How does a ginkgo extract in capsules differ from a tea or tincture made from the leaves? — Ginkgo extract capsules N30 60mg – Swanson (ginkgo biloba)

The main difference with capsules containing a standardised extract is the predictability of the composition. Ginkgo biloba leaves harvested at different times, under different conditions and processed in different ways contain varying amounts of flavonoids and terpene compounds. In a tea or home-made tincture, the concentration of active substances will differ every time, and there is no way to control it.

A standardised extract is a concentrate in which a specific ratio of the key components is isolated and fixed during production. This means that every capsule contains the same amount of active substances, which matters for consistent use over a course.

In addition, the capsule form is convenient for everyday use: there is nothing to brew, measure out or store as a liquid. This reduces the chance of missing a dose, which is especially important because the effect of plant extracts is assessed with regular use over several weeks.

Tea made from ginkgo leaves may be of interest as part of tea culture, but it should not be regarded as equivalent in composition to a standardised extract — they are different products with different degrees of reproducibility.