A method of treating an infection in an individual, by administering an effective dose of bilobalide or of a pharmacologically acceptable derivative thereof. Activity against infection with Pneumocystis carinii has major utility in treating AIDS-associated infections. Bilobalide may be administered systemically or topically in accordance with the invention. For systemic use, oral and parenteral routes of administration may be used.

The invention relates to highly concentrated active component concentrates and new active component combinations from Ginkgo biloba leaves as well as their method of preparation and the pharmaceuticals containing these active component concentrates or active component combinations.

The invention relates to a method of preparation of an improved extract from Ginkgo biloba leaves and to pharmaceuticals containing the extract.

A composition containing an extract obtained by a water-containing organic solvent, comprising: (a) an extract containing active ingredients including flavone glycoside or biflavone almost insoluble in water, said extract being obtained for ginkgo plant tissues by extraction with a water-containing organic solvent, and at least one of (b) a water-soluble high-molecular substance and (c) a fatty acid ester of polyglycerol. This composition can be formulated into preparations not containing ethanol, i.e. solid preparations including tablets, granules, and powder preparations, or non-alcoholic liquid preparations such as drinkable preparations and syrups, in such a way that the extract contained is well absorbed through the digestive tract.

The invention concerns the use of Ginkgo biloba extracts, and in particular Ginkgo biloba extracts comprising 20 to 30% of flavoneglycosides, 2.5 to 4.5% in total of gingkolides A, B, C and J, 2 to 4% of bilobalide, less than 10% of proanthocyanidins and at least 10 ppm of alkylphenol type compounds, for preparing a medicine for treating sarcopenia.