Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
J Ginseng Res. 2011 Sep;35(3):368-74. doi: 10.5142/jgr.2011.35.3.368.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is grown in some regions of the USA and Canada and marketed for its health promoting attributes. While cultivation of this plant species has taken place in North America for over 100 years, there are many challenges that need to be addressed. In this article, the current production method used by growers is described and the challenges and opportunities for research on this valuable plant are discussed. These include studies on pharmacological activity, genetic diversity within the species, genetic improvement of currently grown plants, molecular characterization of gene expression, and management of diseases affecting plant productivity. The current research developments in these areas are reviewed and areas requiring further work are summarized. Additional research should shed light on the nature of the bioactive compounds and their clinical effects, and the molecular basis of active ingredient biosynthesis, and provide more uniform genetic material as well as improved plant growth, and potentially reduce losses due to pathogens.
西洋参（Panax quinquefolius L.）生长在美国和加拿大的一些地区，因其具有促进健康的特性而被推向市场。虽然这种植物在北美的种植已经有 100 多年的历史，但仍有许多挑战需要解决。本文描述了种植者目前使用的生产方法，并讨论了对这种有价值的植物进行研究的挑战和机遇。这些研究包括对药理学活性、物种内遗传多样性、现有种植植物的遗传改良、基因表达的分子特征以及影响植物生产力的疾病的管理进行研究。本文综述了这些领域当前的研究进展，并总结了需要进一步研究的领域。进一步的研究应该阐明生物活性化合物的性质及其临床作用，以及有效成分生物合成的分子基础，并提供更均匀的遗传材料和更好的植物生长，从而有可能减少因病原体造成的损失。
