Studies on Chemical Components and their Pharmacological Activities of Panax Ginseng Root

Abstract

This paper explains the details of how ginsenosides are isolated and extracted from the roots of Panax ginseng. Fresh ginseng homogenate and red ginseng powder were soaked with MeOH, which resulted in a concentrated extract. The extract was then diluted with water and Et₂O was added. The water phase was further extracted by water-saturated n-BuOH, and the new extract was chromatography on Macro-reticular resin column. Water was used as elutriation to remove impurities, such as sugar and water-soluble substances, and the extract was further eluted with a different fraction of MeOH. Every part was chromatography on silica gel column, and the individual ginsenosides were isolated. The identity of these ginsenosides was obtained after hydrolysis, partial hydrolysis, methylation, permethylation, methanolysis, and acethylation. Various types and structures of the ginsenosides are included in this report. Finally, each ginsenoside was tested for relevant pharmacological action. The purpose of this paper is to provide a molecular basis for the many health benefits received by taking ginseng.