RP-HPLC determination of ginsenoside compound K in various part of Panax ginseng

Objective:To investigate whether Panax ginseng contains ginsenoside compound K and to quantitate ginsenoside compound K.Method:The samples were extracted with chloroform and methanol(15:1).The content of ginsenoside compound K in various part of Panax ginseng was detected by RP-HPLC using Zorbax SB C_(18) col- umn(4.6mm×150mm,5μm).The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water with gradient elution,at a flow rate of 0.8mL·min~(-1).The detection wavelength was 203 nm.Results:The contents of ginsenoside com- pound K in the flower and the fruit were 0.02% and 0.04%,respectively.Ginsenoside compound K shows good linearity(r=0.9996) in the range of 0.523-10.45μg.The average recovery was 97.55%.Ginsenoside com- pound K was not found in the stem and leaves of ginseng,main root of fresh ginseng,the basal part of stem,fibrous root and main root of red ginseng.Conclusion:Ginsenoside compound K exists in Panax ginseng.This method is simple,sensitive and accurate,and it can be used for the assay of ginsenoside compound K content in various part of Panax ginseng.