Antimicrobial Activity of Ginsenosides

The antimicrobial activity of pure ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg1), two chemical fractions, and the total extract of Panax ginseng root was investigated.\nThe results showed strong antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration <1 μg mL−1) by some pure ginsenosides belonging to both protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol groups against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts. Conversely, Panax ginseng chemical fractions and the total extract were inactive against the microorganisms tested.\nThis lack of antimicrobial activity may be due to possible antagonist effects between ginsenosides and other Panax ginseng components.