Pharmacological action and mechanisms of ginkgolide B.
OBJECTIVE
To review the recent research progress in pharmacological actions and mechanisms of ginkgolide B. Data sources Information included in this article was identified by searching of PUBMED (1987 - 2006) online resources using the key terms "ginkgolide B", "platelet activating factor", and "pharmacological". Study selection Mainly original milestone articles and critical reviews written by major pioneer investigators of the field were selected.


RESULTS
The key issues related to the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of ginkgolide B were summarized. The ginkgolide B possesses a number of beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Meantime, their mechaniams were discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The Ginkgolide B is the most potent antagonist of platelet activating factor (PAF) and exhibits therapeutic action in a variety of diseases mainly by the PAF receptor.
Xia
Shi-hai
SH
Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 40038, China.
Fang
Dian-chun
DC
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D046934:Ginkgolides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000517:prevention & control
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D046934:Ginkgolides; D007783:Lactones; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; C045856:ginkgolide B