Variation of ginkgolides and bilobalide contents in leaves and cell cultures ofGinkgo biloba L.

Ginkgolides (GK) and bilobalide are valuable compounds that belong to the lactone terpene. The contents of these metabolites were determined by HPLC from female and male tree ofGinkgo biloba L. The productivity ofG. biloba cells was also compared with the corresponding individual trees. High variations in the ginkgolides and bilobalide were observed from different individuals, plant parts, and cultured cells. The ginkgolides and bilobalide contents were different depending on the plant parts. Callus was obtained from various plant tissues, and NAA was better at callogenesis than 2,4-D in both the female and male trees. The plants and their corresponding cells showed considerable variation in their ginkgolides and bilobalide concentrations. The ginkgolides and bilobalide contents were not correlated with the production between dominant trees and their corresponding cells. Light irradiation enhanced the production of GK-A and GK-B, however, the concentration of bilobalide decreased under dark conditions.