Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract
Overview:
Ginkgo biloba is a plant with neuroprotective, nootropic and adaptogenic effects. Ginkgo biloba can delay aging, improving memory and attention.
Scientific Name:
Ginkgo biloba
Mechanisms:
- Contains flavonoid glycosides such as quercetin, and terpene lactones such as ginkgolides and bilobalides – main bioactive substances[1]
- Increases dopamine, acetylcholine and noradrenaline levels[2,3]
- Modulates histaminergic neurotransmission improving learning and memory[4]
- Increases BDNF levels and promotes neurogenesis and neuronal survival[5]
- Improves cerebral blood flow by inhibiting the platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor[6]
- Delays cognitive decline and improves short term memory and free recall[7]
- Reduces stress and anxiety and decreases corticosterone levels – adaptogenic effect[8]
- Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and preserves mitochondrial function – anti-aging effect[9]
References
[1] van Beek TA (2002). Chemical analysis of Ginkgo biloba leaves and extracts. J Chromatogr A, 16;967(1):21-55. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9673(02)00172-3
[2] Ponto LL, Schultz SK (2003). Ginkgo biloba extract: review of CNS effects. Ann Clin Psychiatry, 15(2):109-19. doi: 10.1023/A:1024688326023
[3] Ahlemeyer B, Krieglstein J (2003). Neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract. Cell Mol Life Sci, 60(9):1779-92. doi: 10.1007/s00018-003-3080-1
[4] Yamamoto Y, et al (2007). Ginkgo biloba extract improves spatial memory in rats mainly but not exclusively via a histaminergic mechanism. Brain Res, 1129(1):161-5. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.08.102
[5] Tchantchou F, et al (2009). Stimulation of neurogenesis and synaptogenesis by bilobalide and quercetin via common final pathway in hippocampal neurons. J Alzheimers Dis. 2009;18(4):787-98. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2009-1189
[6] Liao HJ, et al (2011). Two new ginkgolides from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. Planta Med, 77(16):1818-21. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1271153
[7] Kanowski S, et al (1996). Proof of efficacy of the ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia. Pharmacopsychiatry, 29(2):47-56. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(97)80021-9
[8] Rapin JR, et al (1994). Demonstration of the “anti-stress” activity of an extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) using a discrimination learning task. Gen Pharmacol, 25(5):1009-16. doi: 10.1016/0306-3623(94)90111-2
[9] Eckert A, et al (2003). Effects of EGb 761 Ginkgo biloba extract on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Pharmacopsychiatry, 36 Suppl 1:S15-23. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-40449