Ginkgo biloba L.

Abstract

The chemistry, analysis, pharmacology and clinical applications of extracts of the maidenhair tree (G. biloba) are reviewed. This botanically unique tree contains some unusual secondary metabolites, among others a number of highly oxidised terpene trilactones (ginkgolides, bilobalide) which, together with some flavonoids, are considered to be responsible for the pharmacological activities of standardized leaf extracts: vaso- and tissue-protective action, cognition-enhancing and antiageing activity, including stress-alleviating and neuroprotective/neurotrophic effects. All these properties support the therapeutic applications against cerebral insufficiency and impaired peripheral blood circulation.