Panax Species

This chapter discusses the ethnopharmacological properties, phytochemistry, and culture conditions of the Panax species. Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Fam. – Araliaceae) grows naturally in mountains, distributed in Korea and China, and roots have been widely used as a tonic, effective for gastroenteric disorders, diabetes, and weak circulation, to control an adjuvant to prevent various disorders. Ginseng is found in three forms – fresh ginseng, white ginseng, and red ginseng. It has been recognized as a miraculous medicine in preserving health and longevity. Concentration of plant growth regulators in the medium affects the cell growth and ginsenoside production in the suspension cultures. Current studies have demonstrated that the supplementation of methyl jasmonate in suspension cultures as well as root cultures increased the concentration of ginsenosides of ginseng. Jasmonic acid strongly improves total ginsenoside production in ginseng hairy roots in order to promote ginsenoside accumulation.