Neuroprotective properties of Ginkgo biloba - Constituents. Demonstrated in vivo and in vitro

Journal/Book: Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie. 1994; 15: 92-96.

Abstract: More than 10 years ago it has been demonstrated, that an extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) clearly increased the local cerebral blood flow, and the tolerance against hypoxia in rats and mice. Using various models of cerebral ischemia and cultured neurons in vitro ginkgolides A and B as well as bilobalide were shown to be neuroprotective. The ginkgolides are known to be antagonists of the platelet activating factor (PAF) and this activity could be responsible for their neuroprotective potency. Bilobalide reduced the infarct size after focal cerebral ischemia of mice and rats more efficaciously than the ginkgolides A and B and was capable of protecting neurones and astrocytes against damage, however its mechanism of action however is still unknown.

Keyword(s): Ginkgo biloba

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