Studies on absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism of ginseng saponins. VI. The decomposition products of ginsenoside Rb2 in the stomach of rats.

The decomposition of ginsenoside Rb2 (Rb2) in rat stomach (in vivo) and in 0.1 N HCl solution (in vitro) was investigated in detail. By treating with 0.1 N HCl, the acidity of which is similar to that of gastric juice, a part of Rb2 was hydrolyzed to 20(R,S)-ginsenoside Rg3. On the other hand, Rb2 was little decomposed in rat stomach and a small quantity of an unidentified metabolite, which was different from the hydrolyzed products in 0.1 N HCl, was observed. The metabolite was separated into four compounds, which were identified by 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. These compounds were determined to be 25-hydroxy-23-ene (IV), 24-hydroxy-25-ene (V), 25-hydroperoxy-23-ene (VI) and 24-hydroperoxy-25-ene (VII) derivative of Rb2, respectively. In this study, it is suggested that 20(S)-protopanaxatriol saponins undergo hydrolysis of the C-20 glycosyl moiety and hydration of the side chain, on the other hand, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol saponins undergo oxygenation of the side chain.