh2 (4); ginsenoside Rg3 (5) and notoginsenoside L1 (6). Except for compound 3, which was isolated from the leaves for the first time, the other five compounds are reported from this species for the first time. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay of the pure isolated compounds revealed that compounds 1, 4, and 6 exhibited significant activities, with IC50 values of 133.5, 105.5, and 14.9, respectively. For comparison, the positive control, acarbose, had an IC50 value of 138.2 µM.

Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by Toxocara canis (from dogs) and Toxocara cati (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral larva migrans (VLM) caused by Toxocara canis in a 21-year-old male with a history of close contact with a pet dog. Initial symptoms and imaging findings mimicked a pyogenic liver abscess. The initial laboratory investigations revealed neutrophilia and elevated levels of IgE. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, persistent fever prompted further investigation. Subsequent serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue demonstrating eosinophil infiltrates and Charcot-Leyden crystals led to a confirmed diagnosis of a liver abscess caused by Toxocara canis. Serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue confirmed a Toxocara canis-induced liver abscess. Albendazole treatment yielded significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the necessity of considering toxocariasis in liver abscess differentials, particularly in high-seroprevalence regions like Vietnam. Relying solely on serological tests may be insufficient, emphasizing the need for corroborative evidence, including invasive procedures like liver biopsy, for accurate hepatic toxocariasis diagnosis.

The spread of tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB, has strongly motivated the research and development of new anti-TB drugs. New strategies to facilitate drug combinations, including pharmacokinetics-guided dose optimization and toxicology studies of first- and second-line anti-TB drugs have also been introduced and recommended. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has arguably become the gold standard in the analysis of both endo- and exo-genous compounds. This technique has been applied successfully not only for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) but also for pharmacometabolomics analysis. TDM improves the effectiveness of treatment, reduces adverse drug reactions, and the likelihood of drug resistance development in TB patients by determining dosage regimens that produce concentrations within the therapeutic target window. Based on TDM, the dose would be optimized individually to achieve favorable outcomes. Pharmacometabolomics is essential in generating and validating hypotheses regarding the metabolism of anti-TB drugs, aiding in the discovery of potential biomarkers for TB diagnostics, treatment monitoring, and outcome evaluation. This article highlighted the current progresses in TDM of anti-TB drugs based on LC-MS bioassay in the last two decades. Besides, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in practical use. The pressing need for non-invasive sampling approaches and stability studies of anti-TB drugs was highlighted. Lastly, we provided perspectives on the prospects of combining LC-MS-based TDM and pharmacometabolomics with other advanced strategies (pharmacometrics, drug and vaccine developments, machine learning/artificial intelligence, among others) to encapsulate in an all-inclusive approach to improve treatment outcomes of TB patients.

Strongyloidiasis, a chronic helminth infection caused by the parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, has various clinical manifestations. Although rare, duodenal obstructions and venous thromboembolism are possible complications of strongyloidiasis.This paper presents the case of a 47-year-old Vietnamese male with a history of right lower limb edema, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort lasting for four months. Venous Doppler ultrasound detected a thrombus in the right femoral vein, while an abdominal CT scan revealed a mass lesion suggestive of a lower bile duct tumor. Esophageogastroduodenoscopy showed a friable duodenal cap mucosa with multiple ulcers and edematous mucosa of the second part of the duodenum that caused a partial lumen obstruction. The final histological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed chronic duodenitis with larvae consistent with Strongyloides stercoralis. The patient was treated with Ivermectin for two weeks and anticoagulation therapy for three months. After treatment and a six-month follow-up, the patient's gastrointestinal symptoms and leg swelling resolved completely. This is the first documented case of a patient in Vietnam with strongyloidiasis who presented with venous thromboembolism and duodenal obstruction. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2023;81:270-275)

Background: This study aimed to identify the location of the optic foramen in relation to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall, which is essential information for surgeons in planning and performing endoscopic transnasal surgery. Methods: Computed tomography scans of 200 orbits from 100 adult patients with no abnormalities were examined. The results included the location of the optic foramen in relation to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall and the distance between them, as well as the distance from the optic foramen and the anterior sphenoid sinus wall to the carotid prominence in the posterior sphenoid sinus. Results: The optic foramen was anterior to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall in 48.5% of orbits, and posterior in the remaining 51.5%. The mean distance from the optic foramen to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall was 3.82 ± 1.25 mm. The mean distances from the optic foramen and the anterior sphenoid sinus wall to the carotid prominence were 7.67 ± 1.73 and 7.95 ± 2.53 mm, respectively. Conclusion The optic foramen was anterior to the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus in approximately half of the orbits examined in this study, and posterior in the remaining half. The mean distance from the optic foramen to the anterior sphenoid sinus wall of the sphenoid sinus was 3.82 ± 1.25 mm.

Endophytic fungi are promising sources for the production of podophyllotoxin-an important anticancer compound, replacing depleted medical plants. In this study, the endophytes associated with Dysosma difformis-an ethnomedicinal plant species were isolated to explore novel sources of podophyllotoxin. Fifty-three endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by morphological observation and ITS-based rDNA sequencing, assigning them to 27 genera in 3 divisions. Fusarium was found the most prevalent genus with a colonization frequency of 11.11%, followed by Trametes (9.26%) and Penicillium (7.41%). Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the endophytic fungi community in two collection sites, Ha Giang and Lai Chau, revealing the adaptation of the species to the specific tissues and habitats. Cytotoxic activity of endophytic fungal extracts was investigated on cancer cell lines such as SK-LU-1, HL-60, and HepG2, demonstrating strong anti-cancer activity of six isolates belonging to Penicillium, Trametes, Purpureocillium, Aspergillus, and Ganoderma with IC 50 value of lower than 10 10 µg/mL. The presence of podophyllotoxin was indicated in Penicillium, Trametes, Aspergillus and for the first time in Purpureocillium and Ganoderma via high-performance liquid chromatography, which implied them as a potential source of this anticancer compound.