Study on ginsenosides in different parts and ages of Panax quinquefolius L.

The contents of 12 ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, F11, Rf, Rg2, Rh1, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rd, Rh2) in different parts and ages of Panax quinquefolius L. (American ginseng) were quantified by high pressure microwave-assisted extraction (HPMAE) high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). The analytical method was established and analytical performances were evaluated. The chemical marker of American ginseng F11 was detected, and Rf which is the chemical marker of Asian ginseng was not found. Rare ginsenoside Rh1, Rg2 and Rh2 were also studied in this experiment. The total contents of these 12 ginsenosides in the different parts of 5-year-old American ginseng follow this order: leaf > root-hair > rhizome > root > stem. Therefore, compared with the other parts of American ginseng, the leaf is a better available source of ginsenosides. The contents of ginsenosides in root and leaf also change with age.