The effects of an extract of Ginkgo biloba (Gb) were studied using the guinea-pig isolated ileum. 2. Using isometric recording, the dose-response relation for the action of Gb was complex, and at 400 micrograms/ml was reproducibly biphasic--a relaxation followed by a contraction. 3. Droperidol (3 X 10(-7) M - 10(-6) M), cyproheptadine (10(-7) M), and diphenhydramine (10(-7) M) prolonged the relaxation and usually decreased the amplitude of the contraction produced by Gb (400 micrograms/ml), whereas phentolamine, hexamethonium, methysergide, or cimetidine (10(-7) or 10(-6) M) did not affect the response to Gb. 4. The action of Gb on the guinea-pig ileum might involve mechanisms associated with dopamine and/or histamine.