Rapid analysis of ginsenosides in biological samples using an efficient embedded dispersive solid-phase microextraction method.

A new method for rapid analysis of ginsenosides in biological samples was established using an embedded dispersive solid-phase microextraction (E-DSPE) technique. Lecithin@silica particles were prepared by embedding SiO2 particles with lecithin (mass ratio 4:7) and used as microextraction materials. The optimum extraction conditions of four ginsenosides from biological samples were as followed, 0.20 g of lecithin@silica particles; 10-minute absorption time; the sample of pH 6.0; and elution solvent methanol. The accuracy and matrix effects (ME %) of the method were studied by adding the four ginsenoside standards to enzymatic solutions, decoction and urine samples for assessment. Recovery rate (REC %) of the four ginsenosides at three concentrations of the lowest (Cl), middle (Cm), and highest (Ch) level within the calibration curves were in the range of 82.36∼114.71 %, 83.15∼116.25 %, 81.94∼115.72 %, respectively, and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) values were all <2.91 %. The ME% of the three biological samples were -11.3∼9.08 %, 5.73∼16.71 %, -0.08∼17.62 % and 6.02∼18.21 % for ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rb1 and Rd respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine ginsenosides in enzymatic solutions, decoction and urine samples with the merits of rapidity, greenness, low cost and high efficiency.