Recent Advances in Study of Ginsenoside Biosynthetic Pathway in Panax ginseng

Abstract

Ginsenosides, the major bioactive ingredients of P. ginseng can improve the anti-disease abilities of human being, and generate significant social and economic benefits. However, along with gradually or rapidly or dramatically increasing demand of the ginsenosides, extensive studies have focused on regulating the ginsenoside biosynthetic pathway on a genetic level. This review provides the latest research progress on biosynthetic pathway of ginsenosides, including the mevalonate (MVA) and the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, which is newly discovered and located in P. ginseng. Moreover, it also indicated lanosterol synthase metabolic flux present in P. ginseng.