Ginseng ( Panax sp.) proteomics: an update

Panax ginseng, commonly known as ginseng, is a well-known medicinal plant that has been used as traditional medicine in China and Korea. Research in the past few decades supports the pharmacological effects of ginseng. For example, ginseng roots (extracts) exhibit multiple medicinal effects, such as anticancer, antiaging, and protection against circulatory shock, in humans. In this review, we summarize the progress made so far in the ginseng proteomics, starting from sample preparation to establishments of proteomes and databases. Both gel-based (1-DE and 2-DE in combination with LC–MS/MS) and gel-free proteomics technologies have been applied on wide range of samples, collected during different growth and developmental stages and under normal or adverse stress conditions. In particular, comparative proteome analysis has been carried out to investigate the protein profiles of Oriental, American and Indian ginsengs using majorly root and leaf tissues. Moreover, identification of stress-responsive proteins was a key focus that led to the detection of some of the common proteins such as heat shock protein (HSP), ATPase, enolase, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and ribonuclease/ginseng major protein (GMP). Acquired proteomics-based knowledge has been very fruitful in providing better insight into the ginseng biology, opening a door for comparative and translation research of other important medicinal plants. However, due to the fact that proteins undergo various post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications, obtained proteomics data do not always complement the transcriptomics data perfectly; therefore, future efforts would require the utilization of an integrated/holistic molecular-genetic (or omics) approach to explore the biology of this golden plant.