Ginkgo bilobaL.: Phytochemical components and antioxidant activity

Abstract

Curative effects of Ginkgo biloba L. have been recognized for centuries, dating back to traditional Chinese medicine which used crushed leaves to treat several health problems. Although G. biloba L. has several known and investigated activities, the antioxidant activity of its extract (EGb 761) is particularly relevant because reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen (RNS) species are constantly produced in aerobic organisms. Currently, the exploitation of the antioxidant activity of G. biloba extract Egb 761 has been of particular pharmacological importance because oxidative stress may be harmful to cells and may trigger the development of many disorders. The antioxidant activity of the EGb extract against oxidative stress has been associated with several therapeutic effects and currently, Egb761 is indicated to treat labyrinthitis, headache, memory disturbance, intermittent claudication, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, cardiovascular disorders, cerebral ischemia, increased libido and sexual activity, and psychiatric diseases, such as depression. This study is a review of basic and clinical studies related to antioxidant properties of G. biloba L.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Gingko Biloba Extract in Cotton Pellet-Induced Granuloma in Rats: A comparative Study with Prednisolone and Dexamethasone

“…Additionally, the presence of dietary supplements like proteins, vitamins, and minerals, besides these phytochemicals render these nutraceuticals to become very effective in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammations (27,29) , Ginkgo biloba extract contains flavonoids including quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and glycoside that act as free-radical scavengers preventing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. It also contains terpenoids that inhibit platelet aggregation and improves memory (30) . The data in the current study shows the effectiveness of GKB extract in decreasing both the amount of exudate and granuloma although the effect was less than that produced by dexamethasone and prednisolone; the anti-inflammatory effect of GKB was more obvious on the inflammatory markers.…”