Although the medicinal properties of Ginkgo biloba L. have been known in China since the most ancient times, a systematic pharmacological and clinical study of this plant only began in Europe in the last decades ⁽¹⁾.

Often defined as a "living fossil", the Ginkgo biloba tree is the only survivor of a genus originated 150 millions years ago. It derives its name from a wrong transcription of the Japanese Yin-Kwo, meaning “silver fruit”.
In an extensive review by DeFeudis ⁽²⁾ in 1991, the activity of Ginkgo biloba is describred as "polyvalent", as its pharmacological action is due to the combined activity of several actives.
The major therapeutic indications for the standardized Ginkgo biloba leaves extract concern cerebral insufficiency and peripheral vascular disorders ⁽¹⁾.
The term "cerebral insufficiency" indicates a collection of symptoms concerning the cerebral functions, such as impairment of short term memory, confusion, change in social behavior, lack of initiative, affective and somatic troubles. These symptoms may be associated with impaired cerebral circulation and ageing.
Considered as early signs of senile dementia both of degenerative type and vascular origin, the symptoms are treated with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) which is considered a drug of choice in the growing area of senile dementia.

1. Van Beek T.A., Bombardelli E., Morazzoni P., Peterlongo F., Fitoterapia LXIX (3) 193-244 (1998).
2. DeFeudis F.V., “Ginkgo biloba extract: pharmacological activities and clinical applications”, Elsevier (1991).

BACK