Ultrasound-assisted extraction of ginseng saponins from ginseng roots and cultured ginseng cells

Ultrasound-assisted extraction was evaluated as a simpler and more effectiv e alternative to conventional extraction methods for the isolation of ginse nosides (saponins) from various types of ginseng. The ginseng samples were extracted with different solvents, under either direct sonication by an ult rasound probe hom or indirect sonication in an ultrasound cleaning bath. Th e ultrasonic extraction was compared with the conventional method of reflux ing boiling solvents in a soxhlet extractor, on the yields of both the tota l saponin isolated by thin-layer chromatography and the individual ginsenos ides by high performance liquid chromatography. It was found that the sonic ation-assisted extraction of ginseng saponins was about three times faster than the traditional extraction method. The ultrasonic extraction was not o nly more efficient but also convenient for the recovery and purification of the active ingredients of plant materials. In addition, the sonication-ass isted extraction can be carried out at lower temperatures which are favorab le for the thermally unstable compounds. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.