The bioactive compounds responsible for American ginseng's health properties are known as ginsenosides or panaxosides. These compounds are glycosides consisting of an aglycone (a non-sugar part) and one or more sugar chains.[1] Additionally, American ginseng has a polysaccharide (multiple sugars) component, which appears to be responsible for its immunomodulatory properties.[2]
Although all species within the Panax genus contain ginsenosides, their composition varies. American ginseng is particularly rich in the ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, and Re, whereas Panax ginseng contains mainly the Rb1, Rb2, and Rg1 types. The composition of ginsenosides and polysaccharides in American ginseng can also be affected by factors such as the environment in which it is cultivated and the age of the plant.[1][3][2]