GINKGO (GINKGO BILOBA L.), A MEDICINAL TREE

Ginkgo biloba is a member of family Ginkgoaceae. The ginkgo tree, known to be among the oldest species on this planet, has flourished in forests for over 150 million years and hence it is called a living fossil. The best growing conditions are found on deep sandy and well-drained soils. Active substances are predominantly produced in the roots and then translocated to the leaves. The two main pharmacologically active groups of compounds present in the ginkgo leaf extract are the flavonoids and the terpenoids. Standard Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761, contains 22-27% flavonoids (ginkgo flavone glycosides) and 5-7% terpenoids (ginkgolides and bilobalides). The extract of ginkgo uses in the treatment of poor circulation, heart disease, eye disease, short term memory loss, brain trauma and depression.