Current Advances in Tissue Culture of Vietnamese Ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv)

Abstract

Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv., commonly known as Vietnamese ginseng or Ngoc Linh ginseng, is a notable species within the Panax genus. In Vietnamese traditional medicine, Ngoc Linh ginseng is revered as a ‘miraculous medicine,’ famed for enhancing physical strength and treating a variety of health conditions. The application of in vitro tissue culture techniques to medicinal plants is acknowledged as a strategic method for generating bioactive specialized metabolites. This comprehensive review highlights the properties of Vietnamese ginseng and emphasizes recent progress in various in vitro tissue culture techniques, including callus induction, somatic embryo induction, cell cultivation in suspension, hairy root cultivation, and adventitious root cultivation. Moreover, the review addresses the challenges and potential future developments related to these techniques. The exploration of these in vitro practices has laid the groundwork for the commercial exploitation of Vietnamese ginseng, facilitating the swift and effective production of both ginseng biomass and its bioactive compounds.