Compound Monograph
Bilobalides
Bilobalide is a sesquiterpene lactone unique to the ginkgo tree and one of the characteristic constituents of ginkgo leaf extract.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Bilobalides are naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone, found in Ginkgo. They are well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Bilobalide is a sesquiterpene lactone found essentially only in Ginkgo biloba and, together with the ginkgolides, is one of the marker constituents used to standardise ginkgo leaf extracts. It has been studied for neuroprotective and GABA-related effects in laboratory and animal models, though its specific contribution to the effects of whole ginkgo extract in people is not clearly established.
Toxicity & Safety
Within standardised ginkgo leaf extracts, bilobalide is consumed at low levels and these extracts are generally well tolerated. Its safety as an isolated compound has not been characterised, and the usual cautions for ginkgo (notably a possible increase in bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs) are attributed to the extract as a whole rather than to bilobalide specifically.