Active Components and Applications of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves

Authors

  • Xinyu Zhou

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/6xex0w48

Keywords:

Ginkgo biloba; flavonoids, terpenoids, antioxidant, neuroprotection, cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract

The pharmacological relevance of Ginkgo biloba extract lies in its well-characterized composition and broad therapeutic spectrum. This review highlights the biological activities of its principal phytochemicals—flavonoids and terpenoid lactones—emphasizing their roles in oxidative stress reduction, platelet aggregation inhibition, inflammation modulation, and neuroprotection. Clinical utility is supported by both monotherapy and combinatory regimens, especially in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. The extract's standardized formulation, EGb 761, demonstrates consistent efficacy and tolerability, though careful consideration is needed regarding anticoagulant interactions. This paper synthesizes current evidence on the compound’s mechanisms of action and practical applications, contributing to a more integrative understanding of plant-based therapeutics.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Noor E Tabassum, N., Das, R., Lami, M. S., Chakraborty, A. J., Mitra, S., Tallei, T. E., Idroes, R., Mohamed, A. A., Hossain, M. J., Dhama, K., Mostafa Hedeab, G., & Emran, T. B. (2022). Ginkgo biloba: A treasure of functional phytochemicals with multimedicinal applications. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Article 8288818, 1 – 30.

[2] Singh, S. K., Srivastav, S., Castellani, R. J., Plascencia-Villa, G., & Perry, G. (2019). Neuroprotective and antioxidant effect of Ginkgo biloba extract against AD and other neurological disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 16 (3), 666 – 674.

[3] Chen X, Ren S, Dong J, Qiu C, Chen Y, Tao H. (2019). Ginkgo biloba extract-761 protects myocardium by regulating Akt/Nrf2 signal pathway. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 13: 647 - 655.

[4] Vogensen, S. B., Strømgaard, K., Shindou, H., Jaracz, S., Suehiro, M., Ishii, S., Shimizu, T., & Nakanishi, K. (2003). Preparation of 7-substituted ginkgolide derivatives: Potent platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonists. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 46 (4), 558 – 563.

[5] Kiewert, C., Kumar, V., Hildmann, O., Rueda, M., Hartmann, J., Naik, R. S., & Klein, J. (2007). Role of GABAergic antagonism in the neuroprotective effects of bilobalide. Brain Research, 1128 (1), 70 – 78.

[6] Guo Y, Mao M, Li Q, Yu X, Zhou L. (2022). Extracts of Ginkgo flavonoids and ginkgolides improve cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signalling pathway and multicomponent in vivo processes. Phytomedicine, 99: 154028.

[7] Ye, J., Ye, C., Huang, Y., Zhang, N., Zhang, X., & Xiao, M. (2019). Ginkgo biloba sarcotesta polysaccharide inhibits inflammatory responses through suppressing both NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99 (5), 2329 – 2339.

[8] Hort, J., Duning, T., & Hoerr, R. (2023). Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Patients with Mild Neurocognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 19, 647 – 660.

[9] Tomino, C., Ilari, S., Solfrizzi, V., Malafoglia, V., Zilio, G., Russo, P., Proietti, S., Marcolongo, F., Scapagnini, G., Muscoli, C., & Rossini, P. M. (2021). Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia: The Role of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761®). Pharmaceuticals, 14 (4), 305.

[10] García-Alberca, J.M., Mendoza, S. & Gris, E. (2022). Benefits of Treatment with Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 Alone or Combined with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Vascular Dementia. Clin Drug Investig 42, 391 – 402.

[11] Kudolo, G. B., Dorsey, S., & Blodgett, J. (2002). Effect of the ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract on platelet aggregation and urinary prostanoid excretion in healthy and Type 2 diabetic subjects. Thrombosis Research, 108 (2), 151 – 160.

[12] Mai, N. T. Q., Hieu, N. V., Ngan, T. T., Anh, T. V., Linh, P. V., & Phuong, N. T. T. (2025). Impact of Ginkgo biloba drug interactions on bleeding risk and coagulation profiles: A comprehensive analysis. PLOS ONE, 20 (4), e0321804.

[13] Stoddard, G., Archer, M., Shane-McWhorter, L., Bray, B., Redd, D., Proulx, J., & Zeng-Treitler, Q. (2015). Ginkgo and Warfarin Interaction in a Large Veterans Administration Population. AMIA Annual Symposium Proceedings, 1174 – 1183.

Downloads

Published

28-12-2025

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Zhou, X. (2025). Active Components and Applications of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves. Academic Journal of Science and Technology, 18(1), 349-355. https://doi.org/10.54097/6xex0w48