Characterization of a Novel Ginsenoside MT1 Produced by an Enzymatic Transrhamnosylation of Protopanaxatriol-Type Ginsenosides Re

Abstract

Background: Ginsenosides, triterpene saponins of Panax species, are considered the main active ingredients responsible for various pharmacological activities. Herein, a new protopanaxatriol-type ginsenoside called “ginsenoside MT1” is described; it was accidentally found among the enzymatic conversion products of ginsenoside Re. Method: We analyzed the conversion mechanism and found that recombinant β-glucosidase (MT619) transglycosylated the outer rhamnopyranoside of Re at the C-6 position to glucopyranoside at C-20. The production of MT1 by trans-rhamnosylation was optimized and pure MT1 was obtained through various chromatographic processes. Results: The structure of MT1 was elucidated based on spectral data: (20S)-3β,6α,12β,20-tetrahydroxydammarene-20-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside]. This dammarane-type triterpene saponin was confirmed as a novel compound. Conclusion: Based on the functions of ginsenosides with similar structures, we believe that this ginsenoside MT1 may have great potential in the development of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical products.

Advances in Ginsenosides

“…Up to date, there are more than one hundred ginsenosides have been identified. Jeon et al reported a new protopanaxatriol-type ginsenoside, namely ginsenoside MT1, that occasionally obtained from enzymatic converted products derived from ginsenoside Re [1]. They suggested potential commercial applications of MT1 with nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical values, and further tests for the pharmacological effects are ongoing.…”