Simplified Extraction of Ginsenosides from American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography−Ultraviolet Analysis

Four methods were tested for extraction and recovery of six major ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, and Rg1) found in roots of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius):  method A, sonication in 100% methanol (MeOH) at room temperature (rt); method B, sonication in 70% aqueous MeOH at rt; method C, water extraction (90 °C) with gentle agitation; and method D, refluxing (60 °C) in 100% MeOH. After 0.5−1 h, the samples were filtered and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)−UV. A second extraction by methods C and D was done, but 85−90% of ginsenosides were obtained during the first extraction. Lyophilization of extracts did not influence ginsenoside recovery. Method D resulted in the highest significant recoveries of all ginsenosides, except Rg1. Method C was the next most effective method, while method A resulted in the lowest ginsenoside recoveries. Method B led to similar recoveries as method C. All methods used one filtration step, omitted time-consuming cleanup, but maintained clear peak resolution by HPLC, and can be used for quantitative screening of ginsenosides from roots and commercial ginseng preparations.

Keywords: American ginseng; Panax quinquefolius; HPLC−UV; liquid chromatography; ginsenoside extraction