(Sara Breitenbach and Theresa Berger)

Section 1. Abstract:

The concentration levels and identification of four ginsenosides (the active ingredients) in three main types of ginseng were determined using HPLC analysis with ultraviolet detection at 203 nm. A single mobile phase was used of 30 acetonitrile: 70 MP water: methanol spike. The ratios of concentration levels (M) of Rb1 ginsenoside were found to be 5 American: 1 Korean: 0 Siberian and for Re 4 American: 1 Korean: 40 Siberian. No Rc or Rd ginsenosides were detected. Concentration levels had a standard deviation of +/- 0.01 M.

Ginsenosides are responsible for various medicinal properties. The identification and concentration level determination of these components is important because each ginseng has varying levels of therapeutic benefits based on ginsenosides type and amount. To test the possible therapeutic differences of Siberian and American ginseng was consumed by two subjects for a period of 11 days, monitoring their blood glucose levels before consumption and on days 6, 9 and 11. There was no noticeable difference in blood glucose levels in either subject. This may be because the subjects were not diabetic and current research has only studied the therapeutic affect of lowering blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.