No standards exist for ginseng despite availability of chromatographic assays for ginsenosides and ginseng polysaccharides.
Root is available in bulk by the pound.
The most common species is Panax quinquefolius , commonly known as American or Western ginseng. Traditionally, ideal plants are at least 6 years of age. P. ginseng is known as the Asian, Korean, or Japanese ginseng. The Asian ginseng usually undergoes treatment such as drying or curing before it is sold, whereas the American variety undergoes less manipulation and carries less distinction. Chemical components Ginseng is composed primarily of ginsenosides, also known as panaxosides.