Transcriptomic strategy provides molecular insights into the growth and ginsenosides accumulation of Panax ginseng.

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, a well-known phytomedicine has been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries. However, its quality and yield are heavily influenced by environmental conditions and cultivation years. For example, ginsenosides as the primary active component of ginseng, the concentration increased with the age of the roots and unevenly distributed across different tissues. Recently, transcriptomic technologies have provided powerful tools for revealing the relationship between gene expression and ginsenoside accumulation during ginseng growth, and researches in this field is continuously expanding, influencing the quality and sustainability of ginseng cultivation.

PURPOSE

Investigating the relationship between ginseng growth and the accumulation of active components may provide new insights for improving ginseng performance and medicinal value. This requires a systematic review and in-depth discussion of relevant research.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This article reviews the application of transcriptomic strategies in studying the molecular mechanisms of ginseng growth and ginsenoside accumulation. A literature search and analysis were conducted using keywords such as "Panax ginseng" and "transcriptomics/transcriptome," along with terms including "ginsenoside biosynthesis," "microbe/microorganism," "RNA-seq," "cultivation years," "rhizosphere," and "stress."

RESULT

Our study focuses on the transcriptome strategy provides molecular insights into the growth and ginsenosides accumulation of Panax ginseng, we summarized and discussed the dynamic changes in gene expression across cultivation years, specific-tissue, environmental stress, and imbalance of rhizosphere microbes during the ginseng growth and ginsenosides accumulation process. In addition, we also highlight future directions.

CONCLUSION

The cultivation years, specific-tissue, environmental stress, and rhizosphere microbiome imbalance of Panax ginseng are indirectly or directly involved in plant health, biomass production, and the synthesis of ginsenosides. Harnessing these factors to improve the quality and yield of ginseng holds great promise.