HPLC Analysis of Ginsenosides in the Roots of Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and North American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius) With in-Line Photodiode Array and Evaporative Light Scattering Detection

In-line connected ultraviolet (UV) and evaporative light scattering (ELS) detection were compared in the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of ginsenosides in ginseng roots. Similar to all the QA/QC literature on ginseng and ginseng products, employing HPLC-UV, the UV detection showed a good linearity in the range of 100–2000 ng of ginsenosides, with minimum detectable concentration of 10 ng of ginsenosides on the column. In contrast, the sensitivity of the ELSD was found to be 5 times lower than that obtained with the UV, with minimum detectable concentration of 50 ng of ginsenosides on the column. Further, the calibration curve obtained with the ELSD was exponential linear in the range of 200–2000 ng of ginsenosides. Quantitative evaluation in terms of ginsenosides using both methods of detection showed similar results. But, in view of the better sensitivity and easier handling, the UV is still recommended for the routine analysis of ginseng samples.