Source
The mature seed of Ginkgo biloba L. (Fam. Ginkgoaceae).

Distribution
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Guangxi, Sichuan, Henan, Shandong, Hubei, Liaoning and Jiangsu.

Harvest & Processing
Harvest seeds in late autumn after they ripen; remove fleshy exotesta; wash clean; dry under the sun; break shells to get kernels.

Description
Seed with exotesta removed: Ovoid (egg-shaped) or ellipsoid (elliptical in long-section and circular in cross-section); 1.5-3 cm long, 1-2.2 cm wide. Outer shell (i.e. mesosperm) bony, smooth; outer surface yellowish-white or pale brownish-yellow; base with an orbicular (round) punctiform (dot-like) protuberance; margin with 1 ridge on each side, occasionally with 3 ridges. Endotesta membranous, dull reddish-brown or pale yellowish-brown; kernel flattened and spherical, pale yellowish-green; endosperms plump, starchy, with clefts in the centre; embryo extremely small. Odourless; taste: slightly sweet, bitter.

Indications
1. Cough and dyspnoea
2. Leukorrhagia, white and turbid urine, urinary frequency, nocturnal emission

Chemical Composition
Contains ginkgotoxin, ginkgolic acid and bilobol.

Photos