Abstract:Rare ginsenosides are the primary bioactive substances in ginseng and its processed products, possessing significant application value and market potential. However, due to their extremely low natural abundance in ginseng plants, efficient preparation strategies have become a focal point in ginseng research. By integrating modern biotransformation technologies with metabolic engineering approaches, the use of specific enzyme systems and microbial cell factories enables the efficient, targeted, and eco-friendly synthesis of rare ginsenosides. These methods not only enhance the reserves and chemical diversity of rare ginsenosides but also address environmental concerns and byproduct issues associated with traditional chemical methods. This review summarizes recent progress in enzymatic catalysis and metabolic engineering research on rare ginsenosides, providing insights and theoretical foundations to overcome industry technical barriers and promote the rapid development of ginseng-related industries.