The macroporous polymethacrylate beads were synthesized via suspension polymerization of methacrylate and divinylbenzene as crosslinker. Thus, a kind of adsorbent with high selectivity for ginkgo flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones was obtained. The relationship between the structure of the adsorbents and their adsorption properties was investigated in derail. The results show that the adsorbent with appropriate surface chemistries would be favorable to the adsorption for flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones, while relative smooth surface takes an important role in selectively adsorbing ginkgolides. Extracts of ginkgo leaves with more than 30% w/w flavonol glycoside and 8% w/w terpene lactones were prepared by using this kind of adsorbent as purification material. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.