OBJECTIVETo screen a new strain which can transform panaxadiol saponins into the rare ginsenoside compound K.

METHODThe total saponins in stems and leaves of Panax notoginseng was used as a substrate in the liquid state fermentation process, and the results were detected by TLC and HPLC-ELSD to screen a strain from twelve plant pathogenic fungi which can produce ginsenoside compound K.

RESULTFusarium moniliforme was found to transform the total saponins to ginsenoside compound K efficiently in the all twelve fungal strains. In the fermentation process, ginsenoside Rb1 was transformed almost completely, and the content of ginsenoside Rd was decreasing evidently.

CONCLUSIONF. moniliforme is selected as a new high-yield strain. It is expected to be used to produce the high activity infrequent ginsenoside compound K and to improve the content of active principles in medicinal plants.