Our continued works on the chemical constituents of Ginkgo biloba(G.biloba)leaves has led to the isolation of two novel phenylbutenoids(1,2),along with five previously unidentified terpene glycosides(3−7).Among them,compounds 1 and 2 represent unique(Z)-phenylbutenoids,3−6 are megastigmane glycosides,and 7 is identified as a rare bilobanone glycoside(Fig.1).This study marks the first reported isolation of phenylbutenoid and bilobanone glycoside from G.biloba.The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis,including HR-ESI-MS and various 1D and 2D NMR experiments.Furthermore,the absolute configurations of these molecules were determined using Mosher’s method,ECD experiments,and Cu-KαX-ray crystallographic analyses.
SUN ZeshiLIN ShanWU Zhi-LiDONG Hong-YuanXU Xi-KeLI Hui-LiangWANG Jinxin
Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),the world’s primary cause of death.Ginkgo biloba,a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions,has been used as a cardio-and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries.Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B,a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba,can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models.Of clinical relevance,several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases,such as ischemia stroke.Here,we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities,pharmacokinetic characteristics,and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy.We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B,including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases(NADPH oxidase),lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1(LOX-1),sirtuin 1(SIRT1),platelet-activating factor(PAF),proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)and others.Finally,we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment. Current treatments often involve synthetic drugs with significant side effects and potential for dependency. This study investigates the effects of a natural supplement combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract on cognitive symptoms in a 77-year-old male with PD. The participant underwent a three-month supplementation regimen, with cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test before and after the intervention. The results indicated an improvement in cognitive scores, suggesting that the combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract may offer a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional PD treatments. This study highlights the potential of natural supplements in managing PD symptoms and calls for further research with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings. Human data was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki by the Roxbury District IRB Board (IRB Number: IRB00011767).
Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract dropping pills combined with butylphthalide capsules on cognitive dysfunction in patients after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and its impact on serum cytokines CRP, IL-6, and Hcy. Methods: This study selected 76 patients with cognitive dysfunction after ischemic stroke who were hospitalized at Zhuji People’s Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into two groups. The control group was treated with butylphthalide capsules, while the combination group received Ginkgo biloba extract dropping pills in addition to the treatment given to the control group. The neurological function, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and levels of serum cytokines CRP, IL-6, and Hcy were compared between the two groups after 1 month and 3 months of treatment. Results: The NIHSS scores, MMSE scores, ADL scores, and levels of CRP, IL-6, and Hcy in both groups showed statistically significant differences compared to before treatment (P Conclusion: The combination of Ginkgo biloba extract dropping pills and butylphthalide capsules has a better therapeutic effect on cognitive dysfunction in patients after ischemic stroke. It can improve the neurological function and cognitive function of patients, enhance their ability to perform daily activities, and reduce inflammatory responses.
Objective:Myocardial infarction(MI)is linked to an imbalance in the supply and demand of blood oxygen in the heart muscles.Beta-blockers and calcium antagonists are just two of the common medications used to treat MI.However,these have reportedly been shown to be either ineffective or to have undesirable side effects.Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves(GBE),a Chinese herbal product offers special compatibility benefits in therapeutic settings relating to inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress.In order to better understand how GBE affects MI in rats insulted by isoprenaline(ISO),the current study was designed.Methods:The heart weight index,serum lipid profile,cardiac marker enzymes,endogenous antioxidants[catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),nitrites and malondialdehyde(MDA)],inflammatory mediators[tumour necrosis factor alpha(TNF-a)and interleukin-6(IL-6)],immunohistochemical expressions of B-cell lymphoma factor-2(Bcl-2),extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1/2),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)and histopathological analysis were used to assess the cardioprotective properties of GBE.Results:The findings showed that GBE effectively attenuated myocardial infarction by boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defense system and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines as well as heart injury marker enzymes.The expression of Bcl-2,ERK1/2 and mTOR was increased while the histomorphological alterations were reversed.Conclusion:The cardioprotective effects of GBE may be due to a mechanism involving increased Bcl-2/mTOR/ERK1/2/Na^(+),K^(+)-ATPase activity.
