Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

This study was carried out to develop a cost-, labor- and efficiency-effective elimination method of pesticide residues in ginseng extract. A two-phase distribution method between soybean oil and an aqueous layer or ginseng extract as an herbal extract was employed for the elimination of spiked pest...

This study was carried out to develop a cost-, labor- and efficiency-effective elimination method of pesticide residues in ginseng extract. A two-phase distribution method between soybean oil and an aqueous layer or ginseng extract as an herbal extract was employed for the elimination of spiked pesticides. Content of the pesticides in both phases was determined by gas chromatography with electron capture or nitrogen phosphorus detector. First, a total of 15 pesticides representing 4 categories were spiked (ca. 2 ppm) to the test tubes containing a mixture of soybean oil and distilled water (D/W). The test tubes were then vortexed (2 min) vigorously and centrifuged at 3,000 rpm/15 min to separate the oil and D/W layers. The average distribution ratio of the pesticides to the oil layer was 94.4%. Next, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40% ginseng extracts were employed to determine the effect of solid matter content on the pesticides distribution to the oil phase. Distribution of procymidone to the oil phase decreased slightly but not significantly as the solid matter increased. Finally, we spiked 15 kinds of pesticides (2~3 ppm) to the test tubes containing soybean oil (1/3 volume of ginseng extract) and 10% ginseng extract because the content of solid matter in ginseng extract before concentration accounts for less than 10%. The test tubes were then vortexed vigorously and centrifuged to harvest both layers. The distribution ratio of pesticides to the oil phase demonstrated an average 105.5%. In addition, no significant change in the content of ginsenosides, the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, was observed before and after the oil treatment. These results suggest that two-phase distribution between soybean oil and the aqueous phase is a cost-, labor- and efficiency-effective reliable method for the elimination of pesticide residues in aqueous ginseng extract. We also investigated the beneficial effect of oil-treated and oil-nontreated ginseng extract on blood chemical and biochemical parameters in old male rats (500±20 g, 14-month old, Sprauge Dawley, male). A total of 18 rats were divided into 3 groups. Normal control (NC) group received solid pellet feed. Feed for NT (oil-nontreated ginseng extract) and TT (oil-treated ginseng extract) was prepared in the laboratory by mixing powdered food with freeze dried ginseng extract. NT and TT group animals were given ginseng extract at daily dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. for 11 weeks. Blood chemical parameters and sperm motility were investigated together with daily food intake and body weight increment. Testis and spleen weights in TT group was significantly higher than those in NT and NC (p＜0.05). AST and HDL-cholesterol levels were slightly improved in TT group but showed no statistical significance when compared with NC. From this result, it can be concluded that oil-treated (pesticide residues removed) ginseng extract demonstrated slightly more potent effect on the improvement organ function in male old rats.

Keyword