Ginsenoside Biosynthetic Pathway

Ginsenosides are the main bioactive components of ginseng, which have remarkable pharmacological effects. However, due to the limited resources of ginseng varieties and the low ginsenoside content, it is unable to meet the increasing medical demands. In recent years, biotechnological ways have been utilized to increase the yield of ginsenosides by regulating the key enzymes of ginsenoside biosynthesis, whereas synthetic biology strategies have been used to introduce these genes into yeast to produce ginsenosides.

At present, more than 40 genes encoding ginsenoside biosynthesis-related enzymes have been cloned and identified from Panax genus, which provide the basic biological components for the biosynthesis production of ginsenosides and lay a good foundation for the study of ginsenosides. Figure 1 elaborate the biosynthetic pathways of ginsenosides. The whole pathway can be divided into three stages, i) isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and its isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) are formed via the mevalonate (MVA) pathway; ii) IPP and DMAPP are converted to 2,3-oxidized squalene; and iii) 2,3-oxidized squalene is synthesized into ginseng saponin via three reaction steps: cyclization, hydroxylation and glycosylation. ^[1,2].

Fig. 1 The biosynthesis pathway of ginsenosides

Alfa Chemistry specializes in providing high-quality ginseng extracts, ginsenosides and multicomponent rare ginsenosides, and we are always available to answer the questions you may have during the R&D and production process. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are in need of assistance.

Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.