Extraction and chemical composition analysis of ginsenosides in Vietnamese ginseng (Panax vietnamensis)

Abstract

Panax vietnamensis, also called Ngoc Linh Ginseng or Vietnamese Ginseng, was grown in Kon Tum province at the height over 1200 meters (from the surface of sea). The purpose of this study was to optimize the condition for ginsenosides extraction, and analyze some chemicals in Ngoc Linh ginseng. The ginsenoside compounds of Ngoc Linh ginseng were extracted under four conditions with different ethanol concentrations and temperatures including C1, extract with 75% ethanol at 80°C, C2, extract with 75% ethanol at 30°C, C3, extract with 25% ethanol at 80°C, and C4, extract with 25% ethanol at 30°C. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extract was 6.82 ±0.17 mg GAE/g under condition C1. Besides, the total flavonoid content (TFC) was extracted highest value (2.43 ±0.007 mg RE/g) under condition C2. The total saponin content (TSC) was preserved highest value under condition C2. Antioxidant capacity of Ngoc Linh ginseng by DPPH assay expressed that condition C1 and C2 had the highest percentage (42.92 ±1.08% and 42.72 ±0.08%, respectively) for free radical inhibition. C2 was the optimal condition for Ngoc Linh ginseng extraction due to the ability to extract the most saponins, and significant other chemical compounds. To analyze ginsenosides, one-dimensional TLC was run, and the result showed 10 spots separated. In other words, 10 groups of ginsenosides was isolated by TLC. Keywords: P. vietnamensis, optimal condition extraction, triterpene saponins, ginsenosides.