Comparative Analysis of Differential Metabolites in Panax Quinquefolius From China and the United States Using UPLC-Orbitrap-MS and LC-MS/MS

This study analyzed the metabolites of Panax quinquefolius from Northeast China, Shandong, and the United States using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, identifying 1,276 metabolites. Significant differences in metabolite composition and metabolic pathways were found among the samples, with Northeast China ginseng enriched in fatty acyls and American ginseng enriched in glycerophospholipids and prenol lipids. The study identified 31 shared biomarkers and specific polyphenolic compounds, such as trans-ferulic acid and sinapic acid, which can differentiate American ginseng from Chinese ginseng. These findings provide insights into the distinct metabolic characteristics of P. quinquefolius, aiding in geographical origin determination and enhancing quality control.