The Potential of Ginkgo biloba as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds-A Review of the Recent Literature and Patents

Molecules. 2023 May 9;28(10):3993. doi: 10.3390/molecules28103993.

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba is a relict tree species showing high resistance to adverse biotic and abiotic environmental factors. Its fruits and leaves have high medicinal value due to the presence of flavonoids, terpene trilactones and phenolic compounds. However, ginkgo seeds contain toxic and allergenic alkylphenols. The publication revises the latest research results (mainly from 2018-2022) regarding the chemical composition of extracts obtained from this plant and provides information on the use of extracts or their selected ingredients in medicine and food production. A very important section of the publication is the part in which the results of the review of patents concerning the use of Ginkgo biloba and its selected ingredients in food production are presented. Despite the constantly growing number of studies on its toxicity and interactions with synthetic drugs, its health-promoting properties are the reason for the interest of scientists and motivation to create new food products.

Keywords: food industry; ginkgo biloba; ginkgotoxin; patents; pro-health properties.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Ginkgo biloba* / chemistry
  • Phenols / analysis
  • Plant Extracts* / analysis
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Terpenes / analysis

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Flavonoids
  • Terpenes
  • Phenols

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.