Effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on the 5-HT3A receptor-mediated ion current in Xenopus oocytes

Treatment with ginsenosides, major active ingredients of Panax ginseng, produces a variety of pharmacological or physiological responses with effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent reports showed that ginsenoside Rg2 inhibits nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated Na+ influx and channel activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ginsenoside Rg2 on human 5-hydroxytryptamine3A (5-HT3A) receptor channel activity, which is also one of the ligand-gated ion channel families. The 5-HT3A receptor was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the current was measured using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. The ginsenoside Rg2 itself had no effect on the oocytes that were injected with H2O as well as on the oocytes that were injected with the 5-HT3A receptor cRNA. In the oocytes that were injected with the 5-HT3A receptor cRNA, the pretreatment of ginsenoside Rg2 inhibited the 5-HT-induced inward peak current (I5-HT) The inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg2 on I5-HT was dose dependent and reversible. The half-inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of ginsenoside Rg2 was 22.3 +/- 4.6 microM. The inhibition of I5-HT by ginsenoside Rg2 was non-competitive and voltage-independent. These results indicate that ginsenoside Rg2 might regulate the 5-HT3A receptors that are expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Further, this regulation on the ligand-gated ion channel activity by ginsenosides might be one of the pharmacological actions of Panax ginseng.     

Effects of ginsenosides and their metabolites on voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel subtypes

In previous reports we demonstrated that ginsenosides, active ingredients of Panax ginseng, affect some subsets of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in neuronal cells expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. However, the major component(s) of ginseng that affect cloned Ca(2+) channel subtypes such as alpha(1C) (L)-, alpha(1B) (N)-, alpha(1A) (P/Q)-, a1E (R)- and a1G (T) have not been identified. Here, we used the two-microelectrode volt-age clamp technique to characterize the effects of ginsenosides and ginsenoside metabolites on Ba(2+) currents (IBa) in Xenopus oocytes expressing five different Ca(2+) channel subtypes. Exposure to ginseng total saponins (GTS) induced voltage-dependent, dose-dependent and reversible inhibition of the five channel subtypes, with particularly strong inhibition of the a1G-type. Of the various ginsenosides, Rb(1), Rc, Re, Rf, Rg(1), Rg(3), and Rh(2), ginsenoside Rg(3) also inhibited all five channel subtypes and ginsenoside Rh(2) had most effect on the a1C- and a1E-type Ca(2+) channels. Compound K (CK), a protopanaxadiol ginsenoside metabolite, strongly inhibited only the a(1G)-type of Ca(2+) channel, whereas M4, a protopanaxatriol ginsenoside metabolite, had almost no effect on any of the channels. Rg(3), Rh(2), and CK shifted the steady-state activation curves but not the inactivation curves in the depolarizing direction in the alpha(1B)- and alpha(1A)-types. These results reveal that Rg(3), Rh(2) and CK are the major inhibitors of Ca(2+) channels in Panax ginseng, and that they show some Ca(2+) channel selectivity.     

Simultaneous Determination and Analysis of Major Ginsenosides in Wild American Ginseng Grown in Tennessee

Ginsenosides are the major constituent that is responsible for the health effects of American ginseng. The ginsenoside profile of wild American ginseng is ultimately the result of germplasm, climate, geography, vegetation species, water, and soil conditions. This is the first report to address the ginsenoside profile of wild American ginseng grown in Tennessee (TN), the third leading state for production of wild American ginseng. In the present study, ten major ginsenosides in wild American ginseng roots grown in TN, including Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, and Rg3, were determined simultaneously. The chemotypic differences among TN wild ginseng, cultivated American ginseng, and Asian ginseng were assessed based on the widely used markers of ginsenoside profiling, including the top three ginsenosides, ratios of PPD/PPT, Rg1/Rb1, Rg1/Re, and Rb2/Rc. Our findings showed marked variation in ginsenoside profile for TN wild ginseng populations. Nevertheless, TN wild ginseng has significant higher ginsenoside content and more ginsenoside diversity than the cultivated ginseng. The total ginsenoside content in TN wild ginseng, as well as ginsenosides Rg1 and Re, increases with the age of the roots. Marked chemotypic differences between TN wild ginseng and cultivated American ginseng were observed based on the chemotypic markers. Surprisingly, we found that TN wild ginseng is close to Asian ginseng with regard to these characteristics in chemical composition. This study verified an accessible method to scientifically elucidate the difference in chemical constituents to distinguish wild from the cultivated American ginseng. This work is critical for the ecological and biological assessments of wild American ginseng so as to facilitate long‐term sustainability of the wild population.     

Determination of major ginsenosides in Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) using high-performance liquid chromatography

In order to determine the active ingredients in root extracts of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), a gradient HPLC method involving UV photodiode array detection was applied to separate and quantify simultaneously the ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf and Rg1. All ginseng saponins were baseline-resolved under the selected conditions, and the detection limits were 1.0 microg/mL or less. The method has been applied to analyse ginsenosides extracted from American ginseng cultivated in both Wisconsin and Illinois. Ginsenosides Re and Rb1 were the two main ginseng saponins in the root. The amounts of Re in 5- and 7-year Illinois-cultivated samples were greater than those found in ginseng cultivated for 3 or 4 years in Wisconsin, whereas the levels of Rb1 were greater in the younger Wisconsin samples.     

Simultaneous determination of ginsenosides in Panax ginseng with different growth ages using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

The contents of ginsenosides in Panax ginseng not only vary in different parts of the root, but also exhibit yearly variation. In this study, an HPLC-MS method was established in order to simultaneously analyse ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1 and Rg2. The concentration of ginsenosides in the tap root and root fibre were compared and the yearly variations of nine ginsenosides elucidated. The results indicate that the total content of ginsenosides in the main root and the root fibre both attain a maximum level in the fourth year of growth, although the amount in the former is much higher than in the latter. The variation in the content of ginsenosides during a 2-6 year period suggests that cultivated P. Ginseng can be harvested after the fourth year. The current results will provide useful information for the quality control and good agricultural practice farming of ginseng.     

Neuroprotective effect of individual ginsenosides on astrocytes primary culture

Most of the known pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng on the central nervous system are due to its major components - ginsenosides. Although the antioxidant ability of ginseng root has already been established, this activity has never been evaluated for isolated ginsenosides on astrocytes. The activity of protopanaxadiols Rb(1), Rb(2), Rc and Rd, and protopanaxatriols Re and Rg(1) was evaluated in vitro on astrocytes primary culture by means of an oxidative stress model with H(2)O(2). The viability of astrocytes was determined by the MTT reduction assay and by the LDH release into the incubation medium. The effects on the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) and on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were also investigated. Exposure of astrocytes to H(2)O(2) decreased cell viability as well as the antioxidant enzymes activity and increased ROS formation. Oxidative stress produced significant cell death that was reduced by previous treatment with the tested ginsenosides. Ginsenosides Rb(1), Rb(2), Re and Rg(1) were effective in reducing astrocytic death, while Rb(1), Rb(2), Rd, Re and Rg(1) decreased ROS formation, ginsenoside Re being the most active. Ginsenosides from P. ginseng induce neuroprotection mainly through activation of antioxidant enzymes.     

人参生殖器官皂苷含量动态变化

为了明确从现蕾、开花到结实过程中的人参生殖器官中各单体皂苷含量的动态变化,应用HPLC法测定了人工栽培的五年生人参不同时期生殖器官中的人参单体皂苷Rb1、Rb2、Rb3、Rc、Rd、Re、Rg1和Rg3的含量。结果显示:从现蕾到果实成熟的过程中,人参单体皂苷Rb1、Rb2、Rb3、Rc、Rd、Re、Rg1和Rg3的含量的平均值分别为0.643%,0.189%,1.026%,1.014%,1.941%,8.381%,0.724%和0.041mg.g-1。从现蕾到果实成熟的过程中,人参单体皂苷Rb1含量的最高值在7月16日,单体皂苷Rb3、Rc、Rd和Rg1含量的最高值在7月11日,单体皂苷Rb2和Rg2含量的最高值在8月7日。     

Differential effect of ginsenoside metabolites on the 5-HT3A receptor-mediated ion current in Xenopus oocytes

Ginsenosides are major active ingredients of Panax ginseng. They have a number of pharmacological and physiological actions and are transformed into compound K (CK) or M4 by intestinal microorganisms. CK is derived from protopanaxadiol (PD) ginsenosides, whereas M4 is derived from protopanaxatriol (PT) ginsenosides. Recent reports show that ginsenosides act as pro-drugs for these metabolites. In previous work we demonstrated that the ginsenoside Rg2 regulates human 5-hydroxytryptamine3A (5-HT3A) receptor channel activity [Choi et al. (2003)]. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CK and M4 on the activity of the human 5-HT3A receptor channel. The 5-HT3A receptor was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the current was measured using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Treatment with CK or M4 had no effect on oocytes injected with 5-HT3A receptor cRNA. However pretreatment with M4 or CK followed by injection of 5-HT3A receptor cRNA led to reversible inhibition of the 5-HT-induced inward peak current (I(5-HT)). Half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of CK and M4 were 36.9 +/- 9.6 and 7.3 +/- 2.2 microM, respectively. Inhibition by M4 was non-competitive and voltage-independent. These results indicate that M4, a metabolite of PT ginsenosides, acts primarily on 5-HT3A receptors and further, that ginsenosides as well as ginsenoside metabolites can influence 5-HT3A receptor channel activity in Xenopus oocytes.     

Understory light and root ginsenosides in forest-grown Panax quinquefolius

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between light levels in the understory of a broadleaf forest and the content of six ginsenosides (Rg(1), Re, Rb(1), Rc, Rb(2,) and Rd) in 1- and 2-year-old American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) roots. Our results revealed that ginsenoside contents in 1- and 2 year-old roots collected in September were significantly related to direct and total light levels, and duration of sunflecks. At this time, the effect of light levels accounted for up to 48 and 62% of the variation in ginsenoside contents of 1- and 2-year-old American ginseng roots. Also, red (R) and far red (FR) light, and the R:FR ratio significantly affected Rd, Rc, and Rg(1) contents in 2-year-old roots, accounting for up to 40% of the variation in ginsenoside contents.     

Methyl jasmonate elicitation enhanced synthesis of ginsenoside by cell suspension cultures of Panax ginseng in 5-l balloon type bubble bioreactors

The effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) elicitation on the cell growth and accumulation of ginsenoside in 5-l bioreactor suspension cultures of Panax ginseng were investigated. Ginsenoside accumulation was enhanced by elicitation by MJ (in the range 50–400 M); however, fresh weight, dry weight and growth ratio of the cells was strongly inhibited by increasing MJ concentration. The highest ginsenoside yield was obtained at 200 M MJ. In the second experiment, 200 M MJ was added on day 15 during the cultivation. The ginsenoside, Rb group, and Rg group ginsenoside content increased 2.9, 3.7, and 1.6 times, respectively, after 8 days of MJ treatment. Rb group gisnsenosides accumulated more than Rg group ginsenosides. Among Rb group ginsenosides, Rb1 content increased significantly by four times but the contents of Rb2, Rc and Rd increased only slightly. Among Rg group ginsenosides, Rg1 and Re showed 2.3-fold and 3.0-fold increments, respectively, whereas there was only a slight increment in Rf group ginsenosides. These results suggest that MJ elicitation is beneficial for ginsenoside production using 5-l bioreactor cell suspension cultures.     

Application of microwave-irradiation technique in deglycosylation of ginsenosides for improving apoptosis induction in human melanoma SK-MEL-2 cells

To increase the contents of medicinally effective ginsenosides, we used high-temperature and high-pressure thermal processing of ginseng by exposing it to microwave irradiation. To determine the anti-melanoma effect, the malignant melanoma SK-MEL-2 cell line was treated with an extract of microwave-irradiated ginseng. Microwave irradiation caused changes in the ginsenoside contents: the amounts of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd were disappeared, while those of less polar ginsenosides, such as Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1, were increased. In particular, the contents of Rk1 and Rg5 markedly increased. Melanoma cells treated with the microwave-irradiated ginseng extract showed markedly increased cell death. The results indicate that the microwave-irradiated ginseng extract induced melanoma cell death via the apoptotic pathway and that the cytotoxic effect of the microwave-irradiated ginseng extract is attributable to the increased contents of specific ginsenosides.     

Ginsenoside content and variation among and within American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) populations

The contents of five ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc and Rd) were measured in American ginseng roots collected from 10 populations grown in Maryland. Ginsenoside contents and compositions varied significantly among populations and protopanaxatriol (Rg1 and Re) ginsenosides were inversely correlated within root samples and among populations. The most abundant ginsenoside within a root and by population was either Rg1 or Re, followed by Rb1. Ginseng populations surveyed grouped into two chemotypes based on the relative compositions of Rg1 and Re. Four populations, including the control population in which plants were grown from TN and WI seed sources, contained roots with the recognized chemotype for American ginseng of low Rg1 composition relative to Re. The remaining 6 populations possessed roots with a distinctive chemotype of high relative Rg1 to Re compositions. Chemotype did not vary by production type (wild versus cultivated) and roots within a population rarely exhibited chemotypes different from the overall population chemotype. These results provide support for recent evidence that relative Rg1 to Re ginsenoside contents in American ginseng roots vary by region and that these differences are likely influenced more by genotype than environmental factors. Because the physiological and medicinal effects of different ginsenosides differ and can even be oppositional, our findings indicate the need for fingerprinting ginseng samples for regulation and recommended usage. Also, the High Rg1/Low Re chemotype discovered in MD could potentially be used therapeutically for coronary health based on recent evidence of the positive effects of Rg1 on vascular growth.     

Ginsenosides regulate ligand-gated ion channels from the outside

Treatment with ginsenosides, the major active ingredients of Panax ginseng, produces a variety of physiological effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Ginsenosides inhibit various types of ligand-gated ion channel but it is not clear whether they act from within or outside the cell since they are somewhat membrane-permeable. In the present study, we used the Xenopus oocyte gene expression system to determine from which side of the cell membrane the ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), and M4, a ginsenoside metabolite, act to regulate ligand-gated ion channel activity. Ligand-gated ion currents were measured using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Rg3 and M4 inhibited 5-HT3A and a3b4 nACh receptor-mediated ion currents when present outside of the cell but not when injected intracellularly. We also examined the effect of these agents on oocytes expressing the gustatory cGMP-gated ion channel, which is known to have a cGMP binding site on the intracellular side of the plasma membrane and is only activated by cytosolic cGMP. Rg3 inhibited cGMP-gated ion currents when applied extracellularly or to an outside-out patch clamp, but not when injected into the cytosol or when using an excised inside-out patch clamp. These results indicate that Rg3 and M4 regulate ligand-gated ion channel activity from the extracellular side.     

Comparison of ginsenoside composition in native roots and cultured callus cells of Panax quinquefolium L.

In order to compare the ginsenoside composition in native Panax quinquefolium and in suspension cultured cells derived from root callus, HPLC–ESI-MSⁿ analysis was performed. Under the present HPLC–ESI-MSⁿ conditions, ten ginsenosides from native root were acquired in the positive and negative ion modes, namely Rg₁, Re, Ro, malonyl-Rb₁, Rf, Rb₁, Rc, Rb₂, Rb₃ and Rd. Only four ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rf and Rb1) were identified from callus cells. Radical scavenging activity of P. quinquefolium callus cells with 250 mg l^?1 methanolic extract on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was 55.72 %, while only 6.31 % DPPH inhibition was obtained in native root.     

Effects of ginsenoside on pacemaker potentials of cultured interstitial cells of Cajal clusters from the small intestine of mice

Ginsenoside, one of the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, has a variety of physiological and pharmacological actions in various organs. However, little is known about the effects of ginsenosides on gastrointestinal (GI) motility. We studied the modulation of pacemaker potentials by ginsenoside in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) using the whole-cell patch clamp technique in the current clamp mode. Among ginsenosides, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1, Rg3 and Rf. While externally applied Rb1 and Rg3 had no effects on pacemaker potentials, Rf caused membrane depolarization. The application of flufenamic acid or niflumic acid abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and inhibited the Rf-induced membrane depolarization. Membrane depolarization induced by Rf was not inhibited by intracellular application of guanosine 5′-[β-thio]diphosphate trilithium salt. Pretreatment with a Ca²⁺-free solution, thapsigargin, a Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum, U-73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, or 2-APB, an IP3 receptor inhibitor, abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and suppressed Rfinduced actions. However, treatment with chelerythrine and calphostin C, protein kinase C inhibitors, did not block Rf-induced effects on pacemaker potentials. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rf modulates the pacemaker activities of ICCs and therby regulates intestinal motility.     

Growth kinetics and ginsenosides production in transformed hairy roots of American ginseng—Panax quinquefolium L

A thin, profusely branched, fast growing hairy root line of Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) was established by co-culturing epicotyl explants with a wild type strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The transformed roots grew by over 10-fold from the initial inoculum within 8 weeks. The crude ginsenosides content in the roots was about 0.2 g/g dry wt level up to the 10th week of culture. Ginsenosides Rb2, Rd, Re, Rf and Rg1 constituted 47–49% of the crude saponin fraction between 6 and 8 weeks of growth whereas, Rc ginsenoside was accumulated only after 9th weeks when the biomass started receding. PCR amplification analysis of the hairy roots confirmed their transgenic nature by showing the presence of Ri-TL DNA with rolA, rolB and rolC genes in their genome.     

In vitro metabolism of ginsenosides by the ginseng root pathogen Pythium irregulare

The role of ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) as modulators or inhibitors of disease is vague, but our earlier work supports the existence of an allelopathic relationship between ginsenosides and soilborne microbes. Interestingly, this allelopathy appears to significantly promote the growth of the important ginseng pathogen, Pythium irregulare while inhibiting that of an antagonistic non-pathogenic fungus, Trichoderma hamatum. Herein we report on the apparent selective metabolism of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol ginsenosides by an extracellular glycosidase from P. irregulare. Thus, when P. irregulare was cultured in the presence of a purified (> 90%) ginsenoside mixture, nearly all of the 20(S)-protopanaxadiol ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, and to a limited extent G-XVII) were metabolized into the minor ginsenoside F2, at least half of which appears to be internalized by the organism. No metabolism of the 20(S)-protopanaxatriol ginsenosides (Rg1 and Re) was evident. By contrast, none of the ginsenosides added to the culture medium of the non-pathogenic fungus T. hamatum were metabolized. The metabolism of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol ginsenosides by P. irregulare appears to occur through the hydrolysis of terminal monosaccharide units from disaccharides present at C-3 and/or C-20 of ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rd and G-XVII to yield one major product, ginsenoside F2 and one minor product (possibly G-III). A similar transformation of ginsenosides was observed using a crude protein preparation isolated from the spent medium of P. irregulare cultures.     

Generation of ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 from North American ginseng

Rg3 and Rh2 ginsenosides are primarily found in Korean red ginseng root (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and valued for their bioactive properties. We quantified both Rh2 and Rg3 ginseng leaf and Rg3 from root extracts derived from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Quantification was obtained by application of HPLC with ion fragments detected using ESI-MS. Ginseng leaf contained 11.3+/-0.5 mg/g Rh2 and 7.5+/-0.9 mg/g Rg3 in concentrated extracts compared to 10.6+/-0.4 mg/g Rg3 in ginseng root. No detectable Rh2 was found in root extracts by HPLC, although it was detectable by ESI-MS analysis. Ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 were detected following hot water reflux extraction, but not from tissues extracted with 80% aqueous ethanol at room temperature. Therefore ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 are not naturally present in North American ginseng, but are products of a thermal process. Using ESI-MS analysis, it was found that formation of Rg3 and Rh2, among other compounds, were a function of heating time and were breakdown products of the more abundant ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc. Our findings that heat processed North American ginseng leaf is an excellent source of Rh2 ginsenoside is an important discovery considering that ginseng leaf material is obtainable throughout the entire plant cycle for recovery of valuable ginsenosides for pharmaceutical use.     

A novel ginsenosidase from an Aspergillus strain hydrolyzing 6-O-multi-glycosides of protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides, named ginsenosidase type IV

Herein, a novel ginsenosidase, named ginsenosidase type IV, hydrolyzing 6-O-multi-glycosides of protopanaxatrioltype ginsenosides (PPT), such as Re, R1, Rf, and Rg2, was isolated from the Aspergillus sp. 39g strain, purified, and characterized. Ginsenosidase type IV was able to hydrolyze the 6-O-alpha-L-(1-->2)-rhamnoside of Re and the 6-O-beta-D- (1-->2)-xyloside of R1 into ginsenoside Rg1. Subsequently, it could hydrolyze the 6-O-beta-D-glucoside of Rg1 into F1. Similarly, it was able to hydrolyze the 6-O-alpha-L-(1-->2)- rhamnoside of Rg2 and the 6-O-beta-D-(1-->2)-glucoside of Rf into Rh1, and then further hydrolyze Rh1 into its aglycone. However, ginsenosidase type IV could not hydrolyze the 3-O- or 20-O-glycosides of protopanaxadioltype ginsenosides (PPD), such as Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, and Rd. These exhibited properties are significantly different from those of glycosidases described in Enzyme Nomenclature by the NC-IUBMB. The optimal temperature and pH for ginsenosidase type IV were 40°C and 6.0, respectively. The activity of ginsenosidase type IV was slightly improved by the Mg(2+) ion, and inhibited by Cu(2+) and Fe(2+) ions. The molecular mass of the enzyme, based on SDS-PAGE, was noted as being approximately 56 kDa.     

人参皂苷与生态因子的相关性

环境条件影响中药材活性成分的形成和积累.利用各种数学统计分析方法探讨影响人参皂苷积累的生态因子,提高人参品质.人参样品采自人参道地产区(主产区)吉林、辽宁、黑龙江三省5年生栽培人参,同时采集采样点处的土壤样品.超高效液相(UPLC)色谱法分析了不同产区9种人参皂苷(Rg1、Re、Rf、Rg2、Rb1、Rc、Rb2、Rb3、Rd)的含量;利用“中药材产地适宜性分析地理信息系统”的生态因子空间数据库,获得采样区包括温度、水分、光照等10个生态因子数据;按土壤理化性质常规方法测定土壤样品中的有效硼、有效铁等微量元素和速效氮、速效钾等有效养分.对人参有效成分含量与土壤养分进行典型相关性分析发现,土壤中的有效硼、有效铁、速效氮与人参皂苷含量呈显著正相关,即适当提高土壤中有效硼、有效铁和速效氮的含量可以促进人参皂苷成分的积累,土壤水分与所测人参皂苷含量(Rb3除外)呈显著正相关,速效磷(P)、pH、速效锌(Zn)与各人参皂苷含量呈弱相关;人参皂苷与气候因子相关分析表明,温度(年活动积温、年平均气温、7月最高气温、7月平均气温、1月最低气温、1月平均气温)与人参皂苷含量呈显著负相关,其中与药典中人参含量测定项下的人参皂苷Rg1、Re、Rb1负相关尤为显著(r＞0.6),说明在一定温度范围内,人参皂苷是随着温度的降低而升高的,即适当低温有利于人参皂苷有效成分的积累;海拔与人参皂苷Rc、Rb2、Rb3含量呈显著正相关(r＞0.6),即相对较高的海拔可以促进这3种成分的积累;而年均降水量、年相对湿度和年均日照时数与人参皂苷相关不显著.通过主成分分析(PCA)、典型相关分析、排序等统计方法,考察不同产地样品中人参皂苷含量与生态因子间的相关性,研究结果揭示了温度在人参的主要活性成分-皂苷类形成中起决定性作用,在一定的温度范围内,温度越低越有利于人参皂苷的积累;阐明了土壤中的有效硼、有效铁、速效氮与人参皂苷含量成正相关.研究结果提示在人参实践生产中可以通过适当低温处理,增施硼、铁、氮肥等农艺措施来调控人参皂苷含量.