It is an ancient plant species that contains plenty of bioactive compounds and provides a variety of health benefits. Flavonoids and terpenes are the two main active components of ginkgo biloba leaves.  Flavonoids are known to act mainly as antioxidants/free radical scavengers, enzyme inhibitors, and cation chelators whereas 2 types of terpenes are present as Ginkgolides a diterpene along with bilobalide as sesquiterpene trilactone which can affect a variety of biological processes. As a result, G. biloba leaf extract is widely utilized to treat cardiovascular and neurological disorders and is one of the most commonly used traditional medicinal plants.

The main underlying mechanism of action in all these cases has been the antioxidant properties of the extract. There are other principles of action that include PAF antagonism, modulation of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, and endothelium relaxing factor improving the circulatory properties of blood. Thus, Ginkgo leaf extract has been shown to be a promising herbal dietary supplement with proven therapeutic benefits. The amazing vitality exhibited by fresh or dried leaves of Ginkgo has led to its therapeutic applications in health, food and supplements.