Tianjin University Scientists Boost Production of Rare Ginsenosides

Ginseng and Panax notoginseng, two well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, contain rare ginsenosides—often called "plant gold" for their powerful health benefits, including boosting immunity, reducing fatigue, and fighting oxidation. However, these valuable compounds are naturally scarce and difficult to extract, making them expensive and hard to obtain. Research teams from Tianjin University, led by Professors Mei Kunrong and Gao Wenyuan from the School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, have found a new way to increase the production of rare ginsenosides. Their study, recently published in Advanced Science, introduces a cutting-edge approach using synthetic biology to enhance efficiency.

Ginsenosides exist in two forms: prototype ginsenosides, which are abundant in plants but have low bioactivity and poor absorption, and rare ginsenosides, which are derived from prototype ginsenosides and are much more effective. These rare compounds have been scientifically shown to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. However, their natural content in plants is extremely low—often less than 0.1%—and their extraction is complex and costly, limiting their availability.

To solve this problem, the Tianjin University researchers used synthetic biology, a technology that enables microorganisms or plant cells to function as tiny "factories" for producing rare ginsenosides. Previously, the researchers used genetic editing to build a plant-based system for ginsenoside production. This time, they focused on a crucial factor: glycosyltransferases, enzymes that play a key role in the final steps of ginsenoside synthesis and determine both the yield and type of product. However, existing glycosyltransferases were not efficient enough for large-scale production.

The scientists identified a key enzyme, Pq3-O-UGT2, that plays a major role in rare ginsenoside synthesis. For the first time, they successfully analyzed its crystal structure, revealing how it binds to different compounds. Their research uncovered a unique binding pocket that can interact with various molecules, including different ginsenosides and flavonoids. Using this knowledge, they engineered a modified version of the enzyme that significantly improved production efficiency. Tests showed that the improved enzyme greatly increased the yield of rare ginsenosides, paving the way for large-scale production.

"Our research provides a new strategy for producing rare ginsenosides more efficiently," said Professor Mei Kunrong. "With further developments in synthetic biology, the cost of these valuable compounds is expected to drop, making them more accessible to the public."

By: Qin Mian