Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer)

Panax ginseng is a perennial herb that has been widely used as a medicinal plant in Southeast Asia and recently in Western medicine. It contains various types of important bioactive compounds including phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Ginsenosides and triterpenoid saponins are uniquely produced in P. ginseng, and more than 150 types have been identified. Ginseng plants have a long life span of approximately 4–6 years, even when exposed to environmental stresses. During growth, secondary metabolites accumulate in tissues including roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits. This chapter summarizes what, how, and where bioactive metabolites are produced in P. ginseng and their efficacies and biosafety.