A preliminary study on suitability of growing ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) in western Himalayan region

Abstract

Panax ginseng Meyer (family Araliaceae) has been used in oriental medicine for over 2000 years having a long history as a general tonic promoting health, and it is believed to be a panacea and to promote longevity. It is distributed in 35 countries, mainly in Eastern Asia (especially in Japan, Korea, northeastern China, Bhutan, and East Siberia) and in Northern America, usually in cooler climates (Ryu et al. 2012). Also, very valuable wild species of ginseng are found in India, Nepal, and Myanmar with characteristically long growing periods. In India, it is found in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland (Mao et al. 2009). The bioactive compounds present in P. ginseng mainly consist of ginsenosides, polysaccharides, phenolics, and polyacetylenes. Saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides" (or panaxosides) are the main active ingredients in the roots of Asian ginseng, responsible for its medicinal properties (Pannacci et al. 2016). Ginseng tastes sweet, has the ability to keep the body warm, and has protective effects on heart, kidney, liver, lungs, and spleen (Kim et al. 2018). It acts as an adaptogen and is used to increase physical endurance, boost the immune system, erectile dysfunction, impotence and male fertility, bleeding disorders, disorders of pregnancy and childbirth (Ratan et al. 2021). All ginsenosides have been reported to exhibit various biological activities such as anti-cancer, heart-

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“…The literature regarding the optimization of ginseng cultivation and its adaptability in various environments is rather poor. According to Walia et al [ 51 ], the optimum temperature for P. ginseng plant growth is 16–28 °C. Mork et al [ 52 ] had previously found that during the early vegetive stages, the ideal air temperature ranges from 10 to 20 °C, and from the flowering stage and afterwards from 21 to 25 °C.…”

“…Overall, it prefers cool-temperate climates as high temperatures and solar radiation can cause scorches and sunburn on its leaves [ 53 ]. Ginseng favors well-draining, fertile, acidic soils with pH close to 5 [ 51 , 54 ]. Soil fertility, and specifically the availability of zinc, manganese, iron, and copper, is crucial for its cultivation [ 55 ].…”

“…The literature regarding the optimization of ginseng cultivation and its adaptability in various environments is rather poor. According to Walia et al [51], the optimum temperature for P. ginseng plant growth is 16-28 • C. Mork et al [52] had previously found that during the early vegetive stages, the ideal air temperature ranges from 10 to 20 • C, and from the flowering stage and afterwards from 21 to 25 • C. Temperatures higher than 30 • C could inhibit plant growth and damage ginseng plants [53]. Overall, it prefers cool-temperate climates as high temperatures and solar radiation can cause scorches and sunburn on its leaves [53].…”