Effects of high-hydrostatic pressure on ginsenoside concentrations in Korean red ginseng

Abstract

The effects of high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the ginsenoside concentration in Korean red ginseng were investigated. HHP-pretreated Korean red ginseng samples were compared to samples produced by a conventional method. Six-year-old Korean fresh ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) samples were vacuum-packaged in polyethylene film and treated at room temperature for 1 min with HHP (200-600 MPa) and steamed at 98 degrees C for 3 hr. Major ginsenosides of red ginseng, were analyzed by HPLC. HHP-pretreated red ginseng showed a 45% higher level of total major ginsenosides than conventionally prepared red ginseng. The levels of 4 protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides increased 34-43% and the levels of 5 protopanaxatnol-type ginsenosides increased 45-66%. Scanning electron microscopy and electrical conductivity spectrum analysis showed that HHP pretreatment damaged ginseng plant cells and increased extraction efficiencies of ginsenosides from red ginseng products.