Abstract
Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves, a natural source of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, are commonly used as therapeutic agents for the improvement of both cognitive and physiological performance. The present study was aimed to test the effects of a six-week supplementation with 160 mg/day of a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba or a matching placebo on aerobic performance, blood antioxidant capacity, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in healthy, physically active young men, randomly allocated to two groups (n = 9 each). At baseline, as well as on the day following the treatment, the participants performed an incremental cycling test for the assessment of maximal oxygen uptake. Venous blood samples taken at rest, then immediately post-test and following 1 h of recovery, were analyzed for activities of antioxidant enzymes and plasma concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants, total phenolics, uric acid, lipid peroxidation products, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our results show that six weeks’ supplementation with Ginkgo biloba extract in physically active young men may provide some marginal improvements in their endurance performance expressed as VO2max and blood antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by specific biomarkers, and elicit somewhat better neuroprotection through increased exercise-induced production of BDNF.
Highlights
Several epidemiological studies have evidenced that high dietary intake of natural polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants is associated with lower incidence of several chronic diseases associated with increased oxidative stress in humans [1,2]
Taking into account a growing interest in the use of natural herbal supplements, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of Ginkgo biloba supplementation on aerobic performance, blood pro/antioxidant balance, and the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in physically active men
The exclusion criteria were the use of tobacco products, alcohol consumption, and the use of any medicine or dietary supplements during the four weeks prior to the study
Summary
Several epidemiological studies have evidenced that high dietary intake of natural polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants is associated with lower incidence of several chronic diseases associated with increased oxidative stress in humans [1,2]. Standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) includes over 60 bioactive components, the most important being flavonoids and terpene lactones [7,8]. Due to their potent antioxidant properties, flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, can directly quench free radicals; through induction of cytochrome P450 enzyme system activity, they can indirectly reduce free radical formation [4,9,10]. Terpene lactones (such as ginkgolides and bilobalide) possess very specific and potent antagonist activity against platelet aggregation factor (PAF) They facilitate blood flow through the cerebrum, dilate the capillary vessels, have protective effects on myelin sheaths, prevent thrombosis, and boost concentration and the learning process [15]
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