During the last 20 years,there has been a growing interest in medicinal plants and in drugs derived from plants.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is well-represented by Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) which is a real best seller.Ginkgo preparations are since very recently used in conjunction with inhibitors of acetylcholinestease to slow down the progression of Alzheimers disease.Another Chinese plant,namely Huperzia serrata (Licopodiaceae) furnishes huperzine A which will come soon on the European market as a drug for Alzheimers disease.