Utilization of hydrolytic enzymes for the extraction of ginsenosides from Korean ginseng leaves

This study was performed to measure the amount of ginsenoside content obtained from dried ginseng leaf powder treated with various enzymes, including Ultraflo L. Ultraflo L showed superior results to other enzymes and untreated ginseng leaf in catalyzing the liberation of biological compounds. The total ginsenoside content and metabolites showed the highest levels (406.1 μg/mg and 93.1 μg/mg, respectively) in ginseng leaf extract treated with Ultraflo L (UTGL). In particular, the content of ginsenoside F2 in UTGL was 8.5-fold greater compared to that found in the roots. UTGL showed significantly higher DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activities (2.77 mg/mL and 1.57 mg/mL of IC ₅₀ value, respectively) than untreated ginseng leaf. Ginseng leaf treated with Ultraflo L has advantages over untreated ginseng leaf in terms of cost and source availability. These data also suggest that the leaves and stems of ginseng may be used as food resources, functional food materials, and feedstuffs.