Essential tools improve the quality of Ginkgo biloba research

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for Ginkgo biloba.

The NIST reference materials will help researchers validate the accuracy of measurements for flavonoids and terpene lactones (plant constituents associated with the effectiveness of ginkgo) as well as toxic elements in ginkgo.

In addition to improving the quality of results from studies in humans, the reference materials will help dietary supplement manufacturers improve product consistency.

More information on what’s included in the Ginkgo biloba suite of reference materials is available on page 6 of the SRM Spotlight. Background on NIST SRMs is here.

The bottom line?
SRMs will help ensure the product contains the active constitutes in ginkgo, but it does not address the second problem of contamination, as reported by ConsumerLab.com.

9/2/07 13:25 JR