Identification of geographical origins of raw American ginseng and tablets based on stable isotope ratios

• We detected the isotope ratio values of δ13C, δ2H, δ15N, δ18O by using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS).
• We established a discriminant model of geographical origins.
• This model can be used to discriminate the geographical origins of raw American ginsengs.
• This model can be also used to discriminate the geographical origins of American ginseng tablets.

BackgroundAmerican ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a medicine food homology plant, whose origin determines the medicinal and economical values. Therefore, a reliable method for the determination of its geographical origin must be established. An accurate, common and stable method to identify geographical origins of raw American ginseng and tablets was established by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). 53 samples from 5 origins were collected and analyzed for isotope ratios of the elements C, H, O and N. The result showed that δ2H, δ18O and δ15N values were different among each geographical origin. The δ2H, δ18O and δ15N values were also used to establish discrimination model of geographical origin. According to verification test, the discrimination model of geographical origin was accurate and stable. The δ2H, δ18O and δ15N values were also found no significant difference between raw American ginseng and its tablet, so the discrimination model of geographical origin could also be used to discriminate the geographical origin of American ginseng tablet. In conclusion, the δ2 H, δ18 O and δ15 N values can be used to discriminate the geographical origin of raw American ginseng and its tablet.