Variation in Flavonoid Composition and Radical-Scavenging Activity inGinkgo bilobaL. due to the Growth Location and Time of Harvest
The aim of our research is to investigate the qualitative and quantitative composition and antioxidant activity of flavonoids in leaf samples ofGinkgo bilobaL.(G. biloba)growing in Lithuania and also to provide practical recommendations for the pharmaceutical industry to determine the optimum harvesting time and growth location ofG. bilobaleaves. The obtained results indicate that the growth location and time of sample collection have a significant influence (p≤0.05) on the content of active compounds. July and August are the best months to harvestG. bilobaleaves for industry. To ensure the rational collection ofG. bilobaraw material, the location of plantations is recommended in the western and southwestern phytoregions. The obtained results also indicate that the flavonoid content inG. bilobaleaf has a significantly positive correlation (r=0.952,p≤0.001) with antioxidant activity. The aqueous acetonic extracts from green leaves scavenge radicals to a greater degree than those from yellowGinkgoleaves. The results of this investigation provide information regarding the most suitable Lithuanian growing location to produceG. bilobawith an optimized content of health-promoting compounds.