Comparison of Activities of Amylase, Esterase, Acid Phosphatase in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma from Different Origins and Different Growth Periods

OBJECTIVE To compare activities of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma amylase(AMY), esterase (Est) and acid phosphatase (ACP) from different origins and different growth periods. METHODS Total protein was extracted using a neutral buffer solution. Determination of AMY activity applied 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid colorimetry. Determination of Est activity was using acetic acid-α-naphthyl ester colorimetry. Determination of ACP activity was using p-nitrophenol colorimetry. RESULTS There was a significant difference in activities of AMY, Est and ACP in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma from different origins. Take the average value for enzyme activity in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma of different origin and the same growth period, purpose was to compare the enzyme activity at different ages. We can know that activities of three kinds of enzyme hydrolysis were not significantly different in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma from 4 years old and 5 years old. CONCLUSION Activities of AMY, Est, ACP can be used as one of the intrinsic indicators to assess the quality of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma.