Abstract
The purpose of this study is to characterize the internal physical properties of fresh Korean ginsengs (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) through a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. Current external visual inspection cannot determine internal quality of ginsengs successfully. Relaxation time constants, T$_1$ and T$_2$*, were obtained from a series of MR images. Calculated Ti values were varied with different physiological states of ginseng tissues. Internal imaging information was obtained nondestructively from fresh ginsengs. One- and two-dimensional image analyses were performed. One-dimensional image analysis showed a potential of age identification of ginsengs rapidly. Internal quality of normal and abnormal ginsengs was evaluated using two-dimensional MR images. Various types of internal defects such as internal cavity and rotten spot were visualized clearly. The MRI technique had a feasibility to detect internal defects of fresh ginsengs effectively.
