Studies on the Absorption, Distribution, Excretion and Metabolism of Ginseng Saponins. II.1) The Absorption, Distribution and Excretion of Ginsenoside Rg1 in the Rat

Abstract

The pharmacokinetic charactor of ginsenoside Rgi, one of the main saponins of ginseng Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), was investigated in rats by using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and a dual-wavelength TLC scanner. Ginsenoside Rg1 was absorbed rapidly from the upper parts of the digestive tract accounting for 1.9—20.0% of the dose of Rgi administered orally). The serum level of ginsenoside Rg1 reached its peak at 30 min, and the maximum levels of ginsenoside Rg1 in tissues were attained within 1.5 h. However, ginsenoside Rg1 was not found in the brain. Ginsenoside Rg1 was excreted into rat urine and bile in a 2:5 ratio. It was also proved that ginsenoside Rg1 was not significantly metabolized in the liver. However, the decomposition and/or metabolism of ginsenoside Rgi in rat stomach and large intestine were confirmed. © 1983, The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.