Ginkgo biloba i fitopreparati Ginkga

The Ginkgo tree, Ginkgo biloba L., is the sole surviving species of the family Ginkgoaceae. This tree has been subjected to numerous chemical investigations. These investigations have led to the isolation and characterization of unique compounds: lactonic terpenes (ginkgolides and bilobalide) proper to Ginkgo, and flavonol glycosides, acylated flavonol glycosides and biflavonoids (amentoflavone, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, bilobetin, sciadopitysin and 5'-methoxybilobetin). More than a hundred papers have appeared on the pharmacology of these compounds. Extracts from the leaves of Ginhgo biloba are known to exhibit- positive effects on the cerebral and peripheral blood circulation. Ginkgo preparations are sold against various symptoms related with old age.