Panax Research Articles

Качественный и количественный анализ на содержание фенольных соединений и их производных в корневище Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.

Since ancient times, it is known that all types of ginseng were widely used in Eastern folk medicine as a cure for many diseases. All species of the genus Panax, including Panax vietnamensis, contain saponins, but the phenolic composition has not been studied to date. Vietnamese ginseng is characterized by a unique composition of triterpene glycosides, among which the glycosylated derivatives of the rare triterpene aglycone, okothylol, are predominant. It is the only evergreen among ginsengs. As you know, a single plant can have different types of biological activity due to the content of different groups of biologically active compounds with a wide range of physicochemical properties and causing different pharmacological effects. Obviously, phenolic compounds along with other secondary metabolites in Panax vietnamensis have a phytotherapeutic effect on the human body. The purpose of this work is to expand the knowledge of the scientific community about the synthesized compounds, in particular about phenolic compounds that accumulate in the rhizomes of Panax vietnamensis. In this paper, the results of a study on the qualitative (method HPLC-DMD-MS) and quantitative content of phenolic compounds (Folin-Cicalteu method) of the roots of Panax vietnamensis were presented for the first time. These results can be very interesting for scientists involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, growing callus and suspension cell cultures in vitro ginseng and other ginseng species, as well as for pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies producing various consumer products for the population based on Vietnamese ginseng. This work will expand the scientific community’s knowledge of secondary metabolites synthesized by the rhizome Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.

Intervention of panax notoginseng saponins on atrial fibrillation in rats via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on atrial fibrillation in rat model. Methods The rats were randomly divided into control group, atrial fibrillation group and intervention group, with 16 rats in each group. Except the control group, atrial fibrillation rat model was established in the other two groups by continuous tail vein injection of acetylcholine 66 μg/ml and calcium chloride 10 mg/ml mixture. From the first day of modeling, PNS 100 μg/g was intraperitoneally injected in the intervention group, while the control group and atrial fibrillation group were intraperitoneally injected with saline of equal volume once a day for 7 days. After 7 days, electrocardiogram was recorded, effective refractory period was detected, and myocardial tissue was stained with Masson staining. The expression of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blots. Results After 7 days, atrial fibrillation was observed in atrial fibrillation group, while the duration of atrial fibrillation in intervention group was significantly decreased (24.3 ± 2.6 s vs. 43.2 ± 4.6 s, P<0.05). The ERP time in intervention group was significantly prolonged (95.0 ± 10.0 s vs. 75.5 ± 7.6 s, P<0.05), but it was still lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Western blots showed that the levels of PI3K and AKT in atrial fibrillation group decreased significantly, while those in intervention group increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions PNS could activate PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, reduce the degree of atrial fibrosis, improve ERP and reduce the duration of atrial fibrillation in rats with atrial fibrillation. Key words: Notoginsenoside; Atrial fibrillation; Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; Rats

Panax japonicus saponins alleviate adjuvant arthritis in rats

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of total saponins in ground parts of Panax japonicus (PJS) on adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats. Methods Twenty four male Lewis rats were randomly divided into four groups: a normal control, a model group, a PJS group and a DM group. Polyarthritis parameters were obtained and the body weight changes was monitored for AA rats. The products of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were indentified by radio immunoassay. Results Day 28 after immunization, the adjuvant arthritis index in PJS group was significantly reduced compared to the model group (7.81 vs. 9.522, P 0.05). The spleen index (0.236 vs. 0.302, P<0.01)and thymus index (0.104 vs. 0.132, P<0.01) of PJS group were significantly lower than the model group. Finally, the serum TNF (0.276 vs. 0.369, P<0.01) and IL-1 β(0.088 vs. 0.147, P<0.01) level in the PJS group were markedly decrease compared to the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion PJS can signifcantly alleviate AA in rats, which may be related to its inhibitory effect on the contents of proimflammatory cytokines of TNF and IL-1β. Key words: Total saponins in ground parts of Panax japonicus; Adjuvant arthritis; Radio immunoassay; Therapeutic effects

Oleanane-Type Saponins Biosynthesis in Panax notoginseng via Transformation of β-Amyrin Synthase Gene from Panax japonicus

Oleanane-type saponins considered as the main medicinal ingredients in Panax japonicus are not found in Panax notoginseng. β-Amyrin synthase (βAS) was recognized as the first key enzyme in the biosynthetic branch of oleanane-type saponins. In this study, βAS gene from P. japonicus ( PjβAS) was transferred into P. notoginseng cells. Along with PjβAS expression in the transgenic cells, the expression levels of several key enzyme genes related to triterpenoid saponins biosynthesis and the content of P. notoginseng saponins were also increased. Two oleanane-type saponins, chikusetsusaponin IV and chikusetsusaponin IVa, contained in P. japonicus were first discovered in transgenic P. notoginseng cells. This study successfully constructed a biosynthetic pathway of oleanane-type saponins in P. notoginseng by introducing just one gene into the species. On the basis of this discovery and previous studies, the common biosynthetic pathway of triterpenoid saponins in Panax genus may be unified to some extent.

New Approaches to the Determination and Group Identification of Physiologically Active Compounds in Plant Materials and Commercial Products by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

An overview of methods for the target determination of physiologically active components of various plants: rosavin, rosarin, and salidroside from Rhodiola rosea; ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rf, and Re from the Asian ginseng Panax ginseng, pseudoginsenosides F11 and RT5 from American ginseng Panax quinquefolius; schizandrols A and B from Schisandra chinensis seeds; baiсalin, baicalein, wogonin, and scutellarin from the root of the Baical skullcap Scutellariae baicalensis; and glycyrrhizin from the licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra root is presented. Methods for the individual and group identification of a wide range of saponins contained in plants of the genus Panax, leaves of the prayer leaf Abrus precatorius L., and licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra are also considered. Methods for estimating the amount of protodioscin, dioscin, and diosgenin in the aerial parts of Tribulus terrestris and a wide range of ginsenosides in various ginseng based products using the approaches to the quantitative analysis of a multicomponent system are reviewed. The developed methods are simple and reliable; they are original and can be used to control the quality of a wide range of plant products.

Bioactive Proteins in Panax notoginseng Roots and Other Panax Species.

The genus Panax consists of a group of prized medicinal herbs. Major members of the Panax genus include P. ginseng, P. notoginseng, P. quinquefolius, and P. vietnamensis. They possess various bioactive constituents such as ginsenosides, saponins, polysaccharides and proteins. Many of them were reported to show beneficial effects on human health. Ginsenosides and saponins of ginsengs caught the sight of most researchers. Precise investigations revealed their roles on improvement of the functioning of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and other functions. In contrast, our knowledge of the bioactive Panax proteins is relatively limited. A number of proteins from P. ginseng, the most valuable member of Panax species, have been investigated and proved to be beneficial to our body. Meanwhile, a few bioactive P. notoginseng proteins, such as ribonucleases and antifungal proteins, have been characterized and reported. We summarize herein the proteins present in P. notoginseng that have been identified, and try to compare them with those from other Panax species with a similar structure or bioactivity, and conclude whether the proteins in P. notoginseng have any distinctive features.

Triterpene saponins in Panax japonicus and their ~(13)C-NMR spectroscopic characteristics

Panax japonicus( PJ) is a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the genus Panax of Araliaceae,the recumbent rhizome of which is widely used in clinic therapy,healthcare products and as cosmetic additives with functions of dissipating stasis,reducing swelling,stanching bleeding,and reinforcing deficiency,etc. PJ contains abundant levels of oleanane-and dammarane-type triterpene saponins,which are considered as the material basis for exerting pharmacodynamic action. Based on the previous researches,more than110 triterpene saponins have been reported from PJ. These triterpene saponins were summarized in this review,and could be classified into dammarenediol Ⅱ,protopanaxadiol,protopanaxatiol,ocotillol,oleanolic acid,ursolic acid and miscellaneous subtypes,according to their molecular skeletons in biosynthesis processes. Further more,the structural features of these triterpene saponins in the seven different subtypes,together with their~(13)C-NMR spectroscopic characteristics were described,hoping to provide available information for chemical diversity research of PJ.

The complete chloroplast genome of Aralia cordata (Apiales: Araliaceae)

Aralia (A.) cordata is an important oriental herb belonging to the family Araliaceae. The A. cordata complete chloroplast genome was 156,087 bp, and consisted of a large single copy (LSC) region (86,101 bp), a small single copy (SSC) region (18,052 bp) and two inverted repeats (IRs) (25,967 bp). It was predicted to contain 158 genes, including 105 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNAs, and 45 transfer RNAs. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that A. cordata is closely related to the Panax genus of Araliaceae family, and A. cordata (subfamily: Aralioideae) is definitely separated the Hydrocotyloideae subfamily.

APPLICATION OF ELICITOR FOR PRODUCTION OF SAPONINS FROM IN VITRO PANAX CULTURES

The Panax ginseng species are traditional medicinal herbs having high value. The major pharmacologically active components are the ginsenosides of saponin group, which are dammarane type triterpene glycosides containing a tetracyclic glycose. Ginseng saponin, one of the secondary metabolites, is necessary for the growth and development of Panax genus plants. In pharmaceutical industry, triterpene saponins were purified to produce drugs for its promising healing and restorative properties. However, commercial applications are still obstacle for practical problems, because ginseng natural resources are rarely precious; and ginseng resources from field have low and variable yields dependent on season or quality of soil. Moreover, triterpene saponins have complex structures, making chemical synthesis an economically uncompetitive option for large-scale production. A current alternative optimal solution that is popular in the world is the application of cell and tissue culture to produce a large of cell or root yield in short time. But the difficulty in producing triterpene saponins from in vitro culture is that the triterpene saponin content is much lower than natural. To increase the triterpene saponin content, elicitors are added to the culture medium. Based on the effect of the elicitor, metabolic engineering in vitro is also able to enhance the overexpression of genes which translated enzymes or signals producing saponin in the isoprenoid pathway. Application of elicitor researches could improve triterpene saponin yields or adjust specific desired triterpene saponins from in vitro ginseng culture. Therefore, we review the recent studies of elicitor in Panax genus cultures and saponin biosynthetic gene to study and assess the efficiency of elicitors in triterpene saponin production and metabolic engineering of triterpene saponins.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS VIA CALLUS OF PANAX STIPULEANATUS H.T.TSAI ET K.M.FENG

Recently, saponins in the rhizomes of Panax stipuleanatus H.T.Tsai et K.M.Feng were studied for their effects as an anti-stress, enhancer of blood circulation and vitality, especially against human cancer cell lines. However, the number of individuals of Panax stipuleanatus H.T.Tsai et K.M.Feng in nature is threatened by the indiscriminate exploitation. High-value medicinal plants (belonging to the genus Panax) were propagated by somatic embryogenesis from the stems, leaves and petioles because of easy response to somatic embryogenesis. No report on indirect somatic embryogenesis via callus derived from the rhizomes of Panax stipuleanatus H.T.Tsai et K.M.Feng has been previously published. In this study, the callus was induced from rhizome explants on MS medium ½ macro supplemented in 2 stages with 2,4-D at high concentrations (2 mg/l in 8 weeks and then 1 mg/l in 16 weeks). The callus containing clusters of isolated and isodiametric cells were sub-cultured to a medium containing 0.5 mg /l NAA to obtain embryogenic callus. The callus growing on this medium became looser with clusters of embryonic stem cell: small size, isodiametric cell, large nucleus, clear nucleus and dense cytoplasm. The formation of clusters with homogeneous globular structures occurred at 28 weeks on medium supplemented with NAA. These embryo-like structures pass through developmental stages: late globular-shape, heart-shape, and cotyledon on medium MS medium ½ macro supplemented with 0,5 mg/l BA, 1 mg/l GA3. Besides, there were some abnormal embryos which only develop roots, shoots or just leaves.

The complete plastome of Panax stipuleanatus: Comparative and phylogenetic analyses of the genus Panax (Araliaceae)

Panax stipuleanatus (Araliaceae) is an endangered and medicinally important plant endemic to China. However, phylogenetic relationships within the genus Panax have remained unclear. In this study, we sequenced the complete plastome of P. stipuleanatus and included previously reported Panax plastomes to better understand the relationships between species and plastome evolution within the genus Panax. The plastome of P. stipuleanatus is 156,069 base pairs (bp) in length, consisting of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, each 25,887 bp) that divide the plastome into a large single copy region (LSC, 86,126 bp) and a small single copy region (SSC, 8169 bp). The plastome contains 114 unigenes (80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes). Comparative analyses indicated that the plastome gene content and order, as well as the expansion/contraction of the IR regions, are all highly conserved within Panax. No significant positive selection in the plastid protein-coding genes was observed across the eight Panax species, suggesting the Panax plastomes may have undergone a strong purifying selection. Our phylogenomic analyses resulted in a phylogeny with high resolution and supports for Panax. Nine protein-coding genes and 10 non-coding regions presented high sequence divergence, which could be useful for identifying different Panax species.

Ginseng for the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related cardiovascular complications: a discussion of the evidence 1.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with elevated blood glucose levels due either to insufficient insulin production (type 1 DM) or to insulin resistance (type 2 DM). The incidence of DM around the world continues to rise dramatically with more than 400 million cases reported today. Among the most serious consequences of chronic DM are cardiovascular complications that can have deleterious effects. Although numerous treatment options are available, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological, there is substantial emerging interest in the use of traditional medicines for the treatment of this condition and its complications. Among these is ginseng, a medicinal herb that belongs to the genus Panax and has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal agent especially in Asian cultures. There is emerging evidence from both animal and clinical studies that ginseng, ginseng constituents including ginsenosides, and ginseng-containing formulations can produce beneficial effects in terms of normalization of blood glucose levels and attenuation of cardiovascular complications through a multiplicity of mechanisms. Although more research is required, ginseng may offer a useful therapy for the treatment of diabetes as well as its complications.

Two new triterpenoid saponins derived from the leaves of Panax ginseng and their antiinflammatory activity

BackgroundThe leaves and roots of Panax ginseng are rich in ginsenosides. However, the chemical compositions of the leaves and roots of P. ginseng differ, resulting in different medicinal functions. In recent years, the aerial parts of members of the Panax genus have received great attention from natural product chemists as producers of bioactive ginsenosides. The aim of this study was the isolation and structural elucidation of novel, minor ginsenosides in the leaves of P. ginseng and evaluation of their antiinflammatory activity in vitro. MethodsVarious chromatographic techniques were applied to obtain pure individual compounds, and their structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry, as well as chemical methods. The antiinflammatory effect of the new compounds was evaluated on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results and conclusionsTwo novel, minor triterpenoid saponins, ginsenoside LS1 (1) and 5,6-didehydroginsenoside Rg3 (2), were isolated from the leaves of P. ginseng. The isolated compounds 1 and 2 were assayed for their inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and Compound 2 showed a significant inhibitory effect with IC50 of 37.38 μM compared with that of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (IC50 = 90.76 μM). Moreover, Compound 2 significantly decreased secretion of cytokines such as prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, Compound 2 significantly suppressed protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. These results suggested that Compound 2 could be used as a valuable candidate for medicinal use or functional food, and the mechanism is warranted for further exploration.

Synthesis of ginsenoside Re-based carbon dots applied for bioimaging and effective inhibition of cancer cells.

BackgroundFluorescent carbon-based nanomaterials have promising properties such as biosensing, cell imaging, tracing and drug delivery. However, carbon dots (CDs) with specific inherent biological functions have not been investigated. Ginsenosides are the components with multiple bioactivities found in plants of the genus Panax, which have attracted a lot of attention for their anticancer effect.Materials and methodsIn this study, we prepared a kind of novel photoluminescent CDs from ginsenoside Re by one-step hydrothermal synthesis method. The conventional methods including transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, HPLC and fluorescence spectrum were used for characterization of CDs. In vitro anticancer effect was investigated by cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry and Western blot analysis.ResultsThe as-prepared Re-CDs had an average diameter of 4.6±0.6 nm and excellent luminescent properties. Cellular uptake of Re-CDs was facilitated by their tiny nanosize, with evidence of their bright excitation-dependent fluorescent images. Compared with ginsenoside Re, the Re-CDs showed greater inhibition efficiency of cancer cell proliferation, with lower toxicity to the normal cells. The anticancer activity of Re-CDs was suggested to be associated with the generation of large amount of ROS and the caspase-3 related cell apoptosis.ConclusionHopefully, the dual functional Re-CDs, which could both exhibit bioimaging and anticancer effect, are expected to have great potential in future clinical applications.

Transcriptome analysis of Panax zingiberensis identifies genes encoding oleanolic acid glucuronosyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of oleanane-type ginsenosides

Oleanolic acid glucuronosyltransferase (OAGT) genes synthesizing the direct precursor of oleanane-type ginsenosides were discovered. The four recombinant proteins of OAGT were able to transfer glucuronic acid at C-3 of oleanolic acid that yields oleanolic acid 3-O-β-glucuronide. Ginsenosides are the primary active components in the genus Panax, and great efforts have been made to elucidate the mechanisms underlying dammarane-type ginsenoside biosynthesis. However, there is limited information on oleanane-type ginsenosides. Here, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated that oleanane-type ginsenosides (particularly ginsenoside Ro and chikusetsusaponin IV and IVa) are the abundant ginsenosides in Panax zingiberensis, an extremely endangered Panax species in southwest China. These ginsenosides are derived from oleanolic acid 3-O-β-glucuronide, which may be formed from oleanolic acid catalyzed by an unknown oleanolic acid glucuronosyltransferase (OAGT). Transcriptomic analysis of leaves, stems, main roots, and fibrous roots of P. zingiberensis was performed, and a total of 46,098 unigenes were obtained, including all the identified homologous genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis. The most upstream genes were highly expressed in the leaves, and the UDP-glucosyltransferase genes were highly expressed in the roots. This finding indicated that the precursors of ginsenosides are mainly synthesized in the leaves and transported to different parts for the formation of particular ginsenosides. For the first time, enzyme activity assay characterized four genes (three from P. zingiberensis and one from P. japonicus var. major, another Panax species with oleanane-type ginsenosides) encoding OAGT, which particularly transfer glucuronic acid at C-3 of oleanolic acid to form oleanolic acid 3-O-β-glucuronide. Taken together, our study provides valuable genetic information for P. zingiberensis and the genes responsible for synthesizing the direct precursor of oleanane-type ginsenosides.

Effect of Farnesyl-pyrophosphate Synthase(FPS) on the Biosynthesis of Saponins in Panax japonicus

Effect of Farnesyl-pyrophosphate Synthase(FPS) on the Biosynthesis of Saponins in Panax japonicus

Cardioprotection by ginseng: experimental and clinical evidence and underlying mechanisms.

Protection of the ischemic and reperfused myocardium represents a major therapeutic challenge. Translating results from animal studies to the clinical setting has been disappointing, yet the need for effective intervention, particularly to limit heart damage following infarction or surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, is substantial. Among the many compounds touted as cardioprotective agents is ginseng, a medicinal herb belonging to the genus Panax, which has been used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years, particularly in Asian societies. The biological actions of ginseng are very complex and reflect composition of many bioactive components, although many of the biological and therapeutic effects of ginseng have been attributed to the presence of steroid-like saponins termed ginsenosides. Both ginseng and many ginsenosides have been shown to exert cardioprotective properties in experimental models. There is also clinical evidence that traditional Chinese medications containing ginseng exert cardioprotective properties, although such clinical evidence is less robust primarily owing to the paucity of large-scale clinical trials. Here, we discuss the experimental and clinical evidence for ginseng, ginsenosides, and ginseng-containing formulations as cardioprotective agents against ischemic and reperfusion injury. We further discuss potential mechanisms, particularly as these relate to antioxidant properties.

Non-clinical pharmacokinetic behavior of ginsenosides

Ginsenosides, the major active ingredients of ginseng and other plants of the genus Panax, have been used as natural medicines in the East for a long time; in addition, their popularity in the West has increased owing to their various beneficial pharmacological effects. There is therefore a wealth of literature regarding the pharmacological effects of ginsenosides. In contrast, there are few comprehensive studies that investigate their pharmacokinetic behaviors. This is because ginseng contains the complicated mixture of herbal materials as well as thousands of constituents with complex chemical properties, and ginsenosides undergo multiple biotransformation processes after administration. This is a significant issue as pharmacokinetic studies provide crucial data regarding the efficacy and safety of compounds. Moreover, there have been many difficulties in the development of the optimal dosage regimens of ginsenosides and the evaluation of their interactions with other drugs. Therefore, this review details the pharmacokinetic properties and profiles of ginsenosides determined in various animal models administered through different routes of administration. Such information is valuable for designing specialized delivery systems and determining optimal dosing strategies for ginsenosides.

Rapid analysis by HPLC in the quality control study of Chinese herbal medicine pseudo-ginseng and its Chinese drugs preparation′s specific chromatogram

Objective To study the HPLC rapid analysis method for the 5 kinds of saponins in pseudo-ginseng herbs and its traditional Chinese medicine preparations Xuesaitong injection at different habitats and analyze the fingerprint characteristics. Methods The Waters Nova-Pak-wat044375 flash chromatography column (4.6 mm×150 mm, 4 μm) was as stationary phase, and acetonitrile-0.5% formic acid solution (v/v) system was as the mobile phase. The gradient elution, column temperature was 30 ℃, and detection wavelength was of 203 nm. Twelve batches of Panax notoginseng in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Jiangxi and other places four kinds of Xuesaitong injection from different manufacturers were taken for rapid analysis of HPLC and methodological study. The similarity analysis was carried out by Chinese medicine chromatographic fingerprint similarity evaluation system (2012 edition). Results The establishment of rapid HPLC fingerprints baseline separation occurred within 1 min of detection, and 5 kinds of ingredients were all successfully detected in the 40 min. The similarity of each component was more than 0.9, and with a good precision, stability and reproducibility, RSD within 5%. Conclusions The method of HPLC rapid analysis for Chinese herbal medicine pseudo-ginseng and its Chinese drugs preparation’s specific chromatogram is simple, rapid and effective. It can fully reflect the changes of 5 representative components chromatogram in pseudo-ginseng and its preparation, and so it can be as the quality control evaluation of pseudo-ginseng and its preparation. Key words: Panax notoginseng; Xue Sai Tong Zhu She Ye; Characteristic map; Chromatography, high pressure liquid; Quality control

Application of DNA barcodes in identification of ginseng samples in the genus Panax L.

Identification of species based on DNA sequences (DNA barcodes) is an aid to a taxonomic classification using morphological characteristics. DNA barcoding uses standard short genomic regions that are universally present in target lineages and has sufficient sequence variation to identify species in the genus. A variety of loci has been suggested as DNA barcodes for plants, including genes and non-coding regions in the nuclear and plastid genomes such as psbA-trnH, matK, rbcL, and ITS. In this study, we evaluated five potential DNA barcodes including 18S, ITS, matK, psbA-trnH, and rbcL for their ability to distinguish between species across our samples in the genus Panax L. Multiple alignments with 41 GenBank sequences selected from 9 species showed that the 18S region had the highest level of average similarity (99.87 %), followed by rbcL, matK, psbA-trnH, and ITS regions with lower levels of average similarities (99.27 %, 98.66 %, 96.82 % and 96.50 %, respectively). The phylogenetic trees showed that four of eleven ginseng samples were Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv., and three samples were Panax stipuleanatus with bootstrap values of 100 %. However, sequences of all five screened loci in the last four samples, which were considered as Panax bipinnatifidus based on morphological characteristics, were highly similar to Panax stipuleanatus with the level of sequence similarity reached 99.81 % - 100 %. In addition, our results showed that of five investigated DNA regions, ITS, and psbA-trnH were the most promising barcodes that could identify P. vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. and P. stipuleanatus species within the genus Panax L.