The pharmacological study of Ginkgo biloba extract has required numerous experiments over several years: different pathological models of cerebral ischaemia to evaluate its effects, and experiments at both cellular and molecular levels to determine its mechanisms of action. In experimental models of ischaemia, oedema and hypoxia, Ginkgo biloba extract reduced vascular, tissular and metabolic disturbances as well as their neurological and behavioural consequences. The pharmacological effects of Ginkgo biloba extract concern vascular, rheological and metabolic processes. Several membrane mechanisms seem to be involved: protection of the membrane ultrastructure against free radicals, modulation of some enzymatic systems and ionic pumps. The originality of the pharmacological properties of Ginkgo biloba extract lies in preferential focusing of its effects on ischaemic areas.