Panax ginseng c.a. Meyer

Abstract Panax ginseng (Family Araliaceae) is an herbaceous life form and very popularized worldwide. The species is good source of diverse bioactive constituents (i.e. phenolics, proteins, alkaloids, vitamins, ginsenoides, and amino acid, etc). Ginsenosides are major bioactive compound in P. ginseng. The ginsenosides have capabilities to inhibit the ROS (reactive oxygen species), production of nitric oxide and also maintain blood circulation. More than 100 ginsenosides have reported from different plant portions (i.e. rhizome, root, stem, leaves, fruits and flowers) of the species and showed variety of therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, anticancer, anti-diabetic, etc. Previous studies reported pharmacological and physiological significance of the species, traditionally consumed for physical vitality, improvement of stamina, sources of energy, etc. Therefore, Panax ginseng is one of the important plant species and required much more attention for future utilization, formulation of valuable products.