Herbal remedy is popular among those with chronic diseases, who may already be taking several prescription medications, thereby increasing the risk of drug-herb interactions. Ginkgo biloba extract is a popular dietary supplement that is ingested by the general population to enhance mental focus and by the elderly to delay onset of age-acquired loss of cognitive function. In subjects with non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), ingestion of Ginkgo biloba may decrease efficacy of the hypoglycemic agents and increase whole body insulin resistance. Because aging is a significant risk factor for the development of NIDDM as a result of a progressive decline in pancreatic function, and because the elderly chronically take multiple prescription medications, the increased use of Ginkgo biloba in this population may increase drug-herb interactions. Therefore, we shall examine the effect of Ginkgo biloba on the pancreatic function in the elderly to determine whether it may produce pancreatic dysfunction and a potential for the development of insulinopenia. The results of this study should provide valuable information for designing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of diseases in the insulin resistance syndrome.