The main active constituents and detoxification process of Ginkgo biloba seeds and their potential use in functional health foods

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba leaves and seeds have been used as a food and traditional herbal remedies for thousands of years. Extracts from G. biloba leaves, especially EGb761, have been investigated extensively to determine their chemical components and pharmacological effects, specifically on degenerative nerve diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. G. biloba seeds, another important part of Ginkgo biloba, have been consumed as a food and medicinal nuts for thousands of years. The seeds are rich in carbohydrates, protein, fat and phytochemicals and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma, cough, enuresis, pyogenic skin infections and intestinal tract worm infections. Recently, G. biloba seeds have also been reported to have neuroprotective effects. Therefore, it is important to promote the intake of G. biloba seeds. However, there are few reports that comprehensively summarize G. biloba seeds. To develop a full understanding of G. biloba seeds and provide a scientific basis for the development of this edible seed, this review summarizes the major components of G. biloba seeds and their bioactivities, processing methods and updated information on the pharmacological functions. Additionally, side effects, such as allergies, haemorrhaging or excessive bleeding, that occurred in people with allergies also have been discussed.