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Chapter 3
Ginkgo Biloba
Forouzandeh Mahdavi and Melanie Johns Cupp
History and Traditional Use
The ginkgo tree, Ginkgo biloba (L.), is the last remaining member of the Ginkgoaceae family, which
once included many species (Tyler, 1993). It has survived unchanged in China for more than 200
million yr, and was brought to Europe in 1730 and to America in 1784. Since then it has become a
popular ornamental tree worldwide. Individual trees may live as long as 1000 yr, and grow to a height
of about 125 ft (Anonymous, 1998). Ginkgo fruits and seeds have been used in China for their
medicinal properties since 2800 BC (Tyler, 1993). Traditional Chinese physicians used ginkgo leaves to
treat asthma and chilblains (swelling of the hands and feet from exposure to damp cold) (Anonymous,
1998). The ancient Chinese and Japanese ate roasted ginkgo seeds as a digestive aid and to prevent
drunkenness (Anonymous, 1998). Ginkgo use had spread to Europe by the 1960s.
Current Promoted Use
Ginkgo biloba (GB) is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. It is purported to improve
blood flow to the brain and to improve peripheral circulation. It is promoted mainly to sharpen mental
focus in otherwise healthy adults as well as in those with dementia. Other conditions for which it is
currently used are diabetes-related circulatory disorders, impotence, and vertigo.
Products Available
An acetone-water mixture is used to extract the dried and milled leaves (Tyler, 1993). After the solvent
is removed, the extract is dried and standardFrom Forensic Science: Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology of Herbal Products Edited by: M. J. Cupp
Humana Press Inc., Totowa, New Jersey

ized. Most commercially prepared dosage forms contain 40 mg of this extract (GBE) (Tyler,
1993), and are standardized to contain approx 24% flavonoids (mostly flavone glycosides, or
ginkgoflavone glycosides) and 6% terpenes (ginkgolides and bilobalide) (Amri et al, 1996;
Hasenohrl et al., 1996; Nemecz and Combest, 1997). Twelve ginkgo products analyzed in the
March 1999 issue of Consumer Reports contained approx 24% flavone glycosides and 6%
terpene lactones, percentages that were chosen based on a study (Le Bars, 1997) that showed
benefit in Alzheimer's disease. On average, the brands were within 2% of meeting this
standard, but within individual bottles, the content often varied. Of the brands tested, Natural
Brand by General Nutrition and Ginkoba by Pharmaton contained 24.3% and 23.7%
flavone glycosides, respectively, and were closest to the designated amounts. Nature Made
by Pharmavite and Ginkgoldby Nature's Way were closest to the designated amounts of
terpene lactones, with 6.4% and 6.9%, respectively (Anonymous, 1999).
GB formulations include:
Ginkoba, 40-mg tablet
ginkgo, 40-mg tablet, capsule,
or softgels ginkgo biloba,
120-mg extract caplets ginkgo
leaf, 400-mg tablet
Ginkai, 50-mg tablet
Ginkogin(ginkgo, ginseng, and
garlic) caplets Bioginkgo, 60-mg
tablet

Other formulations include sublingual sprays, which deliver 40 mg per spray, and
concentrated liquid extracts (Nemecz and Combest, 1997). The usual dosage recommended
is 120 mg of standardized extract per day for treatment periods of up to 6 wk (Nemecz and
Combest, 1997).