Ginkgo Extract Research Articles

Corrigendum to: Direct action of leptin, obestatin and ginkgo on hormone release by luteinised human ovarian granulosa cells.

The role of metabolic hormones, medicinal plants and their interrelationships in the control of human reproductive processes are poorly understood. To examine how leptin, obestatin and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) affect human ovarian hormone release. We analysed the influence of leptin and obestatin alone and in combination with ginkgo extract on cultured human ovarian granulosa cells. The release of progesterone (P), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandin F (PGF) were analysed by enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Leptin addition promoted the release of all the measured hormones. Obestatin stimulated the release of P, IGF-I and OT and inhibited PGF output. Ginkgo suppressed P, IGF-I and OT and promoted PGF release. Furthermore, ginkgo changed the stimulatory action of leptin on PGF to an inhibitory one. Leptin and obestatin are involved in the control of human ovarian hormone release and ginkgo influences their function. Leptin and obestatin could be useful as stimulators of human ovarian cell functions. The suppressive influence of ginkgo on ovarian function should lead to the development of ginkgo-containing drugs.

Isolation and purification of 12 flavonoid glycosides from Ginkgo biloba extract using sephadex LH-20 and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography.

An efficient and rapid preparative method for the separation and purification of flavonoid glycosides from the Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) was developed bysephadex LH-20 and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 40g GBE of 24% flavonoids were loaded onto the sephadex LH-20 column and five fractions (1.15, 2.57, 1.32, 4.45, and 3.31g) at flavonoid content of 72.3, 54.2, 63.5, 51.2, and 59.2% were produced. Ultimately, 12 flavonoid glycosides that are at least purities of 97.7% were obtained from 100mg of each fraction by preparative HPLC. The fraction A, B, and Deach contained two flavonoids, yielded 35, 30, 23, 20, 25, and 25mg, respectively. The fraction C and E each contained three flavonoids, produced 20, 13, 15, 18, 15, and 20mg, respectively. The chemical structures of the purified compounds were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS).

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Ginkgo biloba Herbal Supplementation on Lipocalin 2 Levels and Insulin Resistance in Obese Men

Background: Performing sports activities along with nutritional interventions is recommended as an effective way to reduce inflammatory cytokines and improve insulin resistance in obese people. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise and Ginkgo biloba herbal supplementation on lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) levels and insulin resistance in obese men. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 40 obese men in Kashan were selected in an accessible and purposeful manner. Subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups, including aerobic exercise (n=10), aerobic exercise and ginkgo biloba supplementation (n=10), ginkgo biloba supplementation (n=10), and control group (n=10). Subjects performed aerobic exercise and supplementation for 6 weeks. Accordingly, the subjects started aerobic exercise for 25 minutes with an intensity of 65% of the maximum heart rate in the first and second weeks. In the third and fourth weeks, they practiced for 35 minutes with an intensity of 65%-75% of the maximum heart rate, and finally for 40 minutes with 75%-85% of maximum heart rate in the fifth and sixth weeks. Ginkgo biloba extract was prepared in the form of gelatin capsules, two of which were daily consumed by subjects after breakfast for 6 weeks. The subjects performed their usual daily activities in the control group. The obtained data were analyzed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS software (version 22) at the level of 0.05. Results: The results of the study showed that 6 weeks of aerobic exercise and Ginkgo biloba herbal supplementation significantly reduced Lcn2 levels (P<0.001 and η²=0.61) and insulin resistance (P<0.001 and η²=0.74) in obese men. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, it seems that aerobic exercise and Ginkgo biloba herbal supplementation can significantly contribute to regulating body weight in obese men through a reduction in insulin resistance and Lcn2.

Ginkgolide B alleviates oxidative stress and ferroptosis by inhibiting GPX4 ubiquitination to improve diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end‑stage renal disease. Although Ginkgo biloba extract has a protective effect on DN, the protective effect and mechanism of its active ingredient Ginkgolide B (GB) on DN remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether GB improves DN via alleviating oxidative stress and ferroptosis by inhibiting GPX4 ubiquitination in PA-G-induced mouse podocytes and DN mice. The study in vitro showed that GB effectively reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations and lipid accumulation in PA-G-induced MPC5 cells. In addition, GB promoted the expression of ferroptosis markers GPX4 and FTH1, while inhibited the expression of TfR1, fibrosis markers α-SMA and Collagen α1, as well as intracellular iron content and ROS levels. Interference of GPX4 expression with siRNA counteracted the effect of GB. And GB inhibited GPX4 ubiquitination in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo the experimental results showed that GB effectively reduced hyperglycemia, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, reduced urinary albumin excretion and the number of renal lipid droplets, and improved changes in renal structure in DN mice. GB inhibited the expression of ferroptosis marker TfR1 and fibrosis markers α-SMA and Collagen α1, while promoted the expression of ferroptosis markers GPX4 and FTH1. In conclusion, the results suggested that GB may improve DN via protecting the kidney from ferroptosis and oxidative stress damage by inhibiting the ubiquitination of GPX4. These findings suggested that GB, a natural medicine, may be an effective therapeutic option for DN.

Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba L. and Derris trifoliata binary extract combinations against aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Combinations of Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) extract (active ingredient ginkgolic acid (GA)) and Derris trifoliata (D. trifoliata) extract (active ingredient rotenone (R)) were evaluated through bioassays and field trials to develop botanical insecticides as alternatives to chemical pesticides for aphid control. The bioassay results showed that the G. biloba extract exhibited high insecticidal activity against Acyrthosiphon pisum, Myzus persicae, and Aphis spiraecola adults, with LC50 values of 333.89 μg/mL, 282.52 μg/mL, and 250.41 μg/mL, respectively. D. trifoliata extract exhibited better insecticidal activity against A. pisum, M. persicae, and A. spiraecola adults, with LC50 values of 19.22 μg/mL, 12.70 μg/mL, and 3.99 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the extract combination of G. biloba and D. trifoliata at a ratio of 84:16 exhibited significant synergy against A. pisum, with a cotoxicity coefficient of 219.01. Additionally, two insecticidal formulations of 23% GA soluble liquid (SL) and 11.5% GA-R SL were developed using G. biloba extract (GA) and G. biloba with D. trifoliata extract (GA-R) combinations as the active substances. Field trials in 2020 and 2021 indicated that 11.5% GA-R SL had efficacies of 84.38% and 85.19%, respectively, against A. spiraecola seven days after a 721.28 a.i. g/hm2 application; 23% GA SL had 65.33% and 66.09% efficacies, respectively, against A. spiraecola seven days after a 1442.56 a.i. g/hm2 application. Based on these results, 11.5% GA-R SL has potential as a botanical pesticide for aphid control.

Time-Series-Dependent Global Data Filtering Strategy for Mining and Profiling of Xenobiotic Metabolites in a Dynamic Complex Matrix: Application to Biotransformation of Flavonoids in the Extract of Ginkgo biloba by Gut Microbiota.

Efficient characterization of xenobiotic metabolites and their dynamics in a changing complex matrix remains difficult. Herein, we proposed a time-series-dependent global data filtering strategy for the rapid and comprehensive characterization of xenobiotic metabolites and their dynamic variation based on metabolome data. A set of data preprocessing methods was used to screen potential xenobiotic metabolites, considering the differences between the treated and control groups and the fluctuations over time. To further identify metabolites of the target, an in-house accurate mass database was constructed by potential metabolic pathways and applied. Taking the extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB) co-incubated with gut microbiota as an example, 107 compounds were identified as flavonoid-derived metabolites (including 67 original from EGB and 40 new) from 7468 ions. Their temporal metabolic profiles and regularities were also investigated. This study provided a systematic and feasible method to elucidate and profile xenobiotic metabolism.

Medicinal Values and Potential Risks Evaluation of Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract (GBE) Drinks Made from the Leaves in Autumn as Dietary Supplements.

Ginkgo tea and ginkgo wine are two familiar Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) drinks in the form of dietary supplements (DS) used for healthcare in east Asia. Nevertheless, a comprehensive evaluation of their safety and efficacy is still lacking. In this study, GBE drinks were prepared from naturally newly senescent yellow leaves (YL) and green leaves (GL) in autumn. Their total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and prescribed ingredients were investigated. In brief, the proportions of total flavonoids, total flavonol glycosides (TFs), total terpene trilactones (TTLs) and ginkgolic acids in the GBE drinks all did not meet the standards of worldwide pharmacopoeias. Specifically, the levels of TFs in the ginkgo tea prepared from YL were significantly higher than that prepared from GL. Further analyses revealed a substandard ratio of isorhamnetin/quercetin and an accumulation of leaf-age-related compounds, which were both unqualified. The proportions of specific TTLs varied between the ginkgo tea and ginkgo wine, although no significant differences were detected in terms of the total levels of TTLs. Noticeably, numerous biflavones and thousands of times over the limiting concentration of ginkgolic acids, including newly identified types, were only detected in ginkgo wine. Finally, the use of the GBE drinks as DSs was comprehensively evaluated according to the acceptable daily intake. This study showed the limited healthcare effects of GBE drinks despite their powerful antioxidant capacity.

Molecularly imprinted polymer on silylated cellulose matrix via dummy template for detoxification of ginkgolic acids

Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBE) is one of the most widely used natural drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but how to remove ginkgolic acids (GAs) from extracts in a safe, efficient, and economical method is an urgent need. Combined with quantum chemistry theoretical calculations and surface molecular imprinting technology, an eco-friendly GAs molecularly imprinted polymer via dummy template molecules on silylated cellulose matrix (SCM-DMIP-GAs) has been developed to detoxify target GAs from GBE. The results of scanning electron microscope , Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction, N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, thermogravimetry , and binding absorption experiments showed SCM-DMIP-GAs has homogeneous morphology, good selective adsorption performance, high absorption capacity and stable recyclability. Furthermore, as solid phase extraction adsorbent, SCM-DMIP-GAs displays an efficient detoxification effect (99.98 %) after once treatment. This study presents an economic, green, and efficient solution for pharmaceutical and medical fields in plant extracts detoxification. • MIP to detoxify ginkgolic acids (SCM-DMIP-GAs) was firstly prepared. • Appropriate dummy template molecule was selected by quantum chemical calculation. • SCM-DMIP-GAs with stable recyclability is green, economic, and easy to prepare. • SCM-DMIP-GAs in SPE with 99.98 % detoxification effect in once treatment.

Evaluation of clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by deteriorating articular cartilage. Most patients may not get enough control of symptoms in spite of the availability of various treatment options. Because of the synergistic impact of flavonoids and ginkgolides, Ginkgo biloba (GB) has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties besides its generally safe profile. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) in patient with Knee OA. Methods: This is a randomized double blinded clinical trial conducted in a private orthopaedic clinic in Al-Najaf Government-Iraq. Patients were randomized into two groups; Group A administered the standard treatment (diclofenac capsule 100 milligram sustained released with paracetamol 1 gram twice daily) with GBE 120 milligram twice daily, while Group B administered the standard treatment with placebo (starch) capsule only. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was performed to assess the efficacy of the GBE in patient with Knee OA for eight weeks. Results: 60 patients successfully completed the eight weeks follow up. Pain, symptoms, sport, activity of daily living (ADL) scores showed significant improvement in Group A from the first two weeks after treatment with GB in comparison with group B. however, scores of quality of life (QOL) were not significantly improved in two group comparison at each assessment week. Only 10 patients reported gastrointestinal adverse effects during the study which were all mild. Conclusions: GB may provide additional beneficial health effects to patients with knee OA based on KOOS scores when add to the standard treatment regime. Registration: ClincialTrials.gov (NCT05398874, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05398874).

Peculiarities of the postnatal physical development of the offspring of rats treated with aqueous plant extracts as an additional load

Rats are attractive for various kinds of experiments aimed at studying the effect of substances on metabolism and other components of homeostasis. The use of biologically active substances of natural origin offers great opportunities for modulation of physiological processes in the body, increases the body's resistance, facilitates the clinical course of many environmentally caused diseases and has virtually no negative side effects. Purpose of the study: to study the peculiarities of postnatal physical development of the offspring of rats receiving intragastric aqueous plant extracts as an additional load. The experiment was carried out on sexually mature rats (50 females and 15 males), which were divided into 5 groups of 13 rats each. The groups received various compositions of aqueous plant extracts daily for 30 days at a dose of 30 mg/100 g of animal body weight. The animals were then mated, and the offspring were obtained and subjected to examination. Conclusion: loading rats with aqueous plant extracts promotes intensification of the postnatal physical development of the offspring, and the greatest efficiency is observed when using a mixture of aqueous extracts of Centella asiatica and Ginkgo biloba, rather than when using them separately.

Ginkgo biloba Extract Stimulates Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes.

Smaller adipocytes are related to the reversal of metabolic disorders, suggesting that molecules that can act in the adipogenesis pathway are of great interest. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) in modulating the differentiation in preadipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated for 7 days into adipocytes without (control group) and with GbE at 1.0 mg/mL. Lipid content and gene expression were analyzed on day 7 (D7) by Oil Red O staining and PCR Array Gene Expression. Western blotting analysis of the key adipogenesis markers was evaluated during the differentiation process at days 3 (D3), 5 (D5), and 7 (D7). GbE increased lipid content and raised the gene expression of the main adipogenesis markers. Key proteins of the differentiation process were modulated by GbE, since C/EBPβ levels were decreased, while C/EBPα levels were increased at D7. Regarding the mature adipocytes’ markers, GbE enhanced the levels of both FABP4 at D5, and perilipin at D3 and D5. In summary, the present findings showed that GbE modulated the adipogenesis pathway suggesting that the treatment could accelerate the preadipocyte maturation, stimulating the expression of mature adipocyte proteins earlier than expected.

What is the Combined Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGb761) and Acute Exhaustive Exercise on the Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis in Rats?

What is the Combined Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGb761) and Acute Exhaustive Exercise on the Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis in Rats?

Multiplex quantitation of 17 drug-derived components in human plasma after administration of a fixed herbal preparation of Sailuotong using combined online SPE-LC-MS/MS methods

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSailuotong (SLT) is a standardized herbal medicine formula made from extracts of ginseng (the dried root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), ginkgo (the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.), and saffron (the stigma of Crocus sativus L.). It is prescribed compatibly for the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD) following the TCM principle of Qi-invigorating and Blood-activating. Ginseng is widely used as a tonic for the restoration of strength in China. Ginkgo and saffron have been traditionally used for a long time as medicines with the main effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Aim of the studySLT has been proven to be a promising medicine for VaD by existing pharmacological and clinical evidence. To understand how the formula herbs and their active ingredients cooperate to produce comprehensive effects, the present study aimed to establish a highly sensitive and accurate quantitative method to reveal the plasma exposure profile of SLT in humans. Material and methodsMultiplex quantitation of a total of 17 SLT-derived components in human plasma was fulfilled by using online SPE for sample extractions followed by LC-MS/MS determinations. Among them, 8 ginsenoside (Rg1, Re, F1, Rf, Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd) were determined in ESI+ mode, and ginkgo flavonoids of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin were in ESI- mode. Improved sensitivity was achieved through optimizing the condition of sample extraction and LC separation, as well as mass parameters. 4 ginkgolides, including ginkgolide A, B, C and bilobalide, and 2 crocins of crocin-1 and its metabolite crocetin, were analyzed concurrently in negative ion mode, and their stability was ensured by a series of protective solutions. ResultsThe lower limit of quantitation was achieved to be extremely sensitive at 0.078 ng/mL for all ginsenosides, 0.033 ‒ 0.2 ng/mL for ginkgo flavonoids, 0.75 or 1.5 ng/mL for ginkgolides and 3 ng/mL for crocins. The methods were fully validated to be accurate and precise, and applicability was demonstrated by the analysis of clinical samples from 2 healthy volunteers. ConclusionThe developed methods should be useful in further detailed clinical pharmacokinetic research for clarifying the effect mechanism of SLT and formulating its rational therapeutic regimens.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract EGb 761® as a paragon of the product by process concept.

It is an often-neglected fact that extracts derived from the very same plant can differ significantly in their phytochemical composition, and thus also in their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties which are the basis for their clinical efficacy and safety. The Ginkgo biloba L. [Ginkgoaceae] special extract EGb 761® is one of the best-studied plant extracts in the world. In the present review, using that extract as a paradigm, we describe insights how climate, the harvest region, processing of the plant material, the drying process, the extraction solvents, and the details of the subsequent process steps substantially impact the quality and uniformity of the final extract. We highlight the importance of regulating active constituent levels and consistent reduction of undesired substances in herbal extracts. This is accomplished by a controlled production process and corresponding analytical specifications. In conclusion, since extracts derived from the same plant can have very different phytochemical compositions, results from pharmacological, toxicological and clinical studies gained with one specific extract cannot be extrapolated to other extracts that were generated using different production processes. We propose that the heterogenous nature of extracts should be meticulously considered when evaluating the efficacy and safety of plant-derived remedies.

Quality survey of some health supplements containing medicinal herbs tested in Ho Chi Minh in the period of 2015 - 2021

Many health supplements containing medicinal herbs such as Ginkgo biloba extract, Turmeric extract were tested for quality in Ho Chi Minh City in the period 2015-2021. Testing methods were non-pharmacopoeia methods that accredited methods by Bureau of Accreditation (BoA) or pharmacopoeia methods. The results showed that there were some samples did not meet the quality criteria such as qualitative, quantitative. The quality criteria for safety have been tested such as microbial limits test or the limit of preservatives, heavy metals, and determination of Aflatoxin.  

Ginkgo biloba Extract Containing Plasmalogen May Improve Long COVID and Brain Fog: A Case Report

Other than pneumonia, Long COVID is currently cited as a problem with COVID-19. Among them, brain fog is a particular problem. Brain fog, as the name suggests, refers to a state in which the brain is foggy, and it is thought that there is a communication abnormality in the central nervous system, including fatigue. It has been pointed out that this may be caused by a cytokine storm, and since it lowers QOL (Quality of Life), countermeasures are urgently needed. In this study, we used plasmalogen containing Ginkgo biloba extract and found improvement in patients complaining of brain fog. As a result, we were able to confirm a case of excellent efficacy, which we report here.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles and its application for electrochemical detection of diclofenac

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles and its application for electrochemical detection of diclofenac

Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves attenuates neurotoxic damages in rats and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to a high level of fluoride

BackgroundPotential protection against the neurotoxic damages of high levels of fluoride on rats and SH-SY5Y cells by extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, as well as underlying mechanisms, were examined. MethodsThe rats were divided randomly into 4 groups, i.e., control, treatment with the extract (100 mg/kg body weight, gavage once daily), treatment with fluoride (50 ppm F- in drinking water) and combined treatment with both; SH-SY5Y cells exposed to fluoride and fluoride in combination with the extract or 4-Amino-1,8-naphthalimide (4-ANI), an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Spatial learning and memory in the rats were assessed employing Morris water maze test; the contents of fluoride in brains and urine by fluoride ion-selective electrode; cytotoxicity of fluoride was by CCK-8 kit; the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) by appropriate kits; the level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was by ELISA; the content of ROS and frequency of apoptosis by flow cytometry; the expressions of phospho-histone H2A.X(Ser139), PARP-1, poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) by Western blotting or immunofluorescence. ResultsThe rats with prolong treatment of fluoride exhibited dental fluorosis, the increased contents of fluoride in brains and urine and the declined ability of learning and memory. In the hippocampus of the rats and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to fluoride, the levels of ROS, MDA, apoptosis, 8-OHdG and the protein expressions of histone H2A.X(Ser139), PARP-1 and PAR were all elevated; the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the protein expression of SIRT1 reduced. Interestingly, the treatment of Ginkgo biloba extract attenuated these neurotoxic effects on rats and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to fluoride and the treatment of 4-ANI produced a neuroprotective effect against fluoride exposure. ConclusionGinkgo biloba extract attenuated neurotoxic damages induced by fluoride exposure to rats and SH-SY5Y cells and the underlying mechanism might involve the inhibition of PARP-1 and the promotion of SIRT1.

Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba Extract Combined with Hormones in the Treatment of Sudden Deafness and Its Effect on the Reactivity of Peripheral Blood T Cell Subsets.

This work was aimed at exploring the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract combined with hormones in the treatment of sudden deafness and the influence on the reactivity of peripheral blood T cell subsets (PBTCSs). In this work, 64 patients with sudden deafness who were treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2019 to August 2022 were selected as the research objects. The patients were randomly divided into a hormone group (treatment with prednisone acetate, n = 34) and a combination group (treatment with Ginkgo-Damole combined with prednisone acetate, n = 30). After the two groups of patients were treated in different ways, their efficacy, symptom improvement, changes in blood rheology, and PBTCSs were compared. The total effective rates (TERs) of the hormone group and the combination group were 76.32% and 95.73%, respectively (P < 0.05). The fibrinogen contents of the patients in the combination group were obviously lower than those in the hormone group after 5 d, 7 d, and 10 d of treatment (P < 0.05). The high blood viscosity (HBV) values of patients in the combination group at 5 d, 7 d, and 10 d after treatment were greatly lower than those in the hormone group (P < 0.05). The low blood viscosity (LBV) values after 3 d, 7 d, and 10 d of treatment in the combined group were much lower in contrast to those in the hormone group (P < 0.05). The CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood in the combination group were sharply higher while the CD8+ in the combined group was lower in contrast to the hormone group (P < 0.05). There was no visible difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of patients after treatment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the combined application of Ginkgo biloba extract and hormones could effectively improve the abnormal hemorheological indexes of patients with sudden deafness and effectively relieve the imbalance of PBTCSs, which was safe.

An advanced bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) spectral approach for estimating flavonoid content in leaves of Ginkgo plantations

As a key phenolic pigment concentrated in the surface tissues of leaves, flavonoids (Flav) are the major bioactive ingredients in Ginkgo leaf extracts. Flav are also marked natural antioxidants and significant indicators of biotic and abiotic stresses, critical for determining cultivation quality and enhancing Flav yield. In particular, area-based Flav (Flavarea) is related to the shortwave-blue light interaction within leaves per unit leaf area, whereas mass-based Flav (Flavmass) is useful for the quantitative assessment of Flav yield. In order to accurately estimate the contents of Flavarea and Flavmass in leaves of Ginkgo plantations, in this study, we developed an advanced bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) spectra-based approach by reducing the effects of specular reflection and enhancing the absorption signals of Flav (in the shortwave-blue region of spectrum), using a suite of new spectral indices (SIs) (i.e., flavonoid index (FI), modified flavonoid index (mFI) and double difference index (DD)) calculated from the leaf clip equipped spectrometers-collected data. The results demonstrated that most of the SIs derived from the developed BRF spectra-based approach obtained relatively high performance for Flav estimation by alleviating adverse effects of specular reflection to different extents (CV-R2 = 0.60–0.76). In specific, DDnir434,421 selected from DD-type indices performed (CV-R2 = 0.76 for Flavarea; CV-R2 = 0.69 for Flavmass) better than other indices. These findings represent marked potentials of the developed BRF spectra-based approach for non-destructively estimating leaf Flav content, as well as improving the understanding of the mechanisms of specular effects on Flav estimations in leaves of Ginkgo plantations.