How Ginkgo Biloba Leaves Help Protect the Brain and Treat Neurological Disorders

Jenn Hoskins
22nd June, 2024

How Ginkgo Biloba Leaves Help Protect the Brain and Treat Neurological Disorders

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study reviewed the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBLs) on neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, depression, and stroke
  • GBLs were found to improve memory, cognition, behavior, and psychopathology in these conditions
  • The beneficial effects of GBLs are due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter-regulating properties
Neurological disorders (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, and stroke significantly impact the quality of life for individuals and their families worldwide. Herbal medicines, due to their multi-target and multi-pathway features, have been increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in treating these disorders. One such herbal medicine, Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBLs), is renowned for its beneficial effects on neurological health. A recent comprehensive study conducted by the School of Medical Informatics Engineering aimed to systematically summarize the pharmacological mechanisms of GBLs in treating NDs[1]. The research involved an exhaustive review of studies from four major databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Web of Science, focusing on the keywords "Ginkgo biloba," "Ginkgo biloba extract," "Ginkgo biloba leaves," "Ginkgo biloba leaves extract," "Neurological disorders," "Neurological diseases," and "Neurodegenerative diseases." Out of 1385 records, 52 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 39 preclinical trials and 13 clinical studies. The analysis revealed that GBLs can improve memory, cognition, behavior, and psychopathology associated with various NDs. Depression was the most frequently associated condition with GBLs, followed by Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The mechanisms by which GBLs exert their effects were identified as free radical scavenging, anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory response, mitochondrial protection, neurotransmitter regulation, and antagonism of platelet-activating factor (PAF). Previous studies have highlighted the neuroprotective properties of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), a standardized form of GBLs. For instance, one study demonstrated that EGb 761 could protect against intermittent hypoxia (IH)-induced memory impairment and oxidative stress in rats[2]. The study showed that EGb 761 reversed IH-induced memory deficits and reduced oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus, indicating its potential to combat memory-related disorders. Another study explored the effects of EGb 761 on obesity and mood disorders in ovariectomized female rats, a model for menopause-related conditions[3]. The findings indicated that EGb 761 improved body composition, lipid profile, and reduced anxious and depressive-like behaviors. This suggests that Ginkgo biloba could be beneficial for mood disorders, which are often comorbid with neurological conditions. The current study expands on these findings by providing a broader understanding of how GBLs can be utilized in treating various NDs. For example, in Alzheimer's disease, characterized by amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative stress is a significant contributing factor[4]. The anti-oxidant properties of GBLs, as demonstrated in the reviewed studies, could offer a therapeutic avenue for mitigating the oxidative damage associated with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, long-term administration of Ginkgo biloba extract has been shown to improve spatial memory and motivation in older rats, with significant changes in the content and metabolism of neurotransmitters in several brain regions[5]. This aligns with the current study's findings that GBLs can regulate neurotransmitter levels, further supporting their role in enhancing cognitive functions. The comprehensive review by the School of Medical Informatics Engineering underscores the complexity and efficacy of GBLs in treating NDs. By summarizing the pharmacological effects and neuroprotective mechanisms, the study provides a crucial foundation for future clinical applications of Ginkgo biloba in neurological health. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of GBLs, paving the way for more targeted and effective treatments for neurological disorders.

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References

Main Study

1) Comprehensive Exploration of the Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Leaves in Treating Neurological Disorders.

Published 21st June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X24500435

Related Studies

2) Ginkgo biloba protects against intermittent hypoxia-induced memory deficits and hippocampal DNA damage in rats.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2011.11.011

3) Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) attenuates obesity and anxious/depressive-like behaviours induced by ovariectomy.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78528-3

4) Alzheimer's Disease-Current Status and Future Directions.

https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.0093

5) Pharmacological and biochemical effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on learning, memory consolidation and motor activity in old rats.

https://doi.org/10.55782/ane-2009-1747


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