Ginkgo Research Articles

Exploring the multifaceted role of ginkgolides and bilobalide from Ginkgo biloba in mitigating metabolic disorders.

The ancient Ginkgo biloba tree grows across various regions, with distinctive leaves emitting a unique fragrance. Its extract contains flavonoids, organic acids, and terpenoids. Ginkgolide and bilobalide, which are G. biloba leaf extracts, offer diverse pharmaceutical benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds are crucial for mitigating neurodegeneration, particularly in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, their effectiveness in countering oxidative stress and inflammation highlights their potential to prevent cardiovascular ailments. This study also suggests that these compounds have a promising impact on lipid metabolism, suggesting their significance in addressing obesity-related metabolic disorders. In conclusion, ginkgolides and bilobalide exhibit promising effects in sustaining the integrity of the nervous and endocrine systems, along with the modulation of lipid metabolism. The diverse health benefits suggest that these compounds could serve as promising therapeutic interventions for various conditions, including neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba extracts for the improvement of cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people.

Mild cognitive impairment poses an increasing challenge to middle-aged and elderly populations. Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba (CG) have been proposed as potential agents to improve cognitive and memory functions. A randomized controlled trial involving 100 Chinese middle-aged and elderly participants was conducted to investigate the potential synergistic effects of CG on cognitive function in individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Over 90 days, both CG group and placebo group received two tablets daily, with each pair of CG tablets containing 72 mg echinacoside and 27 mg flavonol glycosides. Cognitive functions were assessed using multiple scales and blood biomarkers were determined at baseline, Day 45, and Day 90. The CG group exhibited significant improvements in the scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (26.5 at baseline vs. 27.1 at Day 90, p < 0.001), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (23.4 at baseline vs. 25.3 at Day 90, p < 0.001), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (81.6 at baseline vs. 84.2 at Day 90, p < 0.001), all surpassing scores in placebo group. Notably, both the Cognitrax matrix test and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised demonstrated enhanced memory functions, including long-term and delayed memory, after CG intervention. Moreover, cognitive-related blood biomarkers, including total tau, pT181, pS199, pT231, pS396, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, significantly decreased, whereas triiodothyronine and free triiodothyronine significantly increased. No treatment-related adverse events were reported, and routine blood and urine tests remained stable. These findings indicated that CG supplementation could potentially serve as an effective supplementary solution for enhancing cognitive and memory functions.

Patterns in Genome-Wide Codon Usage Bias in Representative Species of Lycophytes and Ferns.

The latest research shows that ferns and lycophytes have distinct evolutionary lineages. The codon usage patterns of lycophytes and ferns have not yet been documented. To investigate the gene expression profiles across various plant lineages with respect to codon usage, analyze the disparities and determinants of gene evolution in primitive plant species, and identify appropriate exogenous gene expression platforms, the whole-genome sequences of four distinct species were retrieved from the NCBI database. The findings indicated that Ceratopteris richardii, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Selaginella moellendorffii exhibited an elevated A/U content in their codon base composition and a tendency to end with A/U. Additionally, S. capillus-veneris had more C/G in its codons and a tendency to end with C/G. The ENC values derived from both ENC-plot and ENC-ratio analyses deviated significantly from the standard curves, suggesting that the codon usage preferences of these four species were primarily influenced by genetic mutations and natural selection, with natural selection exerting a more prominent influence. This finding was further supported by PR2-Plot, neutrality plot analysis, and COA. A combination of RSCU and ENC values was used as a reference criterion to rank the codons and further identify the optimal codons. The study identified 24 high-frequency codons in C. richardii, A. capillus-veneris, and Diphasiastrum complanatum, with no shared optimal codons among the four species. Arabidopsis thaliana and Ginkgo biloba exhibited similar codon preferences to the three species, except for S. moellendorffii. This research offers a theoretical framework at the genomic codon level for investigating the phylogenetic relationships between lycophytes and ferns, shedding light on gene codon optimization and its implications for genetic engineering in breeding.

Efficacy of Aphrodisiac Drugs Combination with Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction (Pilot Study)

Abstract Background Erectile dysfunction is a common medical disorder that primarily affects men older than 40 years of age. Many lines of treatments are used. An aphrodisiac is defined as any food or drug that arouses the sexual instinct, induces sexual desire and increases pleasure and performance. Aim of the Work The aim of this study to assess the efficacy of aphrodisiac drugs (Cavigen), in combination with Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5)”Sildenafil” Inhibitors in management of erectile dysfunction in men responding to Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in patients with (IIEF) score: Mild (22-25), mild to moderate (17-21). Patients and Methods This study was a prospective, double-blind, case control placebo (pilot study) performed at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Urology and Andrology, Ain Shams University hospitals. The number of patients after the dropouts and exclusion were 40 patients, twenty in each group one group was administrated gingko biloba capsules(Cavigen) twice daily combined with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (Viagra) on demand and the other one administrated placebo capsules similar to the ginkgo biloba twice daily combined with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (Viagra) on demand. The study protocol was approved by our institutional review board. This study was performed in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and all participants provided written informed consent before nrolment. Patients were recruited from February 2020 to August 2020 and the final results were obtained in August 2020. Results The present study enrolled two well matched groups, twenty patients in each group as regard base line characteristics including demographic data, pretreatment IIEF total score and pretreatment type of ED. The present study enrolled two well matched groups and both groups showed improvement but there was no significant difference between the studied groups as regard IIEF total score and type of ED at one- and three- months posttreatment. After 6 months posttreatment there was significant difference between the studied groups as regard IIEF total score and type of ED with superiority of combined treatment group. The amount of increase in total score of IIEF after 6 months was found significantly higher in study group (6.35±3.38) than control group (2.15 ± 2.13) with p-value &amp;lt;0.001. In both of studied groups, we found that there was statistically significant increase in the total score of IIEF after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months than pre study and also increase in the percentage of no ED cases after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months than pre study. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that two Ginkgo Biloba capsules oral intake per day combined with PDE-5 inhibitors on demand were safe and effective for the improvement of erectile function in patients with mild and mild to moderate ED. Overall, Aphrodisiacs drugs seem to be a promising cure for ED and improvement of sexual health.

Efficacy and safety of ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil hydrochloride in the treatment of Chinese patients with vascular dementia: A systematic review meta-analysis.

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil hydrochloride vs. donepezil for the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD). Methods: Four English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) and four Chinese databases [the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Wanfang DATA, the Chongqing VIP Database (VIP), China Biomedical Database (CBM)] were manually searched for literature published from dates of the inception of the databases to September 2023. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ginkgo biloba extract with donepezil hydrochloride vs. donepezil for the treatment of VaD were included. Relevant literature was screened, and the data in the included studies were extracted for quality assessment according to the Risk of bias tool. Results: A total of 1,309 participants were enrolled in the 15 RCTs. Of these, 656 participants were in the experimental group (ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil) and 653 participants were in the control group (donepezil).The results showed that combination therapy was superior to donepezil alone, and there were statistically significant differences in several outcomes including RR in change for total effective rate (1.28, 95% confidence intervals 1.20, 1.38, p < 0.001), MD in change for Mini-Mental State Examination score (2.98, 95%CI 2.31, 3.65, p < 0.001), Barthel Index score (8.55,95%CI 1.11, 15.99, p = 0.024), Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL)score (10.11,95% CI 7.16,13.07,p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil dramatically improved the total effective rate, MMSE, BI and ADL scores, and decreased homocysteine (HCY), plasma viscosity (PV), whole blood viscosity at high cut (BVH) and whole blood viscosity at low cut (BVL) in VaD patients, while the effect on mean flow velocity and pulse index (PI) of middle cerebral artery (MCA) is not obvious. However, more relevant high-quality RCTs are needed to validate these results. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier CRD42023474678.

A Review of Medicinal Plants in Alzheimer's Treatment and Memory Enhancement

Context: The purpose of this study is to review the effectiveness of medicinal plants on memory and learning in both human and animal models. Material and Methods: Various electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and 2023. Results: The studies focused on thirty different herbs, including Bacopa monnieri, Polygonum odoratum, Morus alba, Ginkgo biloba, Salvia officinalisL., Rosmarinus officinalisL., Melissa officinalis, Panax ginseng, Saraca asoca, Polygala tenuifolia, Boswellia papyrifera, Boswellia serrata, and Aegle marmelos. Conclusions: The inclusion criteria were adults, participants with cognitive impairment, and healthy participants, without age or gender restrictions. The studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials, and the findings were synthesized narratively.

Extraction of polyphenolic compounds from ginkgo leaves using deep eutectic solvents: A potential solution for the sustainable and environmentally friendly isolation of biflavonoids

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is one of the oldest trees on earth and its leaves are traditionally used as herbal medicine. The beneficial effects of ginkgo leaves are attributed to the presence of flavonoids and terpene trilactones. Monomeric flavonoids are frequently studied, but recently much attention has been paid to biflavonoids, dimeric flavonoids, due to their biological activity and potential pharmaceutical use. The development of a suitable and effective extraction protocol focusing on biflavonoids is increasingly in demand. Therefore, in this study, we developed an optimized extraction protocol using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to extract flavonoids from ginkgo leaves, with special attention to biflavonoids. Initially, 250 DESs were screened using COSMOtherm software to identify those that could strongly solubilize biflavonoids and flavonoids, and the results obtained indicated 15 DESs. Among them, betaine: ethylene glycol (B:EG) 1:2 with 30 % H2O (w/w) showed higher extraction efficiency than the extraction performed with 80 % methanol. In a next step, the extraction with the selected DES was further optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The results obtained showed that the optimum extraction conditions using the selected DES were as follows: Extraction time 45 minutes, the ratio of the initial mass of the shredded leaves to the volume of the DES 20:1 and the temperature 20 °C. Finally, the concentrations of the 5 most abundant biflavonoids in ginkgo leaves (amentoflavone, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, bilobetin and sciadopitysin) in the extracts were determined using HPLC-DAD. The results showed that B:EG 1:2 with 20 % H2O (w/w) and 30 % H2O (w/w) were suitable for the extraction of all five biflavonoids.

Herbal Remedies Effective on Treating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) poses a significant challenge in the realm of respiratory diseases, characterized by progressive lung scarring and compromised breathing function. While conventional medical interventions provide some relief, the exploration of complementary therapies has gained traction, and herbal remedies stand out as a promising avenue. This abstract delves into the efficacy of numerous herbal remedies in the treatment of IPF, shedding light on their potential impact on disease progression and symptom management. Turmeric, derived from Curcuma longa, emerges as a golden healer due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with curcumin exhibiting promise in mitigating lung inflammation and fibrosis. Boswellia serrata, or Indian frankincense, demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects through boswellic acids, suggesting its potential role in suppressing pathways leading to fibrosis. Gingko biloba, renowned for enhancing blood circulation, may contribute to improved oxygenation in individuals with IPF, offering support for compromised lung function. Licorice root, with its anti-inflammatory and expectorant qualities, presents a potential ally in soothing inflammation associated with IPF. Green tea, rich in antioxidants like catechins, shows promise in protecting lung tissues from oxidative stress and inflammation. This abstract emphasizes the importance of caution in integrating herbal remedies, particularly licorice root, and encourages consultation with healthcare professionals to ensure safety, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure. In conclusion, the integration of herbal remedies into the treatment paradigm for IPF presents a holistic approach to addressing the complexities of this debilitating condition. As ongoing research explores the mechanisms and efficacy of these herbal interventions, the potential for natural remedies to play a crucial role in managing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis continues to offer hope for improved patient outcomes.

Preparative separation of the constituents from Ginkgo biloba L. leaves by a combination of multi-stage solvent extraction and countercurrent chromatography.

In this study, we employed a combination approach for the preparative separation of constituents from Ginkgo biloba L. leaves. It involved multi-stage solvent extractions utilizing two-phase multi-solvent systems and countercurrent chromatography (CCC) separations using three different solvent systems. The n-heptane/ethyl acetate/water (1:1:2, v/v) and n-heptane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (HepEMWat, 7:3:7:3, v/v) solvent systems were screened out as extraction systems. The polarities of the upper and lower phases in the multi-solvent systems were adjustable, enabling the effectively segmented separation of complex constituents in G. biloba L. The segmented products were subsequently directly utilized as samples and separated using CCC with the solvent systems acetate/n-butanol/water (4:1:5, v/v), HepEMWat (5:5:5:5, v/v), and HepEMWat (9:1:9:1, v/v), respectively. As a result, a total of 11 compounds were successfully isolated and identified from a 2g methanol extract of G. biloba L through two-stage extraction and three CCC separation processes; among them, nine compounds exhibited high-performance liquid chromatography purity exceeding 85%.

Therapeutic Lead Identification from Ginkgo biloba against Enzyme Causing Alzheimer's Disease Using in-vitro Studies Integrated Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Therapeutic Lead Identification from Ginkgo biloba against Enzyme Causing Alzheimer's Disease Using in-vitro Studies Integrated Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Implications of Herbal Components in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders

Abstract: Herbal components have been explored as a potential alternative treatment for neurological disorders due to the limitations and potential adverse effects of conventional treatments. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent progressive human neurodegenerative condition marked by senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles as well as gradual cognitive impairments; the most prominent of which is memory loss. Different therapy techniques incorporating synthetic and herbal approaches are being employed against AD based on the knowledge of the disease process. Commonly used herbal components, such as Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, Withania somnifera, Passiflora incarnata, Rhodiola rosea, and Curcuma longa, have been shown to improve symptoms and cognitive function in individuals with neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. However, more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy, safety, and potential interactions with other medications. By continuously exploring and researching the use of herbal components for neurological disorders, we can develop a better understanding of their potential to offer safe and effective alternative treatments.

Effectiveness of Injection of Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract Combined with Early Rehabilitation on Functional Recovery in Patients Following Ischemic Stroke

The interest in the development of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) is growing. In this study, we aim to examine the therapeutic effects of the standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba leaf EGb-761 on neurological behavioral outcomes and brain infarction in rats following cerebral ischemia. Additionally, we evaluated the effectiveness of combining EGb-761 injection with early rehabilitation in improving the functional status of patients with IS. The rats were induced with focal transient cerebral ischemia by means of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The rats undergoing MCAO/reperfusion were given an intraperitoneal injection of different doses of EGb-761. A total of 65 patients with IS were recruited and assigned into receiving conventional treatments and intravenous drips of Ginaton injection, followed by early rehabilitation. The results showed that neurological deficit scores, brain infarct volume, neuronal apoptosis, and oxidative stress injury were reduced in the MCAO/reperfusion rats treated with different doses of EGb-761 compared to those without EGb-761 treatment. These reductions were more significant in the high-dose EGb-761 treatment group (P &lt;0.05). Both EGb-761 treatment and conventional treatment combined with early rehabilitation resulted in increased muscle strength and higher total BI scores in the patients. However, these increases were more pronounced in the group receiving Ginaton injection (P &lt;0.05). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that acute administration of EGb-761 may contribute to better neurological behavioral outcomes and reduced area of brain infarction in rats following cerebral ischemia and EGb-761 treatment integrated with early rehabilitation could improve the muscle strength and functional recovery of patients with IS.

WITHDRAWN: Experimental study on improvement of lung injury in septic rats by inhibiting RIOK3-ferritin autophagy axis with Ginkgo biloba extract

IntroductionThis study aimed to explore the mechanism of Ginkgo biloba extract(GBE, 银杏叶提取物) improving lung injury in septic rats by interfering with ferritin autophagy. MethodsA rat model of sepsis was established by cecal puncture method, and the animals were randomly divided into 6 groups, including control group, sham operation group, model group and GBE low, medium and high concentration treatment groups. Groups GBE low, medium and high concentration were given intraperitoneal injection of low dose (10mg/kg), medium dose (20mg/kg) and high dose (40mg/kg) GBE, respectively. Detect relevant indicators. ResultsIt was found that the lung tissue of rats in the model group had obvious pathological damage, and the expression of ferritin (FTH1) was significantly reduced, the expression of ferritin autophagy-related factors such as RIOK3, NCOA4, and LC3B was significantly increased, and the contents of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the lung/body weight ratios were significantly increased. GBE significantly improved the pathological damage of lung tissue in rats, increased the expression of FTH1, knocked down the expression of RIOK3, NCOA4 and LC3B, reduced the contents of Fe2+, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the lung/body weight ratios, especially in the medium-dose GBE group. ConclusionsGBE can down-regulate the expression of NCOA4 by inhibiting the expression of RIOK3, thereby inhibiting ferritin autophagy and ferroptosis, and ameliorating acute lung injury in sepsis rats. The best effect is found in medium concentration GBE (20mg/kg).

Fast screening of α-glucosidase inhibitors from Ginkgo biloba leaf by using α-glucosidase immobilized on magnetic metal-organic framework.

In this study, a ligand fishing method for the screening of α-glucosidase inhibitors from Ginkgo biloba leaf was established for the first time using α-glucosidase immobilized on the magnetic metal-organic framework. The immobilized α-glucosidase exhibited enhanced resistance to temperature and pH, as well as good thermal stability and reusability. Two ligands, namely quercitrin and quercetin, were screened from Ginkgo biloba leaf and identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values for quercitrin and quercetin were determined to be 105.69±0.39 and 83.49±0.79µM, respectively. Molecular docking further confirmed the strong inhibitory effect of these two ligands. The proposed approach in this study demonstrates exceptional efficiency in the screening of α-glucosidase inhibitors from complex natural medicinal plants, thus exhibiting significant potential for the discovery of antidiabetic compounds.

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

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. 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. 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). 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.

Research on bitter taste and efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS~E integrated with molecular docking

Based on high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS~E) and molecular docking technique, bitter compounds of Ginkgo biloba extract(GBE) were characterized, and their relationship with bitter efficacy was investigated. Firstly, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS~E was used for qualitative analysis of GBE components, and 60 chemical components were identified. These chemical components were molecular-docked with bitter receptors, and 26 bitter substances were selected, mainly flavonoids. Secondly, sensory and electronic tongue bitterness evaluation techniques were used to verify that total flavones of GBE were the main bitter substances, which was consistent with the molecular docking results. Finally, network pharmacology was used to predict and analyze bitter substances. The relationship between the target of bitter substance and bitter effect was explored. The key targets of bitter substances are CYP2B6, ALOX15, and PTGS2, etc., and bitter substances may exert a bitter efficacy by ac-ting on related disease targets, indicating that bitter substances of GBE are the material basis of the bitter effect. In summary, the study indicated that the molecular docking technique had a guiding effect on the screening of bitter substances in traditianal Chinese medicine(TCM), and bitter substances of GBE had a bitter efficacy. It provides ideas and references for the study of the &quot;taste-efficacy relationship&quot; of TCM in the future.

Treatment Analysis for Alzheimer’s Disease using Caenorhabditis Elegans as a Model

Alzheimer's Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition lacking a definitive and guaranteed treatment, prompts critical investigation for effective remedies to manage its behavioral and cognitive impact. Herbal extracts like Ginkgo Biloba, Lion's Mane, Basil, and Sage present potential options to alleviate plaque build-up caused by Alzheimer's. This study aims to identify the most efficacious herbal extract for treating Alzheimer's, using aged Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism. The hypothesis states that treated C. elegans will exhibit increased behavioral movement and altered molecular effects compared to the untreated C. elegans. The Independent Variable consists of the various extracts fed to the C. elegans. The Dependent Variables consist of the C. elegan's behavioral abilities (speed, responsiveness, foraging) and C. elegan’s molecular effects measured by protein concentration. The Control Variable is the untreated aged C. elegan’s behavioral movement and molecular effects. Data was collected using WormLab and molecular assays to validate and determine the treatment's effectiveness. Through ANOVA testing, statistically significant differences emerged in four out of five measured tests, rejecting the null hypothesis more often than accepting it. Results from data indicate Ginkgo Biloba extract as the best extract, due to displaying increased speed, responsiveness, and foraging ability in C.elegans compared to other extracts and untreated C. elegans.This suggests Ginkgo Biloba as a highly possible treatment option.

Traditional and complementary medicines in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review

Many individuals with diabetes often explore traditional and complementary medicines (TCM) as an alternative, believing in their perceived minimal side effects and enhanced effectiveness compared to conventional treatments for diabetes mellitus. This review aims to conduct a narrative review of TCM approaches for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, focusing on diabetic parameters such as glycemic, lipid profiles, weight, and blood pressure. We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect using terms such as "traditional and complementary medicine," "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "diabetes mellitus," "management," and "herbal" over a period of 5 years (2017–2021). The screened articles were based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were then validated and extracted. We included a total of 47 articles that met the criteria in this review and categorized them according to diabetic parameters (adapted from CPG Management of T2DM, 2020). The majority of herbal supplements (e.g., ginger, American ginseng, herbal mixtures), health supplements (e.g., Gingko biloba, zinc, vitamin D), dietary supplements (e.g., wheat germ and camel milk), and practices (e.g., acupuncture and homeopathy) exhibited positive effects, improving diabetic parameters towards their intended targets. This review can serve as a valuable reference for healthcare professionals involved in the management of this condition.

THE BEGINNING OF ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF ACCLIMATIZED GINKGO BILOBA IN UZBEKISTAN

The chemical composition of the Gingko biloba plant introduced to the temperate climate of Uzbekistan was studied using high-performance liquid chromatography. During the research, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the vitamins content of the leaves of the plant was carried out in different period. In addition, based on the results of the conducted experimental research, after proving that the plant is rich in vitamins, it was recommended for the prevention and treatment of encephalopathy diseases. At the same time, the development of new medicinal food supplements based on acclimatized G. biloba was started.

Hepatoprotective potential of sciadopitysin against paraquat induced liver damage in rats

Paraquat (PQ) is among the most widely used herbicides in the agriculture sector worldwide and is extremely noxious to both animals and humans. Paraquat exposure damages various organs in the body, particularly the liver. Sciadopitysin (SCD), a biflavonoid that is reported in Ginko biloba leaves, shows diverse biological potentials such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The primary focus of this research was to estimate the effects of SCD against PQ-instigated hepatic toxicity in rats. Forty-eight male albino rats were randomly split into 4 groups: control group, PQ (5 mgkg−1) treated group, PQ (5 mgkg−1) + SCD (2 mgkg−1) co-treated group and SCD (2 mgkg−1) only treated group. After 30 days of experimentation, PQ exposure lowered the expression of Nrf-2 and antioxidants genes, while increasing the expression of Keap-1. The activities of antioxidants, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) as well as total protein levels, were reduced following PQ administration. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents were elevated in PQ exposed rats. PQ intoxication also increased the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3, while down-regulating Bcl-2 expressions. Furthermore, PQ exposure induced morphological alterations in the liver. Nevertheless, SCD treatment reduced all PQ-elicited damages in the liver of rats owing to its free radical scavenging potential.