Comprehensive Pharmacognostic Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties in Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extracts: Implications for Therapeutic Applications in Traditional and Modern Medicine

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba leaves contain flavonoids, terpenoids, bioflavonoids, organic acids, polyprenols, ginkgolides, and bilobalides, among other active chemical constituents. The plant's many therapeutic qualities, such as its antioxidative, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective qualities, are attributed to these constituents. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive pharmacognosy analysis, including the classification of primary and secondary metabolites, as well as HPTLC screening of Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts. Pharmacognosy analysis was perform according to methodology mention drafted by, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Upon microscopic examination, the structural makeup of the Ginkgo biloba leaf was found to include calcium oxalate, starch grains, sclereids, long fibers, and spiral tracheids. Physiochemical analyses revealed that the sample contained earthy materials and inorganic salts, with a moisture content of 11.29% and water and alcoholsoluble extract was 18.53% and 16.52% was found. The Ginkgo biloba leaf contained primary metabolites (carbohydrates and proteins) as well as secondary metabolites (alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and phenolic substances), according to qualitative phytochemical testing. In HPTLC screening maximum five chemical constituents are separated multiple wavelengths. The phenolic content of the Ginkgo biloba leaf was determined to be 789.94±61.07 (mg GAE per hundred 100 gram dry extract) and the flavonoid content was 6.59±0.91 (mg of quercetin equivalent per hundred gram dry extract). These results highlight the Ginkgo biloba leaf's complex composition and the existence of beneficial bioactive substances including flavonoids and phenols, which may support plant defense mechanism and have potential health benefits.