Analysis of Terpenoids in Ginkgo Biloba

Importance of the Topic

Ginkgo biloba extracts are widely used dietary supplements valued for neuroprotective and circulatory benefits. Key active components include various terpenoids such as bilobalide and ginkgolides A, B, and C. Reliable analytical methods are essential to ensure supplement quality, potency, and safety.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

The study aimed to develop a robust, high-throughput liquid chromatography method with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) for simultaneous separation and quantification of major terpenoids in Ginkgo biloba extracts. The approach focused on achieving clear resolution, reproducibility, and straightforward operation suitable for routine quality control.

Methodology

The analysis employed reversed-phase liquid chromatography on a Shim-pack FC-ODS column (150 mm × 4.6 mm I.D., 3 μm). A binary gradient of water (solvent A) and methanol (solvent B) was used: starting at 20% B, linearly increasing to 45% B over 16 minutes, then to 80% B at 16.01 minutes, holding until 20 minutes, and returning to initial conditions by 20.01 minutes for column re-equilibration until 30 minutes. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, column temperature 50 °C, injection volume 10 μL.

Used Instrumentation

• Shim-pack FC-ODS column (150 × 4.6 mm I.D., 3 μm)
• High-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with ELSD detector
• ELSD settings: detector temperature 40 °C, gain 6, nitrogen nebulizer gas at 350 kPa

Main Results and Discussion

Under optimized conditions, bilobalide and ginkgolides C, A, and B were baseline-resolved within a 16-minute gradient window. ELSD provided consistent response for low-UV-absorbing terpenoids. The method demonstrated good repeatability in retention times and peak areas, making it well suited for routine analysis of Ginkgo extracts and dietary supplements.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enables reliable quality control and standardization of Ginkgo biloba products
• Facilitates quantification of nonchromophoric terpenoids
• Suitable for regulatory compliance and batch release testing
• Potentially adaptable to other botanical extracts and nutraceuticals

Future Trends and Applications

• Integration with mass spectrometry for enhanced sensitivity and structural confirmation
• Use of greener solvents and shorter columns for faster, eco-friendly analyses
• Automation and chemometric tools for high-throughput screening
• Extension to impurity profiling and comprehensive metabolite fingerprinting

Conclusion

The presented LC-ELSD method on Shim-pack FC-ODS achieves rapid, reproducible separation of key Ginkgo terpenoids. Its robustness and simplicity make it ideal for routine quality control in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical laboratories.

References

• Shimadzu Corporation. Analysis of Terpenoids in Ginkgo Biloba, Application Note ERAS-1000-0528, First Edition September 2023.