The current research progress of ginseng species: The cultivation and application

Of the 12 medicinal ginseng species, three species (Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolium, and P. notoginseng) are significant given their biological activities and hence are widely used around the world. These species have cardiovascular protection, improved immunomodulatory ability, antioxidant, anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory and other effects. Hence, such ginseng is used in various products (foods, health foods, daily necessities, cosmetics, etc.). However, ginseng cultivation causes replanting problems due to its allelopathic effects. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the allelopathic ginseng plant and analyzes the allelopathic effects on soil diseases and soil microorganisms for ginseng researchers. More in-depth research is needed to reveal the mechanisms of ginseng allelopathy.