Novel Dammarane-Type Triterpene Saponins from Panax ginseng Root

Four phytochemical constituents were isolated from Panax ginseng root by repeated column chromatography (CC), medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC), high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC), and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated as the dammarane-type triterpene saponins ginsenoside-Rg18 (1), 6-acetyl ginsenoside-Rg3 (2), ginsenoside-Rs11 (3), and ginsenoside-Re7 (4) based on spectral data. Compounds 1-4 from P. ginseng root were new compounds from nature. They showed good hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, they did not show any anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, they inhibited the growth of adenocarcinoma gastric stomach cells. Among them, ginsenoside-Rs11 (3) showed the best anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activities.