(HBO) – Xa den, a plant scientifically named Celastrus hindsii Benth, is used to treat a number of liver diseases and inflammation, detoxify the body, prevent cancer, and aid cancer treatment. The Yen Tri Agricultural Cooperative in Yen Thuy district has formed a business based on concentrates made from the herb, with their product recognised as a three-star OCOP (One Commune, One Product) goods at the provincial level.

The cooperative’s Xa den concentrate has been recognised as
a three-star OCOP goods at provincial level.
In modern medicine, the concentrate is used to support the
elimination of tumors and the treatment of hepatitis, among others. Aiming to offer consumers best products possible, the
cooperative has been operating a standardised production process to ensure
quality and food safety.
Each 100gr of the traditional medicine is equivalent to 1.5
kg of dried xa den. The black-coloured product with a typical aroma dissolves
quickly in water and is very consumer friendly, with its container being
compact.
The cooperative has also worked to encourage and help local
households to cultivate the valuable herb. The Celastrus hindsii Benth product
has thus far brought about a stable output, helping to improve the lives of
farmers.
Bui Phi Nam, director of the Yen Tri cooperative, said the
business targets sustainable growth and becoming a leading brand of Celastrus
hindsii Benth concentrate in Vietnam. "We are committed to delivering best products and
services to customers," he added.
Each of its 100gr box is sold for 250,000 VND. From the
beginning of the year, the cooperative has sold over 1,000 boxes in Hoa Binh
and many other localities nationwide, including Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong,
Gia Lai, Binh Dinh, and Quang Ninh./.
In May 2025, the total import and export turnover of Hoa Binh Province is estimated to exceed USD 334 million. In which exporting reached nearly USD 196 million, accounting for approximately 40% of the annual target, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. Imports are estimated at nearly 139 million USD, reflecting a 15% growth.
As agriculture increasingly demands professionalism and market adaptability, changing farmers' mindsets from traditional to modern production through science, technology, and skill mastery is key to sustainable development.
During the period 2021 - 2025, Hoa Binh province has been exported over 272.000 tons of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products, with a total value exceeding 3.266 billion VND. Currently, there are 21 businesses, cooperatives, and cooperative groups in the province with products exported to international markets, including 15 agricultural product facilities and 6 forestry product facilities.
Referred to as fish that is offered to kings, Bangana lemassoni raised in Mai Chau district has gained a foothold in the market over the years due to its delicious flavour. Many restaurants feature dishes from this speciality on their menus, and merchants actively seek it out. Seeing the potential, residents in several communes in the district have maintained and expanded fish farming areas, making it a key product of the locality.
Once a mountainous province facing many challenges, Hoa Binh has, after more than a decade of implementing the national target programme on new-style rural area development, emerged as a bright spot in Vietnam’s northern midland and mountainous region. In the first quarter of 2025, the province recorded positive results, paving the way for Hoa Binh to enter a phase of accelerated growth with a proactive and confident mindset.