A unique tree species native to China, ginkgo is the oldest living member of the Gymnosperms and the only survivor of Gingkoaceae, all other species being found only as fossils. Today it is widely planted as an ornamental and cultivated for drug use in Korea, France and the United States.

Standardized extracts of the leaves are marketed for use against cerebrovascular disease and senile dementia. Ginkgo may exert beneficial effects by improving brain blood circulation and assist with other symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss.

Cosmetic use

Extract from the leaves of G. biloba tree have antioxidative function and improve capillary circulation making it a very useful herb in cosmetology. By scavenging free radicals and peroxide in skin tissues it delays skin ageing. Classified as a skin-conditioning agent G.biloba extracts are used in anti-ageing skin care products at a concentration of 0.01% to 0.05% in which it is added to lotions, creams ointments, masks, cleansers etc.

Active constituents of Ginkgo are characterized as mixtures of terpenoids and flavonoids. The dried leaves contain 0.1% to 0.25% terpene lactones, comprising