Comparison of sterilization effects and chemical composition stability of Red Ginseng powder treated by electron beam, X-ray, and γ-ray irradiation

This study aims to investigate the effects of different irradiation methods—using electron beam, X-rays, and γ rays at a dose range of 6-16 kGy — on the microbial reduction and chemical composition of Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) powder. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to systematically analyze 34 chemical components. Microbial limit tests and fingerprint similarity evaluations were also conducted. The results demonstrated that all three irradiation methods met the microbial limit standards (aerobic bacterial count ≤5×10³ cfu/g, mold count ≤5×101 cfu/g) at doses ≥10 kGy, with sterilization efficacy showing dose dependence. Fingerprint analysis based on 29 identified saponins revealed similarity values above 0.97 for all irradiated samples, confirming that the major active components remained largely unchanged. This study provides a scientific basis for selecting radiation sources and optimizing doses in the sterilization processing of Red Ginseng powder.