Phenolic compounds among the bioactive molecules in Ginkgo biloba L.
Conference Paper
Overview
Overview
abstract
The interest for natural antioxidants has been increasing over the years. Phenolic compounds
comprise a very large group of biologically active molecules, being appreciated for their
beneficial effects on health (physiologically active compounds with anti-allergic, antiatherogenic,
antimicrobial, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective and
vasodilatory effects) [1-3]. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phenolic
compounds of Ginkgo biloba L. (infusion and methanol/water extract), widely used in traditional
medicine and in dietary supplements. Twenty-five compounds were detected, eighteen of which
were flavonoids, one phenolic acid, five terpene lactones and one unknown compound.
However, among the twenty-five compounds detected, compounds 1, 2, 4-6 and 12, associated
to ginkgolides, were not quantified due their low UV absorption and possible interferences in the
complex matrix of G. biloba extracts, as well as the unavailability of commercial gingkolide
standards. Regarding the quantified phenolic compounds, flavonoids were the main group
present, being two kaempferol derivatives the major compounds found: kaempferol-3-0-dirhamnosylglucoside and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. The infusion presented lower quantities
than the methanol/water extract, probably due to the high temperatures applied to obtain the
first preparation that could have destroyed some thermal sensitive compounds, but also due to
the lower extraction time.
