DNC – Creative Science Contest (CSC) is an annual competition organized by VnExpress, aiming to provide a platform for science and technology enthusiasts to showcase innovative ideas and products with practical applications in life. This year, the contest received 135 applications, of which 124 were selected for the preliminary round. Among these, 30 solutions and products were shortlisted by the jury and through readers’ votes to advance to the final round of the Creative Science Contest 2024. The DNC NAMCTGU product from Nam Can Tho University successfully surpassed nearly 100 biomedical and biochemical submissions focusing on healthcare, diagnostics, and treatment to earn a place in the final round.

The DNC NAMCTGU capsule belongs to the biomedical–biochemical field and is also closely related to agriculture. Specifically, it is a hard capsule formulation that combines the superior effects of three medicinal herbs: Cleistocalyx operculatus flower buds, Perilla leaves, and Turmeric rhizome. The product is developed to support gout treatment, help control dangerous complications, avoid toxicity, minimize the side effects of conventional drugs, and meet current healthcare needs. It aims to reduce patients’ burden in terms of time, costs, and health, while improving quality of life and prolonging lifespan. Moreover, the product contributes to economic development by promoting the potential of local medicinal resources in Can Tho City, creating income opportunities for farmers in the agricultural sector.

Labor Hero, People’s Teacher, Professor – Doctor Võ Tòng Xuân and products of the Research and Development Institute of Medicinal Plants

Currently, no scientific research has combined the three promising medicinal herbs of Cleistocalyx Operculatus flower buds, Perilla leaves, and Turmeric rhizome into a comprehensive product that offers significant benefits for health, such as lowering uric acid levels and supporting gout treatment. This product aims to provide a natural-origin medicine that supports gout treatment with fewer side effects compared to modern pharmaceuticals. It helps prevent and manage gout, reduces uric acid levels, limits the risk of gouty arthritis, and lowers costs for patients.

- The product, derived from natural herbal sources, overcomes the disadvantages of conventional drugs (which often harm the stomach, liver, and kidneys, and can cause drug resistance, reducing treatment effectiveness and quality of life). It is manufactured through a modern, safe, and cost- effective process, ensuring both efficacy and quality.

- The product represents a combination of traditional medicine (herbal use for treatment) and modern medicine (processing methods), resulting in a natural capsule form that is economical, effective, safe, convenient, easy to use, easy to store, and practical for long-distance travel.

This product also has high applicability due to its ability to create a circular link among agriculture, the economy, the environment, and health. It utilizes agricultural by-products to produce a medical treatment, ensuring economic benefits while reducing environmental pollution. The remaining herbal residue is reused as fertilizer, feeding back into agriculture. Strengthening pharmaceutical production through agriculture fosters sustainable connections among businesses, scientists, and farmers, contributing to socio-economic development.

Moreover, the project has contributed to the development of scientific research at Nam Can Tho University by enabling lecturers and students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of teaching and learning. It also enhances pharmaceutical science research with practical applications.