Researchers Developed Green Ginkgo Extraction Method
A new solvent-based process improves flavonoid extraction while reducing harmful ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Nutrition
Scientists have developed a sustainable, deep eutectic solvent-based technique to extract flavonoids from Ginkgo biloba. The process uses specialized solvents to isolate beneficial compounds while effectively removing unwanted ginkgolic acids.
Why it matters
Developing green and efficient extraction methods is essential for improving the purity and safety of botanical supplements. This new approach balances high yield requirements with environmentally friendly processing standards.
The method achieved a maximum flavonoid extraction yield of 10.06 mg/g using a 1:5 ratio of Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 1,4-butylene Glycol. Researchers screened 80 different deep eutectic solvents to optimize the process.
The players
COSMOtherm
This is a commercial software package used for predicting chemical properties and activity coefficients in complex thermodynamic systems.
The details
The researchers utilized hydrophilic deep eutectic solvents for initial extraction, followed by a hydrophobic solvent mixture of oleic acid and lauryl alcohol at a 5:1 ratio to strip away ginkgolic acids. Molecular dynamics simulations and scanning electron microscopy were employed to map diffusion coefficients for 13 distinct compounds.
The Big Picture
This method follows the green chemistry principles established by the American Chemical Society by replacing hazardous traditional solvents with safer deep eutectic alternatives. The study marks a shift toward sustainable manufacturing protocols in the botanical supplement industry.
Improved extraction techniques lead to safer supplements with lower concentrations of ginkgolic acids, which are known to cause allergic reactions. Consumers can expect higher quality botanical products that meet modern purity standards as manufacturers adopt these green methods.
The takeaway
This advancement demonstrates how computational screening can accelerate the development of safer, eco-friendly extraction processes. Users should look for products processed with modern, residue-reduced methods to ensure they are consuming the highest quality botanical extracts.
Further reading
Explore more developments in botanical processing and supplement science in our Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
