[A supplementary detection method and supervision strategy for adulteration of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and its preparations]

Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and its preparations are often adulterated with Panacis Quinquefolii Radix. Based on the research on Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, the causes and analytical method of adulteration were determined. A UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the detection of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix mixed in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, with pseudoginsenoside F_(11) as the marker. The established method can be applied in the detection of adulteration of the preparations containing Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The quality of the medicinal materials, decoction pieces, and preparations of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma was examined with the limit of 5% adulteration rate. The results showed 22.2% in 27 batches of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma samples and 15.6% in 32 batches of preparations exceeded the limit. In addition, the theoretical adulteration rates of 7.4% Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma samples and 12.5% preparations were between 3% and 5%. Fourteen supplementary detection methods for adulteration of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma preparations were classified into 3 types. The application scenarios, drafted methods, and precautions of each type were analyzed and summarized. It was discovered that the medicinal materials, decoction pieces, and powder of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma were commonly adulterated with those of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix. Taking an adulteration rate of 5% as the limit can combat the adulteration and avoid the misjudgment caused by the high sensitivity of MS. It is suggested the general detection method and limit should be formulated, and supervision and publicity should be strengthened. The findings provide technical and data support for addressing the adulteration from the source.