β-glucosidase mediates ginsenoside hydrolysis in the leaves of Panax species

Several species of Panax leaves have been traditionally used as folk medicines and food supplements. Previous studies have demonstrated that the hydrolysis of ginsenosides in P. notoginseng leaves occurs when extracted with water as the extraction solvent, rather than with methanol. However, the occurrence of ginsenoside hydrolysis in other congeneric Panax species remains largely unexplored. In this study, twenty-four ginsenosides were simultaneously quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in methanol and aqueous extracts from the leaves of eight different Panax species. These findings revealed that 20( S )-protopanaxadiol saponins in Panax leaves undergo hydrolysis, resulting in the formation of deglycosylated products through regioselective cleavage of the common β (1→2) glycosidic bond at C-3 position. This ginsenoside hydrolysis was confirmed to be associated with total proteins extracted from Panax leaves and is directly mediated by β -glucosidases. Collectively, the extraction solvent profoundly influences the ginsenoside profiles of Panax leaves, and ginsenoside hydrolysis is widespread across various Panax species. These findings provide a scientific foundation highlighting the considerable practical implications of Panax leaves and their related products. • Chemical profiles of methanol and water extracts from Panax species were distinctly different. • Protopanaxadiol saponins in Panax leaves can be hydrolyzed to deglycosylated products. • Ginsenoside hydrolysis occurs via regioselective cleaving β (1→2)-glycosidic linkage at C-3. • β -glucosidases mediates ginsenoside hydrolysis in Panax leaves.