Ethical Naturals Lauds USP for Ginkgo Standards

SAN ANSELMO, Calif.—Ethical Naturals, a supplier of botanical extracts, commended the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) for taking steps to eliminate the discrepancy between European and U.S. Ginkgo biloba products. The new edition of USP’s National Formulary (USP-NF) specifies the testing of additional compounds such as bilobalides, and more closely sets the ratio of other constituents in line with the natural ratio of the ginkgo leaf. It also defines maximum levels for ginkgolic acid, a potential allergen in ginkgo.

Cal Bewicke, president of Ethical Naturals, said he supports the introduction of the new USP 2008 standard material: “There is no doubt that standardization greatly increases the quality of herbal products. This new work by USP closes the door for unprincipled parties to influence tests by adding cheap substitutions that mimic compounds during testing.”

Ethical Naturals worked with the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) in 2006 to produce a report on the quality of ginkgo extracts on the U.S. market, which it noted led to wider use of higher testing standards for ginkgo. “Maintaining the quality and integrity of the ginkgo market has always been a focus and goal of ours,” Bewicke noted. “We’re pleased and proud to be able to provide a product for consumers that conforms to the highest standards; and USP 2008 appeals to us because it sets the quality bar higher for this important product.”