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Radix Ginseng
Geographical distribution
Mountain regions of China (Manchuria), the Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation
(eastern Siberia) (7, 8). It is commercially produced mainly by cultivation
(6).
General identity tests
Macroscopic and microscopic examinations, microchemical tests, and
thin-layer chromatographic analysis (1–5).
Purity tests
Microbiology
The test for Salmonella spp. in Radix Ginseng products should be negative.
The maximum acceptable limits of other microorganisms are as follows
(11–13). For preparation of decoction: aerobic bacteria—not more
than 10 7 /g; fungi—not more than 10 5 /g; Escherichia coli—not more than
10 2 /g. Preparations for internal use: aerobic bacteria—not more than
10 5 /g or ml; fungi—not more than 10 4 /g or ml; enterobacteria and certain
Gram negative bacteria—not more than 10 3 /g or ml; Escherichia
coli—0/g or ml.
Foreign organic matter
Not more than 2% (2, 3).
Total ash
Not more than 4.2% (2).
Acid-insoluble ash
Not more than 1% (4).
Sulfated ash
Not more than 12% (5).
Alcohol-soluble extractive
Not less than 14.0% (2).
Pesticide residues
To be established in accordance with national requirements. Normally,
the maximum residue limit of aldrin and dieldrin for Radix Ginseng is not
more than 0.05 mg/kg (13). For other pesticides, see WHO guidelines on
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