Quantification of terpene trilactones in Ginkgo biloba with a 1H NMR method

Ginkgo biloba L. has been used as a herbal medicine in the traditional treatment of insufficient blood flow, memory deficits, and cerebral insufficiency. The terpene trilactone components, the bioactive agents of Ginkgo biloba L., have also been reported to exhibit useful functionality such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, in the present research, we attempted to analyze quantitatively the terpene trilactone components in Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, with quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR) and obtained almost identical results to data reported using HPLC. Application of the qNMR method for the analysis of the terpene trilactone contents in commercial Ginkgo extract products, such as soft gel capsules and tablets, produced the same levels noted in package labels. Thus, qNMR is an alternative method for quantification of the terpene trilactone components in commercial Ginkgo extract products.