A process for the preparation of an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, comprising

i. extraction of the dried fragments of Ginkgo biloba leaves in ethanol containing a maximum of 20% by weight of water;

ii. concentration of the extract under reduced pressure in the presence of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and elimination of the dark oil from the remainder of the clear solution;

iii. washing of the residual aqueous solution by liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane, n-heptane or cyclohexane,

iv. liquid-liquid extraction of the aqueous phase washed with ethyl acetate; and

v. washing of the ethyl acetate phase obtained in stage iv with a sodium chloride solution followed by evaporation to dryness of the washed ethyl acetate phase and use of the resulting extract to treat cerebral and peripheral vascular disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.