[Quality evaluation of American ginseng using UPLC coupled with multivariate analysis]

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacognosy
• Chemometrics

Background:

• Accurate quality evaluation of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is crucial for its medicinal use.
• Traditional methods may not sufficiently differentiate ginseng quality attributes.
• Standardization requires reliable analytical techniques for key bioactive compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for simultaneous determination of six major ginsenosides in American ginseng.
• To apply multivariate data analysis (chemometrics) for quality assessment and sample discrimination.
• To evaluate the quality of American ginseng samples based on pharmacopoeial standards.

Main Methods:

• Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with gradient elution using acetonitrile and water mobile phases containing formic acid.
• Simultaneous quantification of six ginsenosides: Rg₁, Re, Rb₁, Rc, Ro, and Rd.
• Multivariate data analysis including Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA).

Main Results:

• The UPLC method demonstrated excellent linearity, stability, precision, repeatability, and recovery, meeting quantification requirements.
• The total content of Rg₁, Re, and Rb₁ in 57 analyzed samples complied with the 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia standards.
• PCA effectively discriminated between crude American ginseng drugs and decoction pieces; PLS-DA distinguished samples based on their age.

Conclusions:

• The developed UPLC method is suitable for the simultaneous quantification of key ginsenosides in American ginseng.
• Multivariate data analysis provides powerful tools for differentiating ginseng quality attributes, including sample form and age.
• This integrated approach enhances the quality control and authentication of American ginseng products.