Investigation of the dynamic alteration in delayed luminescence property and their correlation with ginsenoside over the classical nine-cycle steaming and drying processing of black ginseng

Black ginseng (BG) is esteemed as a functional food with health advantages and has global popularity. The processing methods of BG products available in the market are varied, result in quality discrepancies. Consequently, a fast and straightforward approach for assessing the processed BG is urgently required. This study utilized the classical nine-cycle steaming and drying method to prepare BG samples. Then, delayed luminescence (DL) and high-performance liquid chromatography were employed to measure the samples. The four photon properties derived from the DL decay curves of the samples exhibited a gradual alteration corresponding to the increasing processing cycles of BG. The composition of 17 monomeric ginsenosides exhibited a comparable sequential alteration, characterized by a progressive decline in the contents of common ginsenosides and a concomitant rise in the concentration of rare ginsenosides. The findings of the correlation analysis indicated a substantial correlation between the DL parameters I0 and Beta and the rare ginsenosides Rg3 ( ρ = −0.877 or 0.568), Rg5 ( ρ = −0.885 or 0.541), and Rk1 ( ρ = −0.866 or 0.512) in BG samples, respectively. These metrics are expected to signify the quality of BG subjected to various processing techniques. Our research presents a unique DL approach, providing a solid scientific basis for the rapid quality assessment of BG products. • Novel DL technique for rapid analysis of black ginseng, aiding quality control. • DL parameters and chemical variations reflect consistent changes in black ginseng. • Parameters (I₀,β) significantly correlate with HPLC-determined ginsenoside profiles.