Abstract: Objective: To provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer cv. Silvatica. Methods: The effects of different forest types, producing areas, ages and slope orientations on the contents of ginsenosides in the roots of P. ginseng C.A. Meyer cv. Silvatica. were evaluated. Simultaneous determination of 20 ginsenosides was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: A total of 14 ginsenosides were detected in each sample regardless of forest types, producing areas, ages or slope orientations. The contents of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rg5 and the total content of 20 ginsenosides in the samples grown in the forest of Pinus sylvestris var. Mongolica were the highest among four forest types investigated. The contents of Rg1 and Rf in the samples from Lushuihe township, Fusong county were the highest among six producing areas. Among three different ages, the contents of Rg1, Rf and Rb1 of the 15-year-old samples were the highest, while the contents of Compound K and protopanaxadiol (PPD) were the highest in the 5-year-old samples. Among three different slope orientations, the contents of Rb2 and Rb3 in the samples from south-facing slope were the highest, while the content of Rh2 in the samples from north-facing slope was the highest. Conclusion: The contents but not types of ginsenosides in the roots of P. ginseng C.A. Meyer cv. Silvatica varied with different forest types, producing areas, ages and slope orientations. The roots of P. ginseng C.A. Meyer cv. Silvatica aged 5 to 15 years could meet the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (CP, 2015 version).

Key words: Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer cv. Silvatica, ginsenosides, quality evaluation, HPLC