Proximate composition of Ginkgo biloba leaves, from Indian Himalayan Region, with reference to their importance in natural medicine

Plant nutrients, from the medicinal plants in particular, play important role in the treatment of a range of diseases. Ginkgo biloba , a medicinal tree, has been recognized for its potential and uses in herbal medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nutrients in terms of proximate contents (moisture and ash content and total carbohydrate and protein) and the trace elements (Na, K, Cu, Cr, Zn and Fe) in G. biloba leaves collected from different locations in three seasons from Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Statistically significant variations in the proximate contents and the trace elements were estimated with respect to locations and seasons. Interactions between locations x seasons for all the parameters were significant (p<0.05) for proximate contents and the trace elements . The predominant geographic indicator, i.e. altitude, showed significant (p<0.01) correlation with respect to the moisture content of G. biloba leaves.