Comparative analysis of chemical compositional profiles and immunomodulatory activity of ginseng in different habitats

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the differences in quality and immunomodulatory effects among the three ecological cultivation variants of ginseng: cultivated ginseng (CG), transplanted ginseng (TG), and mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG). Despite ecological distinctions, these variants are prone to mislabeling, and comparative research is limited. We collected 30 batches of samples and conducted an initial assessment of their morphological and sensory characteristics. Subsequently, untargeted plant metabolomics analysis was performed using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS/MS. Multivariate statistical strategies, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), were applied to screen for key differential metabolites. Through KEGG analysis, we further investigated the manifestation of these differences in metabolic pathways. A cyclophosphamide (CTX)-immunocompromised mouse model was established. The immunomodulatory capacity of CG and MCG was evaluated based on hematological parameters, inflammatory markers, and splenic T lymphocyte subsets in the mice. Our findings indicate that 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg₃, ginsenoside V, ginsenoside I, levan, ginsenoside Rs₂, quinquenoside I, and L-arginine can function as discriminatory biomarkers for MCG, TG, and CG. According to the results of the immunomodulatory evaluation, both CG and MCG demonstrated immunomodulatory effects. However, MCG showed significantly higher efficacy compared to CG in regulating the spleen index, T-lymphocyte subsets, serum IgG levels, and IL-4 concentration. This study establishes a scientific foundation for precise ginseng classification, quality control, and clinical application by demonstrating significant phenotypic, metabolic, and functional differences among CG, TG, and MCG.

Graphical abstract