Mitochondrial effects of Ginkgo biloba extract

Abstract

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial failure promote altered protein degradation, reduced neurotransmission, synapse loss and tau/hyperphosphorylation, which are early stages in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A growing volume of data confirms that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial respiration and thus may be useful in preventing or slowing down the progression of AD. Treatment of Caenorhabditis elegans with GBE-extract reduces oxidative stress and extends median lifespan compared with controls. Levels of reactive oxygen species, including the superoxide anion radical, were reduced in brains from GBE-treated mice compared with controls. In older mice, GBE resulted in a protective effect by increasing production of adenosine triphosphate in neurons. A respiratory experiment indicated that GBE was able to rescue Aβ-induced defects in energy metabolism, with results suggesting longterm regulatory effects on mitochondria. GBE also had a selective effect on the activities of mitochondrial enzymes that assemble the electron transport system. The flavonoids, bilobalide and some of the ginkgolides (B and J) had a high protective capacity, indicating that a combination of several compounds within standardized Gingko biloba extracts contribute disproportionately for these protective effects.

Mitochondria- and Oxidative Stress-Targeting Substances in Cognitive Decline-Related Disorders: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Evidence

“…Two single compound AD drugs are derived from plants: (i) the acetylcholine-esterase inhibitor, galanthamine, derived from the Galanthus species ( Galanthus caucasicus and Galanthus woronowii ) and (ii) rivastigmine, a physostigmine analogue (physistigmine was isolated from the Calabar bean, Physostigma venenosum ) [37, 38]. In addition, the phytopharmacon GBE that is used as antidementia medicine was shown to improve mitochondrial function emphasizing the concept of targeting mitochondria as an emerging and promising therapeutic approach [35, 39]. Therefore, we focused our search on natural compounds that possess mitochondria-enhancing properties based on our own past and ongoing research as well as on research of other groups.…”

A Systematic Review on Natural Medicines for the Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease with Meta-Analyses of Intervention Effect of Ginkgo

“…Ginkgo has a selective effect on the activities of mitochondrial enzymes that assemble the electron transport system. The flavonoids, bilobalide and some of the ginkgolides had a high protective capacity, indicating that a combination of several compounds within standardized Gingko extracts contribute disproportionately for these protective effects (Eckert, 2012). Rendeiro et al (2012) suggest that flavonoids have a potential in modulating neuronal function and thereby influencing memory, learning and cognitive function.…”

Nutritional recommendations for individuals with Flammer syndrome

“…In comparison to other antioxidants such as vitamin C or vitamin E, the extracts of ginkgo can stabilize and protect mitochondrial function [49][50][51] thereby preventing oxidative damage to mitochondria [49]. This property of ginkgo allows protection against retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury [52][53][54].…”