Method for selectively producing ginsenoside F2, compound Mc or compound O from saponins of ginseng by enzymatic process

A method for producing ginsenoside F2 of the following Chemical Formula 1, compound Mc of the following Chemical Formula 2 or compound O of the following Chemical formula 3, from saponins of ginseng by enzyme conversion,

• Ginsenoside F2, wherein Glc is β-D-glucopyranosyl;
• Compound Mc wherein, Glc is β-D-glucopyranosyl and Araf is α-L-arabinofuranosyl;
• Compound O, wherein, Glc is β-D-glucopyranosyl and Arap is α-L-arabinopyranosyl;
• wherein the method comprises the steps of:
• 1) dissolving the saponins of ginseng as a substrate in an aqueous solvent or a mixed solution of an aqueous solvent and an organic solvent′ adding thereto an enzyme, and performing the reaction at a temperature of 30 to 60° C. for 24 to 96 hours with stirring in a heated water bath, wherein the solvent has a pH in the range of 3 to 6, wherein the saponins of ginseng comprise ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd, and wherein the enzyme is added In an amount of 10 to 400% by weight based on the amount of the substrate;
• wherein the enzyme is pectinase obtained from Aspergillus aculeatus;
• 2) inactivating the pectinase when the substrate is disappeared, thereby completing the reaction;
• and
• 3) adding ethyl acetate to a reaction solution obtained in step 2), followed by extraction and concentration, thereby isolating ginsenoside F2, compound Mc or compound O.