Ginseng genome unlocks secrets of medicinal benefits

A groundbreaking study has fully decoded the Panax ginseng genome, revealing the genetic mechanisms behind saponin biosynthesis. This detailed genetic map, published in *Horticulture Research* (April 2024, DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae107), uncovers insights into the evolutionary and metabolic pathways of ginseng, a crucial herb in traditional medicine.

Led by Nanjing Agricultural University, the research constructed a 3.45 Gb genome of ginseng, identifying 77,266 protein-coding genes and focusing on ginsenoside biosynthesis. Key findings include gene loss and biased expression across subgenomes, with gene family expansions linked to saponin production. The study also traces ginseng’s evolutionary divergence to about 6.07 million years ago.

These insights promise to enhance ginseng breeding and its medicinal properties, offering a model for improving other medicinal plants and advancing pharmacology. This achievement provides a crucial resource for future genetic research and the development of improved ginseng varieties.