Quality of Ginkgo preparations

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacognosy
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Ginkgo biloba leaves contain numerous bioactive compounds, notably flavonoids and terpene lactones.
• These constituents are believed to be responsible for the medicinal properties of Ginkgo preparations.
• Ensuring the quality and consistency of these phytomedicines is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive survey of known and newly isolated constituents from Ginkgo leaves.
• To present methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of key active compounds (flavonoids and terpene lactones).
• To discuss quality control, standardization, and the existence of phytogenerics in Ginkgo preparations.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on Ginkgo leaf constituents.
• Description of three selective analytical methods for flavonoid determination.
• Discussion of quality control strategies for terpene lactones and overall Ginkgo preparations.

Main Results:

• Detailed structures of important flavonoids and terpene lactones are presented.
• Specific analytical methodologies for accurate compound quantification are outlined.
• Consideration of standardization challenges and the definition of phytogenerics.

Conclusions:

• Accurate identification and quantification of flavonoids and terpene lactones are essential for Ginkgo quality control.
• Established analytical methods and standardization protocols are vital for reliable phytomedicines.
• The concept and existence of 'phytogenerics' require further clarification within the regulatory framework.