Abstract
A new HPLC-method for separation and quantitative determination of ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium and in pharmaceutical drug preparations is elaborated. A reversed-phase-system with (μBondapak C18 column (3.9 mm I. D. × 30 cm) using acetonitrile-water (30:70) 2 ml/min and acetonitrile-water (18:82) 4 ml/min is suitable for the baseline separation of Rb1; Rb2, Re, Rd, Rf, Rg2, respectively Re, Rg! in 30 minutes. The ginsenosides are directly detected at 203 nm (without derivatization) with the LC-55 or LC-75 spectrophotometer (Perkin-Elmer) at 100 % transmission. Detection limit is 300 ng at a signal-to-noise ratio of 10:1. The calibration curve of each ginsenoside has a correlation coefficient very near to 1. Relative standard deviation for quantitative determinations depends upon the amount of ginsenosides and is approximately 1 % for ginsenoside contents of 1 %. This method is adaptable for routine analysis in quality control laboratories.