Efficacy and Hemorheology of Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) in the Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and its influence on hemorheology. METHODS: The clinical data of patients diagnosed with SSNHL and admitted to the Wendeng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Orthopedics and Traumatology of Shandong Province from May 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on different clinical treatment protocols, patients were divided into a control group (treated with routine treatment) and an administration group (treated with routine treatment + EGb 761). Both groups underwent drug treatment for 10 days. Subsequently, the hearing threshold, hemorheological parameters (blood high shear viscosity, blood low shear viscosity, plasma viscosity, and platelet aggregation rate) and inflammatory factors and serum levels (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) of these groups were compared. RESULTS: This study comprised 120 patients, with 66 cases in the control group and 54 cases in the administration group. Following treatment, the total effective rate of the administration group was significantly higher than that of the control group (90.74% vs. 72.73%) (P-value < 0.05). The hearing threshold, hemorheological parameters, inflammatory factors, and serum levels were significantly lower in the administration group than in the control group (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with routine treatment, joint EGb 761 in the SSNHL treatment may improve the hearing threshold and hemorheological indexes of patients, inhibit the inflammatory response, and promote the recovery of hearing function. Moreover, no serious adverse reactions are observed, indicating adequate safety.

Clinical efficacy and mechanism of Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of elderly ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

The investigation's aim was to explore the medical usefulness and mechanism of GBE in the management of elderly ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD).120 cases of elderly patients with ICVD admitted to our hospital from August 2022 to August 2023 were chosen as participants for this research and the sufferer were allocated to the conventional (60 cases) and GBE group (60 cases) using the method of randomized number. NIHSS score, Barthel index, hemodynamic indexes, serum inflammatory factor levels, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and clinical efficacy were recorded before (T0) and after treatment(T1),and recorded the adverse reactions of the two groups during the treatment. At T1, NIHSS score, WBLSV, PV, HCT, TNF-α, IL-6 and PAF in the two groups, which were all notably reduced compared to T0 and the Barthel index demonstrated a significant increase compared to its T0 value (P<0.05). At T1, GBE group exhibited notably reductions in NIHSS score, WBLSV, PV, HCT, TNF-α, IL-6 and PAF compared to conventional group, whereas Barthel index and the total effective rate were considerably elevated (P<0.05). Incidence of adverse reactions were similar in both groups (P>0.05). GBE has good therapeutic benefits in managing elderly ICVD, effectively facilitate the recuperation of patients' neurological function, has obvious anti-inflammatory effect, improves patients' cerebral circulation and hemorheology indexes and makes the patients' daily life ability significantly improved, which has a good clinical application value.

The potential of dried Ginkgo Biloba leaves as a novel ingredient in fermented beverages of enhanced flavour and antioxidant properties.

Fermentation enhances the nutritional profile of foods and beverages like beer, wine, and fermented teas. Ginkgo biloba, long utilized for its health-enhancing properties, contains bioactive compounds like terpene trilactones and flavonoids, known for their antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. This study explores the feasibility of using dried Ginkgo biloba leaves in SCOBY-mediated fermentation to produce novel health-promoting beverages similar to kombucha. Infusions of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves with varying sugar concentrations are fermented over 21 days. Results showed that these beverages exhibited potent antioxidant properties, notably higher than tea-kombucha, attributed to increased polyphenol content. HPLC analysis identified significant levels of bioactive compounds such as catechin and apigenin. Sensory evaluation highlighted optimal acceptance of the seven-day fermented product. This research underscores the potential of Ginkgo biloba as a functional ingredient in fermented beverages, offering a healthier alternative to conventional soft drinks.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 in LPS-Activated BV2 Microglial Cells.

Inflammatory processes in the brain can exert important neuroprotective functions. However, in neurological and psychiatric disorders, it is often detrimental due to chronic microglial over-activation and the dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines. Growing evidence indicates the emerging yet prominent pathophysiological role of neuroinflammation in the development and progression of these disorders. Despite recent advances, there is still a pressing need for effective therapies, and targeting neuroinflammation is a promising approach. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of a marketed and quantified proprietary herbal extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves called EGb 761 (10-500 µg/mL) in BV2 microglial cells stimulated by LPS (10 ng/mL). Our results demonstrate significant inhibition of LPS-induced expression and release of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and chemokines C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2), CXCL10, c-c motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and CCL3 in BV2 microglial cells. The observed effects are possibly mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), p38 MAPK and ERK1/2, as well as the protein kinase C (PKC) and the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling cascades. The findings of this in vitro study highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of EGb 761 and its therapeutic potential, making it an emerging candidate for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases and warranting further research in pre-clinical and clinical settings.

Genome-wide identification of the EIN3/EIL gene family in Ginkgo biloba and functional study of a GbEIL in the ethylene signaling pathway.

ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) or EIN3-Like (EIL) proteins, play critical roles in integrating ethylene signaling and physiological regulation in plants by modulating the expression of various downstream genes, such as ethylene-response factors (ERFs). However, little is known about the characteristics of EIN3/EILs in the gymnosperm Ginkgo biloba. In the present study, a genome-wide comparative analysis of Ginkgo EIN3/EIL gene family was performed with those from an array of species, including bryophytes (Physcomitrella patens), gymnosperms (Cycas panzhihuaensis), and angiosperms (Arabidopsis thaliana, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium hirsutum, Oryza sativa, and Brachypodium distachyon). Within the constructed phylogenetic tree for the 53 EIN3/EILs identified, 5 GbEILs from G. biloba, 2 PpEILs from P. patens, and 3 CpEILs from C. panzhihuaensis were assigned to one cluster, suggesting that their derivation occurred after the split of their ancestors and angiosperms. Although considerable divergence accumulated in amino acid sequences along with the evolutionary process, the specific EIN3_DNA-binding domains were evolutionarily conserved among the 53 EIN3/EILs. Collinearity analysis indicated that whole-genome or segmental duplication and subsequent purifying selection might have prompted the generation and evolution of EIN3/EIL multigene families. Based on the expression patterns of five GbEILs at the four developmental stages of Ginkgo ovules, one GbEIL gene (Gb_03292) was further investigated for its role in mediating ethylene signaling. The functional activity of Gb_03292 was closely related to ethylene signaling, as it complemented the triple response via ectopic expression in ein3eil1 double mutant Arabidopsis. Additionally, GbEIL likely modulates the expression of a Ginkgo ERF (Gb_15517) by directly binding to its promoter. These results demonstrated that the GbEIL gene could have participated in mediating ethylene signal transduction during ovule development in G. biloba. The present study also provides insights into the conservation of ethylene signaling across the gymnosperm G. biloba and angiosperm species.

Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on hindlimb skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

In posterior spine surgery, retractors exert pressure on paraspinal muscles, elevating intramuscular pressure and compromising blood flow, potentially causing muscle injury during ischemia-reperfusion. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), known for its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties and its role in treating cerebrovascular diseases, is investigated for its protective effects against muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in vitro and in vivo. Animals were randomly divided into the control group, receiving normal saline, and experimental groups, receiving varying doses of EGb761 (25/50/100/200 mg/kg). A 2-h hind limb tourniquet-induced ischemia was followed by reperfusion. Blood samples collected pre-ischemia and 24 h post-reperfusion, along with muscle tissue samples after 24 h, demonstrated that EGb761 at 1000 µg/mL effectively inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. EGb761 significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and increased glutathione (GSH) levels compared to the control after 24 h. Muscle tissue sections revealed more severe damage in the control group, indicating EGb761's potential in mitigating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion injury, effectively protecting against muscle damage.

Therapeutic effect of ginkgetin on smoke-induced airway inflammation by down-regulating the c/EBPß signaling pathway and CCL2 expression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ginkgo biloba leaf and seed have been traditionally used in ancient China for the treatment of cough and asthma. However, there is limited literature available on the anti-COPD effects and mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the therapeutic potential of ginkgo extracts in COPD through a combination of in vivo and in vitro functional experiments. Transcriptomic analyses were also employed to uncover novel molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of ginkgetin in COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The therapeutic efficacy of ginkgo extracts was assessed in a COPD model. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginkgetin and its underlying molecular mechanisms were examined in A549 cells treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Additionally, transcriptomic analyses were conducted to identify novel molecular pathways influenced by ginkgetin. These findings were further validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot techniques. RESULTS: The ethyl acetate extract of Ginkgo biloba L. seeds and ginkgetin treatment significantly reduced cytokine production in COPD mice. Following drug administration, lung function improved in different groups. The transcriptome data strongly supports the inhibitory effect of ginkgetin on CSE-induced inflammation through the downregulation of the c/EBPß signaling pathway and subsequent inhibition of CCL2 expression. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that ginkgetin, one of the biflavones found in Ginkgo biloba, exhibits inhibitory effects on smoke-induced airway inflammation. This effect is achieved through the downregulation of the c/EBPß signaling pathway and the reduction of CCL2 expression.

Natural Antioxidants: An Effective Strategy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease at the Early Stage.

The critical role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recognized by researchers recently, and natural antioxidants have been demonstrated to have anti-AD activity in animal models, such as Ginkgo biloba extract, soy isoflavones, lycopene, and so on. This paper summarized these natural antioxidants and points out that natural antioxidants always have multiple advantages which are help to deal with AD, such as clearing free radicals, regulating signal transduction, protecting mitochondrial function, and synaptic plasticity. Based on the available data, we have created a relatively complete pathway map of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and AD-related targets and concluded that oxidative stress caused by ROS is the core of AD pathogenesis. In the prospect, we introduced the concept of a combined therapeutic strategy, termed "Antioxidant-Promoting Synaptic Remodeling," highlighting the integration of antioxidant interventions with synaptic remodeling approaches as a novel avenue for therapeutic exploration.

Design of Mixed Medicinal Plants, Rich in Polyphenols, Vitamins B, and Palmitoylethanolamide-Based Supplement to Help Reduce Nerve Pain: A Preclinical Study.

Neuropathy affects 7-10% of the general population and is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system. The limitations of current therapies highlight the necessity of a new innovative approach to treating neuropathic pain (NP) based on the close correlation between oxidative stress, inflammatory process, and antioxidant action. The advantageous outcomes of a novel combination composed of Hop extract, Propolis, Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) used as a treatment was evaluated in this study. To assess the absorption and biodistribution of the combination, its bioavailability was first examined in a 3D intestinal barrier model that replicated intestinal absorption. Further, a 3D nerve tissue model was developed to study the biological impacts of the combination during the essential pathways involved in NP. Our findings show that the combination could cross the intestinal barrier and reach the peripheral nervous system, where it modulates the oxidative stress, inflammation levels, and myelination mechanism (increased NRG, MPZ, ERB, and p75 levels) under Schwann cells damaging. This study proves the effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba, Propolis, Hop extract, Vitamin B, and PEA in avoiding nerve damage and suggests a potential alternative nutraceutical treatment for NP and neuropathies.

Ginkgo biloba and Its Chemical Components in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease.

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, remains unclear. The main manifestations of AD include cognitive and behavioral disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms, neuroinflammation, amyloid plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. However, current drugs for AD once the dementia stage has been reached only treat symptoms and do not delay progression, and the research and development of targeted drugs for AD have reached a bottleneck. Thus, other treatment options are needed. Bioactive ingredients derived from plants are promising therapeutic agents. Specifically, Ginkgo biloba (Gb) extracts exert anti-oxidant, anticancer, neuroplastic, neurotransmitter-modulating, blood fluidity, and anti-inflammatory effects, offering alternative options in the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The main chemical components of Gb include flavonoids, terpene lactones, proanthocyanidins, organic acids, polysaccharides, and amino acids. Gb and its extracts have shown remarkable therapeutic effects on various neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, with few adverse reactions. Thus, high-quality Gb extracts are a well-established treatment option for AD. In this review, we summarize the insights derived from traditional Chinese medicine, experimental models, and emerging clinical trials on the role of Gb and its chemical components in the treatment of the main clinical manifestations of AD.

Separation and purification of polyprenols from Ginkgo biloba leaves by silver ion anchored on imidazole-based ionic liquid functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 sorbent.

Polyprenols (PPs) are compounds with excellent biological activities and are applied in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, its strong non-polar nature makes it difficult to separate with many saturated impurities (such as saturated fatty acids) extracted together. Complexation extraction is an effective method for separating saturated and polyunsaturated compounds. In this study, mesoporous silica MCM-41 was modified by imidazole-based ionic liquids (IL) followed by coating these MCM-41-supported IL compounds with silver salt to construct π-complexing adsorbent (AgBF4/IL•MCM-41) to enrich PPs from Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBL) extract. The mesoporous π-complexing sorbent was characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), FTIR, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. The effect of the ratio of silver salt to IL•MCM-41 on the adsorption capacity of polyprenols from GBL was compared, and the dosage of AgBF4 was determined to be 1.5 mmol/g IL•MCM-41. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics indicate that the π-complexing adsorbent has excellent PPs adsorption performance (153 mg/g at 30 °C) and a fast adsorption rate (the time to reach adsorption equilibrium is 210 s). The PPs were separated using the fixed bed after treatment for only one cycle with AgBF4/IL•MCM-41, and the content of PPs in the product was increased from 38.54% to 70.2%, with a recovery rate of 86.6%. The π-complexing adsorbent showed excellent reusability for ≥3 adsorption-desorption cycles.

The Ginkgo biloba microRNA160-ERF4 module participates in terpene trilactone biosynthesis.

Terpene trilactones (TTLs) are important secondary metabolites in ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba); however, their biosynthesis gene regulatory network remains unclear. Here, we isolated a G. biloba ethylene response factor 4 (GbERF4) involved in TTL synthesis. Overexpression of GbERF4 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) significantly increased terpenoid content and upregulated the expression of key enzyme genes (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase [HMGR], 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase [HMGS], 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase [DXR], 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase [DXS], acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase [AACT], and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase [GGPPS]) in the terpenoid pathway in tobacco, suggesting that GbERF4 functions in regulating the synthesis of terpenoids. The expression pattern analysis and previous microRNA (miRNA) sequencing showed that gb-miR160 negatively regulates the biosynthesis of TTLs. Transgenic experiments showed that overexpression of gb-miR160 could significantly inhibit the accumulation of terpenoids in tobacco. Targeted inhibition and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that gb-miR160 targets and negatively regulates GbERF4. Transient overexpression of GbERF4 increased TTL content in G. biloba, and further transcriptome analysis revealed that DXS, HMGS, CYPs, and transcription factor genes were upregulated. In addition, yeast 1-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that GbERF4 could bind to the promoters of the HMGS1, AACT1, DXS1, levopimaradiene synthase (LPS2), and GGPPS2 genes in the TTL biosynthesis pathway and activate their expression. In summary, this study investigated the molecular mechanism of the gb-miR160-GbERF4 regulatory module in regulating the biosynthesis of TTLs. It provides information for enriching the understanding of the regulatory network of TTL biosynthesis and offers important gene resources for the genetic improvement of G. biloba with high contents of TTLs.

Exploration of Ginkgo biloba leaves on non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological studies have found Ginkgo biloba leaves have the effect of inhibiting neoplasms, it is clinically used in treating various neoplasms. However, the mechanism of Ginkgo biloba leaves in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. METHODS: The active components and corresponding targets of Ginkgo biloba leaves were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) database, and the targets of NSCLC were obtained from the GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, and DrugBank databases. The common targets of NSCLC and Ginkgo biloba leaves were obtained from VENNY 2.1.0. The STRING database was utilized to construct protein-protein intersections, by using the Cytoscape 3.7.1 software, the protein-protein intersection was optimized and the drug-disease network diagram was constructed. The DAVID database was utilized to perform GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, The Autodock Vina software was used to perform molecular docking of core components and targets. RESULTS: The key components of Ginkgo biloba leaves in treating NSCLC include quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which may act on Tp53, AKT1, and TNF. Bioinformatic annotation analysis results suggest that Ginkgo biloba leaves may implicated in PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. The molecular docking results show the firm affinity between key ingredients and targets. CONCLUSION: The potential mechanism of Ginkgo biloba leaves in treating NSCLC has been discussed in this study, which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of NSCLC and further experimental validation.

Ginkgo biloba L. exocarp petroleum ether extract inhibits methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by modulating ion transport, virulence, and biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: As reported in the Ancient Chinese Medicinal Books, Ginkgo biloba L. fruit has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment asthma and cough or as a disinfectant. Our previous study demonstrated that G. biloba exocarp extract (GBEE), an extract of a traditional Chinese herb, inhibits the formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms. However, GBEE is a crude extract that contains many components, and the underlying mechanisms of purified GBEE fractions extracted with solvents of different polarities are unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the different components in GBEE fractions extracted with solvents of different polarities and their antibacterial effects and mechanisms against MRSA and Staphylococcus haemolyticus biofilms both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The components in different fractions were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS). Microbroth dilution assays and time growth curves were used to determine the antibacterial effects of the fractions on 15 clinical bacterial isolates. Crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to identify the fractions that affected bacterial biofilm formation. The potential MRSA targets of the GBEE fraction obtained with petroleum ether (PE), denoted GBEE-PE, were screened by transcriptome sequencing, and the gene expression profile was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: HPLC-HRMS analysis revealed that the four GBEE fractions (extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) contained different ginkgo components, and the antibacterial effects decreased as the polarity of the extraction solvent increased. The antibacterial activity of GBEE-PE was greater than that of the GBEE fraction extracted with ethyl acetate (EA). GBEE-PE improved H. illucens survival and reduced MRSA colonization in model mouse organs. Crystal violet staining and SEM and TEM analyses revealed that GBEE-PE inhibited MRSA and S. haemolyticus biofilm formation. Transcriptional analysis revealed that GBEE-PE inhibits MRSA biofilms by altering ion transport, cell wall metabolism and virulence-related gene expression. In addition, the LO2 cell viability and H. illucens toxicity assay data showed that GBEE-PE at 20 mg/kg was nontoxic. CONCLUSION: The GBEE fractions contained different components, and their antibacterial effects decreased with increases in the polarity of the extraction solvent. GBEE-PE limited MRSA growth and biofilm formation by affecting ion transport, cell wall synthesis, and virulence-related pathways. This research provides a more detailed overview of the mechanism by which GBEE-PE inhibits MRSA both in vitro and in vivo and suggests that GBEE-PE is a new prospective antimicrobial with the potential to be used in MRSA therapeutics in the future.

Tailoring the physicochemical properties of starch: impact of integrated ultrasonic and ethanol pretreatment on the oil uptake of infrared fried ginkgo seeds.

BACKGROUND: The structural changes of starch would have a more crucial impact on oil absorption and quality changes in starch-rich fruits and vegetables during frying process with enhanced heat transfer (such as infrared frying). In the present study, the influence of integrated ultrasonic and ethanol (US + ethanol) pretreatment on oil uptake in infrared fried (IF) ginkgo seeds was evaluated regarding modifications in the physicochemical properties of starch. The pretreatment was performed with ultrasonic (40 kHz, 300 W) and ethanol osmotic (95%, v/v) treatment individually or integrated for 40 min. RESULTS: The mass transfer in the pretreatment was facilitated by combined ultrasound and ethanol. The swelling power, solubility, and gelatinization degree of starch was significantly increased. Low-frequency-NMR curves and images revealed that the bound water fraction in ginkgo seeds was increased and the water distribution was homogenized. The results of Fourier transform-infrared spectrum and differential scanning calorimeter revealed that the crystalline regions of starch were reduced and the thermal enthalpy was decreased after US + ethanol pretreatment. The total, surface and structural oil content in IF ginkgo seeds with US + ethanol pretreatment was reduced by 29.10%, 34.52% and 29.73%, respectively. The US + ethanol pretreatment led to a thinner crust layer with increased porosity and smaller-sized pores in the IF ginkgo seeds as observed by stereo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: The changes in structural and physicochemical properties of starch by combined ultrasound and ethanol affect the crust ratio and pore characteristics in fried high-starch fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing oil absorption. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ginkgo biloba Polyphenols in Targeting Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer: An In-silico Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths worldwide, driving the need for effective anticancer therapies with fewer side effects. The exploration of Ginkgo biloba, a natural source, offers a hopeful avenue for novel treatments targeting key colorectal biomarkers involved in CRC treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the binding affinity of natural molecules derived from G. biloba to essential biomarkers associated with CRC, including Kirsten rat sarcoma virus, neuroblastoma RAS mutations, serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf, phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, and deleted colorectal cancer, using molecular docking. The focus of this research was to evaluate how effectively these molecules bind to specified targets in order to identify potential inhibitors for the treatment of CRC. METHODS: A total of 152 polyphenolic compounds from G. biloba were selected and subjected to molecular docking simulations to evaluate their interactions with CRC-related biomarkers. The docking results were analysed to identify ligands exhibiting strong affinities towards the targeted genes, suggesting potential inhibitory effects. RESULTS: Docking simulations unveiled the strong binding affinities between selected polyphenolic compounds derived from G. biloba and genes associated with CRC. The complex glycoside structures that are found in flavonols are of significant importance. These compounds, including derivatives with distinctive arrangements, exhibited promising docking scores, signifying substantial interactions with the targeted biomarkers. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates the potential of G. biloba-derived molecules as effective anticancer agents for colorectal cancer. The identified ligands exhibit strong interactions with crucial CRC-related biomarkers, suggesting potential inhibition ability. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are needed to validate and build upon these promising findings, advancing the development of novel and efficient CRC therapies.

Life cycle assessment for evaluation of novel solvents and technologies: A case study of flavonoids extraction from Ginkgo biloba leaves.

Innovative solvents such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and process intensification technologies assisted by ultrasound have been demonstrated to be promising pathways for enhancing solid-liquid extraction. Nevertheless, quantitative and systematic knowledge of their environmental impact is still limited. In this work, a case study of flavonoids extraction from Ginkgo biloba leaves was evaluated by using life cycle assessment (LCA) for comparison of three extraction scenarios. The first used DES as extractant (DESE), and the other two adopted ethanol, including heat reflux extraction (HRE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Among eight key midpoints investigated, all these from UAE were 10.0 %-80.0 % lower than from DESE and HRE except water consumption. The UAE was the eco-friendliest option due to its higher extraction yield, shorter duration and lower solvent consumption. The DESE exhibited the lowest water consumption, the highest freshwater ecotoxicity and human carcinogenic toxicity, while HRE had the highest impacts for the other 6 midpoints. Moreover, solvent production was the key contributor for all the categories. The standardized sensitivity analysis showed that the overall environmental footprint can be further decreased by 15.4 % for DESE pathways via substituting choline chloride/glycerine with choline chloride/ethylene glycol. Furthermore, all pathways using DESs had higher standardized impacts than those employing ethanol from sugarcane or wood. Replacing ethanol from maize with other feedstocks can significantly lessen the overall impacts, among which the UAE using ethanol from sugarcane demonstrated the least environmental impacts. The promotion of DESs as "green and sustainable" alternative to traditional solvents requires careful consideration.

The molecular mechanisms of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) activity in signaling pathways: A comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: One of the most unique plants that have ever grown on the planet is Ginkgo biloba L., a member of the Ginkgoaceae family with no close living relatives. The existence of several differently structured components of G. biloba has increased the chemical variety of herbal therapy. Numerous studies that investigated the biochemical characteristics of G. biloba suggest this plant as a potential treatment for many illnesses. PURPOSE: Review the molecular mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways of G. biloba activity in varied circumstances and its potential as a novel treatment for various illnesses. METHODS: Studies focusing on the molecular processes and signaling pathways of compounds and extracts of G. biloba were found and summarized using the proper keywords and operators from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus without time restrictions. RESULTS: G. biloba exerts its effects through its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, pulmoprotective, renoprotective, anti-osteoporosis, anti-melanogenic, retinoprotective, otoprotective, adipogenic, and anti-adipogenic properties. The most important mechanisms involved in these actions are altering the elevation of ROS formation, inhibiting NADPH oxidases activation, altering the expression of antioxidant enzymes, downregulating MAPKs (p38 MAPK and ERK, and JNK) and AP-1, increasing cAMP, inactivating Stat5, activating the AMPK signaling pathway, affecting Stat3/JAK2, NF-κB, Nrf-2, mTOR, HGF/c-Met, Wnt/ß-catenin and BMP signaling pathways, and changing the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the release of Cyc from mitochondria to cytosol, the protein cleavage of caspases 3, 7, 8, 9, and 12, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and MMPs levels. CONCLUSIONS: G. biloba and its components have gained attention in recent years for their therapeutic benefits, such as their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and apoptotic effects. By understanding their molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, potential novel medicines might be developed in response to the rising public desire for new therapies.

Green Synthesis of Narrow-Size Silver Nanoparticles Using Ginkgo biloba Leaves: Condition Optimization, Characterization, and Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities.

Natural products derived from medicinal plants offer convenience and therapeutic potential and have inspired the development of antimicrobial agents. Thus, it is worth exploring the combination of nanotechnology and natural products. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba (Gb), having abundant flavonoid compounds. The reaction conditions and the colloidal stability were assessed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the AgNPs. AgNPs exhibited a spherical morphology, uniform dispersion, and diameter ranging from ~8 to 9 nm. The FTIR data indicated that phytoconstituents, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, could potentially serve as reducing and capping agents. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was assessed using broth dilution and agar well diffusion assays. The results demonstrate antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains at low AgNP concentrations. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs was examined in vitro using the CCK-8 method, which showed that low concentrations of AgNPs are noncytotoxic to normal cells and promote cell growth. In conclusion, an environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing AgNPs from Gb leaves yielded antibacterial AgNPs with minimal toxicity, holding promise for future applications in the field of biomedicine.

Ginkgo biloba extract protects against tartrazine-induced testicular toxicity in rats: involvement of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

The use of additives, especially colorants, in food and pharmaceutical industry is increasing dramatically. Currently, additives are classified as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Concerns have been raised about the potential hazards of food additives to reproductive organs and fertility. The present study investigates the reproductive toxicity of tartrazine (TRZ), a synthetic colorant, in male rats and aims to explore the curative effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) against TRZ-induced testicular toxicity. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: the control (0.5 ml distilled water), the EGb group (100 mg/kg EGb alone), the TRZ group (7.5 mg/kg TRZ alone), and the TRZ-EGb group (7.5 mg/kg TRZ plus 100 mg/kg EGb). The doses were administered orally in distilled water once daily for 28 days. Toxicity studies of TRZ investigated testicular redox state, serum gonadotropins, and testosterone levels, testicular 17 ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, sperm count and quality, levels of inflammatory cytokines, and caspase-3 expression as an apoptotic marker. Also, histopathological alterations of the testes were examined. TRZ significantly affected the testicular redox status as indicated by the increase in malondialdehyde and the decrease in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. It also disrupted serum gonadotropins (follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) and testosterone levels and the activity of testicular 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Additionally, TRZ adversely affected sperm count, motility, viability, and abnormality. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and expression of caspase-3 were increased in the testes. Histopathological examination of the testes supported the alterations mentioned above. Administration of EGb significantly ameliorated TRZ-induced testicular toxicity in rats. In conclusion, EGb protected against TRZ-induced testicular toxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.