2 Morphological differences Western ginseng is the two most similar species in the genus Ginseng. The main differences in form are:
The total pedicel of American ginseng is as long as or nearly as long as the petiole, the bristles on the veins of small leaves are sparse or five hairs, and the serrations are irregular and slightly thick.
The total pedicel of ginseng is longer than petiole, and the surface veins of small leaves are sparsely setose with fine serrations.
3 The difference of effective components The medicinal effective components of western ginseng are mainly ginsenoside, but the content of monomer saponin in the two total saponins is different, and their medicinal properties and physiological reactions are very different.
The contents of Rb 1 and Rd in total saponins of American ginseng are nearly twice as high as those of ginseng. The Rb-c content in total saponins of ginseng is several times higher than that of American ginseng, and the Rg 1 content is about 5% higher than that of American ginseng.
4 The difference between medicinal taste and medicinal nature Ginseng is partial to supporting yang, and its nature is warm and slightly bitter. Warm can tonify yang and dispel cold, bitter can dry dampness, and dampness can hurt yang, so drying dampness also helps yang.
American ginseng tends to nourish yin, and its nature is cool, which can clear away heat, and the combination of sweetness and coolness can not only clear away heat and nourish yin, but also produce fluid to quench thirst.