Discrimination of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) roots using rapid resolution LC-QTOF/MS combined by multivariate statistical analysis

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) contains several types of saponins and ginsenosides, which are usually considered the major active components of ginseng. The types and quantities of saponins found in ginseng may differ depending on the region of cultivation. As a result, ginsengs produced in different areas of Korea have been unintentionally mislabeled and/or confused by Korean herbal markets owing to their complicated plant sources. Another concern is that 4- and 6-year-old ginseng roots, traditionally prescribed for different medicinal purposes, can vary in total saponin contents. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a reliable method for distinguishing different cultivation regions and ages of ginseng roots. A rapid resolution liquid chromatography-quadruple time of flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-QTOF/MS) based chemical profiling method was established for the rapid and global evaluation of Korean ginseng roots in this study. The method was successfully applied for the comparison of ginseng roots cultivated in different regions and of differing ages. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data showed the clear separation of 4- and 6-year-old ginseng roots and of ginseng cultivated in 2 different areas of Korea, Ganghwa and Punggi.