The neuroprotective properties of the Ginkgo biloba leaf: a review of the possible relationship to platelet-activating factor (PAF).
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) is an ancient Chinese tree which has been cultivated and held sacred for its health-promoting properties. There is substantial experimental evidence to support the view that Ginkgo biloba extracts have neuroprotective properties under conditions such as hypoxia/ischemia, seizure activity and peripheral nerve damage. Research on the biochemical effects of Ginkgo biloba extracts is still at a very early stage. One of the components of Ginkgo biloba, ginkgolide B, is a potent platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist. Although the terpene fraction of Ginkgo biloba, which contains the ginkgolides, may contribute to the neuroprotective properties of the Ginkgo biloba leaf, it is also likely that the flavonoid fraction, containing free radical scavengers, is important in this respect. Taken together, the evidence suggests that Ginkgo biloba extracts are worthy of further investigation as potential neuroprotectant agents.
Smith
P F
PF
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Maclennan
K
K
Darlington
C L
CL
D000818:Animals; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy; D004224:Diterpenes; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D046934:Ginkgolides; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000378:metabolism; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014197:Trees; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract
D004224:Diterpenes; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D046934:Ginkgolides; D007783:Lactones; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; C063170:Ginkgo biloba extract; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract; C045856:ginkgolide B