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Ginsenosides are a class of steroid-like compounds, triterpene saponins, found exclusively in Panax. Ginsenosides have been the target of research, as they are viewed as the active compounds behind the claims of ginseng's efficacy. Since ginsenosides appear to affect multiple pathways, its effects are complex and difficult to isolate.
Ginsenosides
Ginsenosides are identified by column chromatography. Ginsenoside content can vary widely depending on species, location of growth, and growing time before harvest.
Rb1
Appears to be most abundant in Panax quinquefolius.
Rb1 seems to affect the reproductive system in animal tests.
Recent study shows that Rb1 affects rat embryo development [1] (http://www.eshre.com/ecm/main.asp?lan=99&typ=308).
Another study shows that Rb1 may increase testosterone production in male rats indirectly through the stimulation of the luteinizing hormone.
Rb2
Rc
Rd
Re
Rf
Present in Panax ginseng; not present in Panax quinquefolius.[2] (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14705875)
Rg1
Appears to be most abundant in Panax ginseng.
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