Ginkgo Biloba is a widely used botanical extract, renowned for its cognitive and circulatory benefits. When used in food supplements, the standardisation of its active compounds—flavone glycosides and terpene lactones—is often a key consideration for product development and regulatory compliance. However, for simple extraction ratio materials, such as the Ginkgo Biloba 50:1 extract used in our formulation, glycoside and lactone content is not typically tested or standardised.
What Are Flavone Glycosides and Terpene Lactones?
Flavone Glycosides: These are plant-derived antioxidants that contribute to Ginkgo Biloba’s neuroprotective and circulatory-supporting properties. Standardised extracts often specify a content of around 24% flavone glycosides.
Terpene Lactones: These compounds, including ginkgolides A, B, and C, as well as bilobalide, are associated with cognitive function and anti-inflammatory properties. A typical standardised extract might contain approximately 6% terpene lactones.
Simple Extraction Ratio vs. Standardized Extracts
Extraction ratio materials, such as our Ginkgo Biloba 50:1 extract, indicate the amount of raw plant material used to produce the final extract. In this case, 50 grams of Ginkgo Biloba leaf are concentrated into 1 gram of extract. This process enhances the overall potency of the botanical compounds but does not necessarily target specific standardisation levels of glycosides or lactones. As a result:
The total concentration of Ginkgo phytochemicals is increased compared to raw leaf powder.
However, the exact levels of flavone glycosides and terpene lactones are not quantified unless specific standardisation procedures are applied.
Why Is Glycoside and Lactone Testing Not Conducted for Simple Extraction Ratios?
For standardised extracts, manufacturers employ additional purification steps to ensure specific percentages of glycosides and lactones, which require high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) testing. In contrast:
Extraction ratio materials focus on maintaining the broad spectrum of phytochemicals without altering their natural proportions.
Testing for glycoside and lactone content in non-standardised materials is not industry practice, as the variability in extraction methods and source material composition can lead to natural fluctuations.
The regulatory requirements for non-standardised Ginkgo Biloba extracts do not mandate specific glycoside or lactone levels, making such testing unnecessary for compliance.
Conclusion
While glycoside and lactone content is not tested for Ginkgo Biloba 50:1 extract, this does not compromise its effectiveness as a high-strength botanical supplement. If standardisation is required, a shift to quantified extracts is recommended, whereas if broader phytochemical composition is preferred, a simple extraction ratio provides a potent and cost-effective solution.