Ginseng Ginsenosides

Panex quinquefolium Ginseng Ginsenoside Antioxidant Antibacterial Bielowy et al. (2004) McElhaney (2006)... 

Plant roots have a very active metabolism and can biosynthesize a high number of secondary compounds in an exclusive way (Table 89.2). Some of these compounds, including shikonin or triterpenoid saponins of Panax ginseng (ginsenosides), can also be biosynthesized in undifferentiated systems such as cell cultures, but in some cases, cell differentiation and organ formation is necessary for producing the bioactive compounds, which is the case of tropane alkaloids, bomyl esters, ajmalicine, and other compounds. 

Luo, Y.M., Cheng, X.J., and Yuan, W.X., Effects of ginseng root saponins and ginsenoside Rbl on immunity in cold water swim stress mice and rats, Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao, 14, 401, 1993. 

Kenarova, B. et al., Immunomodulating activity of ginsenoside Rgl from Panax ginseng,... 

Ginsenosides are triterpenoid saponins found nearly exclusively in ginseng and they have been the target of a lot of research as they are believed to be the main active principles behind the claims of ginsengs efficacy. Ginseng refers to species within the genus Panax (Araliaceae... 

Ginsenoside 93 isolated from the roots oiPanaxvietnamensis and named ginsenoside Rhs by Tran et al. (2001) should not be confused with ginsenoside Rhs (141) isolated from the leaves of P. ginseng (De-Quiang et al,... 

FIGURE 1.1 Ginsenosides isolated from fresh and/or processed ginseng material (roots, leaves, fruits, flower buds), including medicinal preparations based on plant material from ginseng species. Ara(p) = a-L-arabinopyranosyl Ara(f) = a-L-arabinofuranosyl Glc = p-D-glucopyranosyl Rha = a-L-rhamnopyranosyl Xyl = / -D-xylopyranosyl Ac = acetyl. 

This ginsenoside has only been detected in trace or minute amounts by TLC from this ginseng plant part and hence the presence is questionable (Lui and Staba, 1980). 

The content of total and individual ginsenosides does not only vary between plant organs and species. In particular, the content of ginsenosides in ginseng roots also depends on growing conditions and age of the roots, and internal root size (root hairs, lateral roots, and main roots) (Christensen et al, 2006 Court et ah, 1996b Soldati and Tanaka, 1984 Wills and Stuart, 2001). 

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