Comparative pharmacokinetic studies on ginsenosides in the common and ultrafine granular powder of Panax ginseng by using UHPLC-MS/MS

Using UHPLC-MS/MS, we compared ginseng ultrafine granular powder (UGP) with common powder (CP). UGP showed higher solubility and faster dissolution. In SD rats, relative bioavailability increased markedly (Rc/Rb2/Rb1/Re/Rd: +113.80%, +104.80%, +81.37%, +70.62%, +33.54%). Re reached Cmax at 2 h in UGP vs 4 h in CP and showed a double peak. Rb1 had the highest Cmax (400.82 vs 220.20 ng/ml). The observed improvements may be attributable to the reduced particle size and increased surface area of UGP. These data support optimized clinical use and formulation of ginseng.