Metabolite Analysis of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer by HPLC According to Root Age

In order to investigate the major metabolite patterns of aged Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer roots, the ginsenoside contents for white ginseng roots of various ages were compared. The 1-year to 6-year old roots were extracted with methanol, and then the methanol-soluble metabolites were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The metabolite contents of the 1-year and 2-year roots, including the ginsenosides and minor components, were not different, but the $Rg_1$, Re, and Rc ginsenoside contents between the 2-year and 3-year roots showed significant differences. $Rg_1$ and Rc increased significantly in the 1-year to 2-year roots, and Re increased significantly from the 3-year root age. Rd increased slightly until the 2-year age and decreased from the 3-year age. Based on the ginsenoside distributions and contents at various root ages, we have suggested 2 biogenesis schemes using the ginsenosides that have been isolated from the roots of P. ginseng so far.