Ginsenosides

A class of natural product glycosides and triterpene saponins. Compounds in this family are found almost exclusively in the plant genus Panax (ginseng); Ginsenoside content varies significantly due to environmental in uences. Ginsenosides can be found in the root, rhizome (head) and leaves of ginseng. When ginseng is freshly dried, it is called “white ginseng” and contains a range of over 30 ginsenosides. When the fresh ginseng is steamed, it turns brick red and is known as “red ginseng.” The steaming stimulates the production of ginsenoside metabolites such as Rg3, which have added important biological bene ts for the consumers. Fermentation processes used to make “kinetic ginseng” produce even more metabolites that have powerful health benefits. Some ginseng products are artificially enhanced by adding ginsenosides extracted from the rhizomes of cultivated ginseng. The ginsenosides from the rhizomes are not favored by ginseng connoisseurs because they are believed to cause agitation. Ginsenosides from roots do NOT result in agitation.