This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ginseng extracts and their fractions on the 9rowth of Escherichia coli and its glucose consumption. Considerable amount of impurities such as sugar, Protein, lipids and minerals other than saponins were contained in n-butanol extracts which are generally referred to be crude saponins. Sucrose and maltose were contained as major sugars In ginseng extracts and their water soluble fractions. Arginine and potassium were also contained as major amino acid and mineral in those fractions, respectively. Though the glucose consumption and growth of Escherichia coli were enhanced by ginseng extracts and their water soluble fractions those were retarded by ether soluble fractions and n-butanol fractions.