Research progress on breeding and cultivation of Ginkgo biloba for leaf use in China / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Ginkgo biloba mainly contains many kinds of special flavonoids and terpenlactones in its leaves. The preparation of Ginkgo biloba extract is very good for curing patients suffering from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In order to get more Ginkgo biloba leaves rich in flavonoids and terpenlactones, the rules are set to seek fine varieties including higher contents of flavonoids and terpenlactones, higher leaves yield than ordinary ones. Many fine varieties were selected according to these standards and applied in Ginkgo cultivation for leaf use. Factors affecting the contents of active ingredients and the amount of leaves covered Ginkgo varieties, sex, age, origin, environment, and harvest time, location in tree's canopy and branches, branch types and so on. The suitable application of fertilizer, trimming, pruning, and planting density will improve the yields of leaves and medicinal components. Future works should focus on two aspects, one is the germplasm resources collection, conservation, studying, and selection, another is directionally cultivation of leaf-used Ginkgo using improved varieties and standardized cultivation.