Fluctuations in the chemical constituents of Panax ginseng subterranean tissues with cultivation duration

Aim: The subterranean tissues of Panax ginseng, especially the root, have long been used in traditional Asian medicine. In traditional medicine, various formulas contain ginseng to relieve fatigue, improve splenic function, and strengthen immunity, while recent studies have reported many additional benefits, including improvement of Alzheimer's dementia. Multiple ginsenosides, polyacetylenes, and polysaccharides in ginseng root and rhizome contribute to these therapeutic activities. Most ginseng used today is cultivated and takes a long time to mature, so changes in the bioactive constituent profile with age could alter the potential health benefits. However, most studies on such age-dependent changes in chemical composition have focused on ginsenosides. To examine the full spectrum of age-dependent changes, the current study analyzed the contents of multiple secondary metabolites and primary metabolites in samples cultivated from one to five years. Methods: The contents of multiple secondary metabolites such as polyacetylenes and primary metabolites such as fatty acids, sugars, and phospholipids as well as ginsenosides were determined by liquid or gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC/MS or GC/MS). Results: Ginsenoside Ro and 1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine increased substantially and progressively with number of years of cultivation. Other ginsenosides and sugars also increased with age, but with greater variability. Conversely, concentrations of falcarinol, fatty acids, and phosphatidic acid decreased with cultivation time. Conclusion: Cultivation years may influence the specific medicinal properties and other health benefits of ginseng preparations.