Introduction: Ginkgo biloba, widely recognized as the maidenhair tree, is one of the most ancient and pharmaceutically valuable plants, known for its high content of phytochemicals such as flavonoids and terpenoids. These bioactive compounds are well-documented for their potent antioxidant activity, which plays a critical role in mitigating oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of various chronic and degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of cancer.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and to analyze its phytochemical constituents, particularly focusing on the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids.

Methods: The leaves were subjected to extraction using the maceration method with ethanol as the solvent. The antioxidant activity was assessed by FRAP, which measures the reduction of ferric ions (Fe³⁺) to ferrous ions (Fe²⁺), indicated by the formation of a blue complex measured spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was compared with ascorbic acid as a reference standard. In addition, phytochemical screening was conducted to detect the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids, and FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared) spectroscopy was employed to identify functional groups that contribute to the antioxidant properties.

Results: The results revealed a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity, with FRAP values significantly rising from 10 to 200 mg/mL. At higher concentrations, the antioxidant effect of the extract was found to be comparable to that of ascorbic acid, indicating substantial ferric-reducing power. Phytochemical tests confirmed the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids, while FTIR spectra exhibited characteristic absorption bands of hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (C=O), and aromatic ring structures, all of which are known to be involved in antioxidant mechanisms.

Conclusion: The study concludes that Ginkgo biloba leaf extract possesses significant antioxidant potential and could be utilized as a natural antioxidant in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. Moreover, its combination of bioactivity and historical use in traditional medicine underscores its relevance in modern therapeutic contexts. Future research should include in vivo studies, toxicological assessments, and advanced chromatographic analyses to quantify individual active compounds and validate their specific health benefits in biological systems.