Research on the essential oil of Cuc Phuong Mountain Pepper.

Abstract

During a field investigation of medicinal plants in Cuc Phuong National Park, the K1 Pharmacy students of Thanh Dong University were introduced by the university's teachers and park rangers to over 100 medicinal plants, including the mountain star anise tree. This tree, which contains essential oils, is found in several northern provinces such as Lang Son, Ninh Binh, and Nghe An. According to the research of Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Tam, the leaves, roots, and fruits of the mountain star anise from Lang Son, Ninh Binh, and Nghe An all contain safrole and do not contain anethole like the Illicium verum species commonly used for medicine and spice. During this survey, we were introduced to the idea that the fruits of the mountain star anise from Cuc Phuong could be used as a spice for pho, so we felt it necessary to clarify this issue to avoid confusion. The results of our research indicate that the main component of the leaf essential oil is safrole, which is toxic, and therefore the fruit cannot be used as a spice. This is consistent with previous research findings by Nguyen Thi Tam and her colleagues