Advances in the study of flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba leaves

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba flavonoids are one of the most popular herbal supplements, taken for their perceived “memory enhancing” properties. In this paper, the current studies of Ginkgo biloba flavonoids from leaves is been reviewed. Flavonoids are derived from the products of the shikimate and acetate-malonate pathways. Flavonoid concentration in G. biloba leaves is not only regulated by the involvement of genes, but also by other factors, such as photosynthesis, tree age, season, extent of leaf maturity, plant seed-load, the reproductive ways of nursery stock and the variety, time, quantity of fertilizer application and so on. Ecological factors influence flavonoid concentration primarily during the young stage of ginkgo development. Among all ecological factors, light and temperature are the most important. Great progress in producing flavonoids by means of biological technology and chemical synthesis has been made. Comments and analysis on the methods of increasing flavonoid content in G. biloba leaves were made in this review.   Key words: Ginkgo biloba, flavonoid, mechanism of control, external synthesis.