Ginkgo Biloba Extract in an Animal Model of Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Although the exact cause of neuronal loss in Parkinson’s disease is not known, evidence points to oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species as the main events that occur in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the brain of parkinsonians. EGb761 is an extract of the leaves from the Ginkgo biloba tree that has been reported as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent. The objective of this work was to perform a systematic review of the studies that analysed the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism. This research was conducted using the following databases: Medline, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Sigle, Lilacs, Scielo, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Initially, we selected 32 articles. After a more detailed analysis, only 10 articles remained. One of the hypotheses for the positive effect of EGb761 on Parkinson’s disease is the reduction or inhibition of monoamine-oxidase activity. This enzyme metabolises dopamine, inducing the formation of free radicals, which in turn damage nigrostriatal neurons. Another hypothesis is that the neuroprotective effect of EGb761 against 6-hydroxydopamine, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and MPP+ toxins. As there are few studies on the effect of EGb761 on humans, this review could contribute new data to further the discussion of this issue.

Complementary & Alternative Management of Parkinson’s Disease: An Evidence-Based Review of Eastern Influenced Practices

“…In addition to containing anti-inflammatory flavanoids and terpinoids, Ginko extract is thought to exhibit important effects on multiple neurotransmitter pathways including acting as an MAO-Inhibitor (MAOI), and inhibiting reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. While neuroprotective effects of these substances have been demonstrated in PD rat models, there are no randomized controlled clinical trials in humans using either ginko or ginseng in this population to guide recommendations[ 53 , 54 ].…”

Advances in the Studies of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves Extract on Aging-Related Diseases

“…In another animal models of PD, which was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, the authors found that EGb 761 could protect against neurotoxicity via preventing changes of copper content in the striatum, midbrain and hippocampus [ 97 ]. Tanaka systematically reviewed the effect of EGb in animal models of PD in 32 English language articles and found that most studies reported focused on EGb protection against neurotoxin, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic and reduced loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, in the striatum [ 98 ].…”

Tanakan as a multimodal cytoprotective factor in general medicine (part II)

“…На модели БП была показана эффективность EGb761 как нейропротектора с восстанавливающими свойствами, эффективно предотвращающего гибель дофаминергических нейронов среднего мозга. EGb761 показал способность уменьшать степень двигательных расстройств у экспериментальных животных, что позволяет рекомендовать его в качестве адъювантного препарата для лечения БП [46].…”