Evaluation of nanofabricated ginseng extract powders

The objective of this study is to investigate the nano-fabrication method for ginseng extract powders (GEPs) and detect the differences in physical and chemical properties, and cytotoxicity of GEPs before and after fabrication. White ginseng was used as the raw material to produce the GEPs (Sample A). After grinding, the GEPs passed a 40-mesh sieve (particle size < 105 microm) and was named as Sample B. The residue (particle size > 105 microm) was named as Sample C. Samples A and B were used for nanofabrication though the use of a high-energy ball mill. Sample B was ground for 3 hr (Sample D) and 1 hr (Sample E), while Sample A was ground for 3 hr (Sample F) and 1 hr (Sample G). Nanoparticles of GEPs with ranges of 300 nm approximately 1 microm and 500 nm approximately 3 microm were produced. The heavy metal content (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and W) of Samples A-G were all under the maximum residue limit. Sample C contained a higher amount of yellow crystal material and had the highest ginsenoside contents and antioxidant capacity. There were enrichments of ginsenosides (approximately 1.3 fold) and antioxidant capacities (approximately 1.6 fold) in Sample C compared to Sample A. Moreover, after nano-fabrication, the antioxidant capacity was not changed significantly. However, the cellular growth enhancement ability was increased significantly. Samples F and G had the higher cellular growth enhancement ability and improved the cellular growth of L929 cells about 1.3 times as compared to Sample A. In future studies, Sample C will be used for nanofabrication in order to enhance the curative efficiency of ginseng.