Extract of Ginkgo biloba has become one of the most popular and effective botanical products providing benefits in key health areas related to aging: improved cognition and working memory, as well as improved mood, sleep and daily activities in older people. In Germany and France, Ginkgo extract is classified both as an OTC pharmaceutical and as a widely prescribed medication. Although Ginkgo is just as popular in the US, up until now, the U.S. has lagged behind Europe in one very important area: detailed quality standards that define clearly what the biochemical make-up of the extract should be.

The United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), an independent, science-based public health organization that sets standards recognized in over 130 countries, has taken steps that will eliminate the discrepancy between European and U.S. products. The latest 2008 edition of USP (#31)  specifies the testing of additional compounds such as bilobalides, and more closely sets the ratio of other constituents according to the natural ratio of the Ginkgo leaf. It also defines maximum levels for Gingkolic acid (a potential allergen in Ginkgo). This new standard will increase the availability of higher quality Ginkgo consumer products in the U.S.

Until now, US suppliers have relied on the more simple and more easily manipulated ’24/6’ standard (24% flavoneglycosides, 6% terpene lactones); as a result, much of  the Ginkgo biloba extract currently available in the US does not match the more detailed specifications of that sold and prescribed in Europe. The new USP edition implements the same standards that were used in nearly all of the successful, published clinical trials on Ginkgo extracts.

In 2006, Ethical Naturals Inc teamed up with AHP (American Herbal Pharmacopoeia) to produce a major quality report on Ginkgo extracts in the U.S. market. This report lead to the widespread use of significantly higher testing standards for Ginkgo.

Ethical Naturals
San Anselmo, Calif.