人参中三萜类化学成分的研究

Triterpenoids in Panax ginseng

人参皂苷系人参根和根茎的活性成分,参与调节多种生理活性。在我们前文总结的基础上,本文概述人参根和根茎、茎叶、果实、种子和红参中三萜类化学成分的研究,为源于人参的现代中药的研究与开发提供科学依据。迄今,已从人参分离鉴定了201个三萜类化合物,其中189个归属为达玛烷型三萜及其衍生物,10个归属为齐墩果酸型三萜,2个归属为羽扇豆烷型三萜;不但在含量上,而且在化学结构多样性上,达玛烷型三萜及其衍生物占绝对优势地位。

Ginseng is members of the genus Panax in the Araliaceae family, which is well-known as the king of herbs, and has been an important medicinal resource all over the world. Many studies have been conducted to elucidate magical healing activities of ginsengs. Since most studies have been focused on the roots and rhizomes of ginseng as traditional medicinal parts, scientists are less attracted by ginseng stems-leaves. The prices of the roots and rhizomes of ginseng are expensive because it takes 4-6 years for growing from the seed, whereas ginseng stems-leaves which the prices are low and can be harvested every year. Therefore, if the ingredients from the stems-leaves have a similar or new biological activity as those from the roots and rhizomes, their utility values will be improved. Ginsenosides, the active components of the roots and rhizomes of ginseng, are shown to be involved in modulating multiple physiological activities. As a continuation of our summary on ginseng, this article will review the triterpenoids isolated from the roots and rhizomes, stems-leaves, fruits and seeds of ginseng as well as red ginseng to provide the scientific basis for research and development of modem Chinese medicine derived from ginseng. Until now, 201 triterpenoid compounds have been isolated and identified from ginseng. Among them, 189 compounds are classified into dammarane-type and their derivatives, 10 ones are classified into oleanolic acid-type and 2 ones are classified into lupane-type, which dammarane-type triterpenoids and their derivatives are predominantly dominant type not only in amount but also in structural varieties.