HPLC determination of ginsenosides content in ginseng dietary supplements using ultraviolet detection

A total of 21 ginseng products, including Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in the form of powdered roots, capsules, liquid extracts, caplets, tablets, and softgels, etc., were analyzed for ginsenoside content by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection at 203 m. The present method was validated for linearity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and recovery. Two methods of extraction for powdered ginseng root samples were compared by employing (1) sonication with methanol (3x30 min) and (2) extraction with 30% methanol (50degreesC, 30 min), with the former yielding a higher efficiency for the extraction of ginsenosides from powdered ginseng roots. Analysis of 21 ginseng products revealed that the ginsenoside content in Asian ginseng (P ginseng) is generally lower than that in North American ginseng (P quinquefolius). The comparability of ginsenosides profiles might help to identify the origin of the ginseng.