Identification and the retention index of bilobalide and ginkgolides using capillary gas chromatography.

Ginkgo biloba L. is known to contain the unique terpene trilactone compounds bilobalide and ginkgolides. Capillary gas chromatography is used for the quantitative identification of bilobalide and the main ginkgolides (ginkgolide A, B, and C). The retention indices of these compounds are also determined. Retention indices of bilobalide and ginkgolide A, B, and C substitute the use of their standards at their routine identification. Our procedure does not require temperature-programmed operation.