06.01.08
The U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) has taken steps to eliminate the discrepancy between European and U.S. Ginkgo biloba extract products. The U.S. has lagged behind Europe in developing detailed quality standards that define what the biochemical make-up of the extract should be. The latest 2008 edition of USP (#31) specifies the testing of additional compounds such as bilobalides, and more closely sets the ratio of other constituents according to the natural ratio of the ginkgo leaf. It also defines maximum levels for gingkolic acid (a potential allergen in ginkgo). This new standard should increase the availability of higher quality ginkgo consumer products in the U.S.