Ginkgolic acid assay (as c13)

Ginkgolic acids are natural phenolic compounds found in the leaves and seeds of Ginkgo biloba . Although this plant is widely used in dietary supplements and standardized extracts for its cognitive and vascular effects, the presence of ginkgolic acids poses a toxicological risk. In particular, C13 ginkgolic acid is regulated because it is associated with allergenic, cytotoxic, and mutagenic effects.

The specific dosage of these compounds is therefore essential to ensure the safety of formulations and to meet current standards.

Importance of dosage

Analyzing ginkgolic acids is essential for several reasons:

• to ensure regulatory compliance of Ginkgo biloba extracts,
• verify compliance with maximum permitted levels (< 5 ppm in Europe),
• to secure food supplements intended for circulation and cognitive well-being,
• to control the purity of plant-based raw materials,
• to enhance the value of finished products through reliable analytical traceability.

Analytical techniques used

The analysis is primarily performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), often coupled with:

• a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD),
• mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS) for more sensitive detection.

This approach allows for the precise quantification of C13 ginkgolic acid, but also for the characterization of other homologs present in small quantities in the extracts.

Affected matrices

Analyses can be performed on different matrices:

• Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts,
• raw or processed vegetable powders,
• food supplements (capsules, tablets, solutions),
• standardized liquid formulations.

Industrial and scientific applications

The measurement of ginkgolic acid levels is applicable to several areas:

• Nutraceuticals: quality control of products enriched with Ginkgo biloba
• Phytotherapy: verification of the conformity of standardized extracts,
• Research: Evaluation of the potential biological effects of ginkgolic acids and their derivatives
• Cosmetics: securing formulations containing plant extracts.

Additional analyses in the YesWeLab catalog

Ginkgolic acid testing can be combined with other analytical services offered by YesWeLab:

• Rutin assay for the evaluation of an antioxidant flavonoid,
• Quercetin assay for the characterization of flavonoids in plant extracts,
• Total flavonoid content is measured to obtain a comprehensive view of antioxidant activity.
• Boswellic acid assay for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory triterpenes,
• Progoitrin assay for the quantification of glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables.

YesWeLab Expertise

At YesWeLab, we work with a network of rigorously selected laboratories specializing in the analysis of plant and nutraceutical substances. The majority of our partners are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC), guaranteeing reliable results that comply with international standards.

Our scientific team supports manufacturers and formulators by offering:

• analytical methods adapted to each matrix,
• a high level of responsiveness to regulatory constraints,
• a digital platform facilitating the management, monitoring and reporting of analysis results.