Fuctuation in active component biosynthesis in ginseng sprouts according to cultivated period

Background: Major active components of ginseng are ginsenosides which pharmacological effects include anticancer, anti-stress, anti-fatigue, antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Ginsenosides levels are higher in leaves than in roots. Therefore, consumers are increasingly interested in using ginseng sprouts.

Methods and Results: Ginseng sprouts were cultivated from June to late July in greenhouse. Ginseng sprouts cultivated during 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days was harvested, washed and used in the experiment. Two indicators, namely, 30 kinds of ginsenosides and 8 kinds of phenolic acids were monitored by HPLC(detection). Total ginsenoside content increased 1.27 times in leaves and decreased 0.67 times in roots after 60days.The contents of ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, F3 and F4 of leaves were increased and ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2 and Rf of roots were decreased after 60 days, especially. The total phenolic acid contents of leaves decreased slightly until 40 days and then increased. The major components of ginsenoside and phenolic acid in leaves were Re and sinapic acid, respectively.

Conclusion: From the above results, ginseng sprouts cultivated for 50 days is more effective ingredient than roots, so it can be said that it is good for consumers to use.