Ginkgo biloba
Nootropics
Overview
- Ginkgo biloba is a living fossil tree whose leaves have been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine.
- Modern supplements are standardized extracts of the leaf, primarily studied for their ability to modulate blood flow and oxidative stress, which underpins many of its reported health effects.
Chemistry
- Ginkgo leaf extract contains a complex mixture of flavonoid glycosides (e.g., quercetin‑3‑O‑glucoside, kaempferol‑3‑O‑rhamnoside) and terpene lactones (ginkgolides A‑C, bilobalide).
- The primary terpene lactone, ginkgolide B, has the molecular formula C₂₁H₂₄O₅, IUPAC name 5,7-dimethyl-3‑[2‑(4‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxy‑phenyl)‑2‑propyl]‑1‑[2‑(2‑hydroxy‑4‑methoxy‑phenyl)‑propyl]‑2‑hydroxy-7‑methoxy‑2‑[2‑(hydroxymethyl)‑4‑methoxy‑phenyl]‑2‑hydroxy‑1‑[2‑(hydroxy‑phenyl)‑2‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxy‑phenyl]‑1‑hydroxy‑1‑[2‑hydroxy‑4‑methoxy‑phenyl]‑2‑hydroxy‑1‑hydroxy‑2‑hydro‑* (simplified).
- Ginkgolides possess a unique cage‑like diterpene skeleton with multiple lactone rings, conferring high affinity for the platelet‑activating factor receptor.
- The flavonoids are polyphenolic, contributing antioxidant capacity.
- The standardized extract typically contains 24 % flavonoid glycosides (as quercetin equivalents) and 6 % terpene lactones (ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide).
Sources & Quality
- Commercial Ginkgo biloba is sourced from mature leaves of the Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba L.), cultivated primarily in China, Japan, and South Korea where the tree is cultivated under controlled agronomic conditions to ensure consistent phytochemical profiles.
- Leaves are harvested in late summer when flavonoid and terpene concentrations peak, then air‑dried and milled.
- Extraction typically uses 70 % ethanol or water‑ethanol mixtures under controlled temperature to preserve thermolabile ginkgolides.
- The extract is standardized to 24 % flavonoids and 6 % terpene lactones (e.g., EGb 761®).
- High‑quality supplements undergo HPLC fingerprinting to confirm the presence and ratio of key constituents, and heavy‑metal, pesticide, and microbial testing for safety.
- Look for products with third‑party certification (USP, NSF, or GMP) to ensure purity and consistent potency.
Where to Buy Ginkgo biloba
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