Pharmacokinetics of Ginkgo biloba extracts

EGb 761(R) (definition see editorial) Ginkgo extract is produced by a validated production process. Its pharmacologically active constituents, flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones, are kept within a narrow range of 22 to 27 % and 5 to 7 %, respectively, by standardisation. The concentration of ginkgolic acids is below 5 ppm. The constant production process also maintains the concentrations of other constituents such as proanthocyanidins, carboxylic acids and non-flavone glycosides at a fairly constant level. In this article, we will summarise the data on the pharmacokinetics of flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones.