Determination of Seven Major Ginsenosides in Different Parts of Panax quinquefolius L.(American Ginseng) with Different Ages

Ginsenosides Rg₁, Re, Rb₁, Rc, Rb₂, Rb₃, and Rd in different parts of the American ginseng plant were investigated. The extraction process was a pressurized microwave-assisted extraction(PMAE). The seven ginsenosides were separated and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) with a ultraviolet(UV) detector, at 203 nm. The experiment results showed significant variations in the individual ginsenoside contents of the American ginseng in different parts and ages of the plant. The results demonstrated that the leaves, root hairs, and rhizomes of Panax quinquefolius L. contained higher ginsenoside contents, followed by the main roots and stems. The leaves contained dramatically higher levels of ginsenoside Rg₁, Rb₃, and Rd than the other four parts. Higher contents of Rb₁ and Re were present in the main roots, root hairs, and rhizomes. The amount of ginsenoside content in the stems was the lowest. The total content of the seven ginsenosides in main roots, root hairs and rhizomes increased with the age of the plant. In contrast, the ginsenoside contents in the leaves and stems decreased with a year of growth.