Ginkgo Extract Research Articles

Ginkgo biloba extract promotes Treg differentiation to ameliorate ischemic stroke via inhibition of HIF-1α/HK2 pathway.

The ischemic brain can dialogue with peripheral tissues through the immune system. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) was used to regulate various neurological disorders; however, the impact of EGb on ischemic stroke is still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate whether immunomodulation has participated in the beneficial effects of EGb on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) brain injury. Mice were orally administered with EGb once daily for 7 days before the induction of I/R. Neurobehavioral scores, infarct volume, and brain inflammation were determined. The proportion of CD4+ T cells was detected by flow cytometry. EGb significantly lowered neurobehavioral scores, infarct volume, and the level of inflammatory cytokines in I/R mice. Interestingly, EGb altered the proportion of CD4+ T cells, particularly increasing the proportion of Treg cells. Depletion of Treg cells weakened the neuroprotective effects of EGb on ischemic stroke; furthermore, EGb decreased the expression of HIF-1α and HK2 and promoted the differentiation of Treg cells in vitro. EGb suppressed the HIF-1α/HK2 signaling pathway to promote the differentiation of Treg cells and ameliorate ischemic stroke in mice. The expansion effect of EGb on Treg cells could be exploited as part of future stroke therapy.

Enhanced expression of RAGE/NADPH oxidase signaling pathway and increased level of oxidative stress in brains of rats with chronic fluorosis and the protective effects of blockers

This investigation was designed to examine the potential involvement of RAGE/NADPH oxidase signaling in the damage to the brain caused by chronic fluorosis. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 9 groups each containing 20 animals, Controls (C); rats receiving low (i.e., 10 ppm) (LF) or high does ( i.e., 50 ppm) (HF) of fluoride in their drinking water; and these same groups injected with FPS-ZM1, an inhibitor of RAGE, (CF, LFF and HFF, respectively) or administered EGb761, an active ingredient of Ginkgo biloba extract, intragastrically (CE, LFE, and HFE). Following 3 and 6 months of such treatment, the spatial learning and memory of the animals were assessed with the Morris water maze test; the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assayed by biochemical methods; and the levels of proteins related to the RAGE/NADPH pathway determined by Western blot and of the corresponding mRNAs by qPCR. After 6 months, the spatial learning and memory of the LF and HF groups had declined; their brain contents of MDA and H2O2 increased and SOD activity decreased; and the levels of the RAGE, gp91, P47, phospho-P47phox and P22 proteins and corresponding mRNAs in their brains were all elevated. Interestingly, all of these pathological changes caused by fluorosis could be attenuated by both FPS-ZM1 and EGb761. These findings indicate that the brain damage induced by fluorosis may be caused, at least in part, by enhanced RAGE/NADPH oxidase signaling and that FPS-ZM1 or EGb761 might be of clinical value in connection with the treatment of this condition.

Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract On Leptin Levels and Lipid Profiles in Diet Induced Obese Rats

Amaç: Obezite, vücutta aşırı yağ birikmesi olarak tanımlanır. Adiposit kaynaklı bir hormon olan leptin, enerji homeostazında önemli bir rol oynar. Ginkgo biloba ekstraktının (GBE) obez sıçanlarda lipid profili ve leptin seviyeleri üzerindeki olası etkilerini araştırmayı amaçladık.
 Yöntem: Çalışma 4 gruptan oluştu. Normal diyetle beslenen sıçanlar kontrol grubunu (Grup 1) oluşturdu. Diğerleri diyet ve GBE tedavisine göre üç gruba ayrıldı. 10 haftalık yüksek yağlı diyet tüketiminden sonra, gruplar kontrole göre %20 daha ağır hale geldi. Daha sonra diyete bağlı obez sıçanlar (Grup 2) obez kontrol grubu olarak kullanıldı ve sadece yüksek yağlı diyetle beslendi. Obez grupların geri kalanı sırasıyla 20 mg/kg/gün (Grup 3) ve 100 mg/kg/gün (Grup 4) dozlarında oral GBE verildi. Bu çalışmada kullanılan tüm deney protokolleri Mersin Üniversitesi Hayvan Etiği Kurulu tarafından onaylanmıştır. 
 Bulgular: 21 günlük tedavi sonrasında Grup 1'de serum trigliserit düzeyleri 52,5±9,07 (mg/dl); Grup 2’de 109,5±46,8; Grup 3'de 62,3±18,8 ve Grup 4'de 65,6±28,8 olarak ölçüldü. Obez kontrol grubu ve GBE tedavi grupları arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulundu (p

A structural similarity networking assisted collision cross-section prediction interval filtering strategy for multi-compound identification of complex matrix by ion-mobility mass spectrometry

Ion mobility coupled with mass spectrometry (IM-MS), an emerging technology for analysis of complex matrix, has been facing challenges due to the complexities of chemical structures and original data, as well as low-efficiency and error-proneness of manual operations. In this study, we developed a structural similarity networking assisted collision cross-section prediction interval filtering (SSN-CCSPIF) strategy. We first carried out a structural similarity networking (SSN) based on Tanimoto similarities among Morgan fingerprints to classify the authentic compounds potentially existing in complex matrix. By performing automatic regressive prediction statistics on mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) and collision cross-sections (CCS) with a self-built Python software, we explored the IM-MS feature trendlines, established filtering intervals and filtered potential compounds for each SSN classification. Chemical structures of all filtered compounds were further characterized by interpreting their multidimensional IM-MS data. To evaluate the applicability of SSN-CCSPIF, we selected Ginkgo biloba extract and dripping pills. The SSN-CCSPIF subtracted more background interferences (43.24%∼43.92%) than other similar strategies with conventional ClassyFire criteria (10.71%∼12.13%) or without compound classification (35.73%∼36.63%). Totally, 229 compounds, including eight potential new compounds, were characterized. Among them, seven isomeric pairs were discriminated with the integration of IM-separation. Using SSN-CCSPIF, we can achieve high-efficient analysis of complex IM-MS data and comprehensive chemical profiling of complex matrix to reveal their material basis.

Adding Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract to the diet as an antioxidant and studying its effect on the productive performance of Ross 308 broilers.

The experiment was carried out in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production/College of Agriculture/the University of Diyala during the period from 4/9/2021 to 15/10/2021 to study the effect of adding ginkgo leaf extract to broiler diets as an antioxidant and study its impact on the productive performance of birds. This experiment used 225 unsexed hybrid broiler chicks (age: one day). The average weight of the chick was (43.62 g.). Firstly, The chicks were randomly distributed by using five experimental treatments. Each treatment has three replicates (15 birds/repeat). Experimental transactions are as follows. T1 = (control treatment) A standard diet without addition is provided, T2 = standard ratio to which 1 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added, T3 = Standard diet to which 2 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added, T4 = a standard diet to which 3 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added, and T5 = standard ration to which 4 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added. The results of the experiment were as follows. The experiment results indicated a significant effect (P≤0.05) when adding different levels of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract to the diets of 308 Ross broilers for 1-42 days. The fourth treatment was superior to the average live body weight during the sixth week and the cumulative weight gain compared to the control. There is a significant superiority (P≤0.05) in the rate of cumulative feed consumption, cumulative feed conversion, efficiency and production index value, where all the addition treatments (1,2,3,4)g/kg feed excelled compared to the control. Keywords: Ginkgo biloba leaves Broiler, Growth performance, Antioxidant activity.

Ginkgo biloba Efficacy in the Treatment of Drug-Induced Parkinsonism: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) is one of the most common movement disorders in approximately 20 - 35% of patients on antipsychotic medications. Managing the symptoms of DIP is challenging due to the limited number of potentially effective medications. On the other hand, this restricted possible treatment could have numerous side effects that ultimately result in patients stopping the medication all at once. The neuroprotective property of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) emerged as an effective commodity for the additional treatment of psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EGb in psychiatric patients with symptoms of DIP. A sample of 63 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Both groups were followed for 3 months. One group received 80 mg of G. biloba three times a day, and the control group received a placebo. The patients were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Ginkgo could change the intensity of rest tremors, the severity of motor symptoms, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Ginkgo biloba might alleviate the severity of parkinsonism and motor symptoms and could lead to changes in the two components of working memory and short-term memory. Ginkgo biloba extract can be used as an effective and safe treatment in the management of DIP, whether in patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders or mood disorders.

Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum (Roth) G. Don (Asteraceae).

This study aimed at the evaluation of the antioxidant and cognitive-enhancing effect of methanol-aqueous extract from Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum aerial parts. Significant radical scavenging activity (110.33 ± 3.47 and 234.70 ± 5.21 mg TE/g for DPPH and ABTS) and reducing power (354.23 ± 17.51 and 210.24 ± 8.68 mg TE/g for CUPRAC and FRAP) were observed. The extract showed average acetylcholinesterase and low butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. H. italicum extract (200 mg/kg/po) administered in combination with galantamine (3 mg/kg/po) for 12 days significantly improved the memory and learning process compared with galantamine alone in the passive avoidance test. The effect was comparable to that of Ginkgo biloba extract (100 mg/kg/po). In deep secondary metabolite annotation of the extract by UHPLC-HRMS, more than 90 hydroxybenzoic and hydroxicinnamic acid-glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, a series of acylquinic and caffeoylhexaric acids, methoxylated derivatives of scutellarein, quercetagetin and 6-hydroxyluteolin, and prenylated phloroglucinol-α-pyrones were reported for the first time in H. italicum. Fragmentation patterns of four subclasses of heterodimer-pyrones were proposed. In-depth profiling of the pyrones revealed 23 compounds undescribed in the literature. Pyrones and acylphloroglucinols together with acylquinic acids could account for memory improvement. The presented research advanced our knowledge of H. italicum, highlighting the species as a rich source of secondary metabolites with cognitive-enhancing potential.

Sodium alginate coating of Ginkgo biloba leaves extract containing phenylpropanoids as an ecofriendly preserving agent to maintain the quality of peach fruit.

Plant constituents are of great interest in the food processing industry as potential natural preservative agents for controlling foodborne pathogens. In this study, the 95% EtOH/H2 O extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves was separated using polarity extraction solvents with petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol (nB), and water (W) by the principle of similarity and compatibility. Through TLC and NMR analysis of these extracts, it can be concluded that the main component of PE extract were organic acids, for EA extract were flavonoids, for nB extract were phenylpropanoids, and water extract were oligosaccharides. Twelve monomer compounds were separated from the extracts to verify the composition of each extraction stage. Results of morphological and molecular identification revealed that Monilinia fructicola and Rhizopus stolonifer were the main fungi causing peach rot. After evaluating the antifungal activity and peach quality of the four extract/sodium alginate coatings, it was found that the n-butanol extract/sodium alginate coating containing phenylpropanoids had the lowest decay index and the best preservation effect, providing a sustainable alternative to reduce the harm to the environment of synthetic preservatives. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The abuse of synthetic preservatives poses a threat to the ecological environment and physical health. Therefore, this study developed sodium alginate coating of Ginkgo biloba leaves extract containing phenylpropanoids, which has good effects on the preservation of peaches. The agent is a promising environmentally friendly alternative for synthetic preservatives.

Critical analysis of ginkgo preparations: comparison of approved drugs and dietary supplements marketed in Germany

Demographic change is taking place in the population of western industrialized countries, and the population is aging constantly. As a result, the mortality rate of patients due to dementia is rising steadily. To counteract this, the relevance of neuroprotective agents is increasing. Preparations from the medicinal tree species Ginkgo biloba (“gingko”) are becoming increasingly popular. In this study, 63 ginkgo preparations marketed in Germany were analyzed. The following data were collected from the package inserts of the preparations: Country of manufacture, approval as a drug, compliance to target values of flavone glycosides, compliance to target values of terpene lactones, compliance to target values of ginkgolic acids, dosage per unit in milligrams (mg), duration of use, interactions with other drugs, contraindications, adverse effects and daily defined dose costs. In the next step, these data were compared in the following form: Total preparations versus preparations with drug approval versus dietary supplements. Almost without exception, the results indicate a pharmaceutical reliability of the preparations with drug approval and a dubious reliability of the preparations marketed as dietary supplements. Thus, ginkgo preparations marketed as dietary supplements appear to have an economic rather than a medical focus. We discuss the evidence of efficacy, and other criteria mentioned above, to evaluate the adequacy of the costs for the statutory health insurance that pay for preparations with drug approval in Germany. From the analysis of our results it is very doubtful that ginkgo biloba extract preparations of the food industry have any health benefit. It must be evaluated whether prohibition of selling ginkgo biloba extract as a dietary supplement is an option.

Insights of mechanism into enhanced removal of Cr(VI) by Ginkgo biloba leaves synthesized bimetallic nano-zero-valent iron/copper

For purpose of green preparation of nano-zero-valent iron and copper (GB-nZVI/Cu), the use of Ginkgo biloba extract as a reducing agent is reported herein. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyzed the properties of nanoparticles. GB-nZVI/Cu exhibited a better Cr(VI) removal performance than nZVI/Cu materials synthesized by apricot leaves (Al-nZVI/Cu) and hawthorn leaves (Hl-nZVI/Cu). GB-nZVI/Cu could remove 97.2% Cr(VI) in 30 min. Low pH and 313 K promoted the reaction while humic acid (HA) had inhibitory effect. The promoting effects of coexisting anions were observed following the order: SO42->HCO3->Cl-. The rate constant K2 increased from 0.0303 to 4.8865 g·mg-1·min-1 as SO42− concentration increased. Na+ and low Mg2+ concentration promoted the removal of Cr(VI) while NO3−, K+, Ca2+ and high Mg2+ concentration had the negative effects. The removal reaction followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with a chemical adsorption as a rate-controlling step. Visual MINTEQ models and mechanism studies showed that the removal of Cr(VI) by GB-nZVI/Cu was a combination of adsorption, reduction and precipitation. The Fe-Cu galvanic cell can accelerate the corrosion of Fe0, enhancing the reduction of Cr(VI). Cu0/Cu(I) could be oxidation into Cu(II) by receiving electrons from Fe3+, resulting in the generation of Fe2+. Cr(III) finally precipitated in the form of FeXCr1−X(OH)3 and Cr(OH)3. GB-nZVI/Cu had superior sedimentation behavior and more Fe2+ production to promote Cr(VI) reduction. GB-nZVI/Cu maintained a better removal performance of Cr(VI) than Al-nZVI/Cu and Hl-nZVI/Cu after five reuses.

Ginkgo biloba Extract Can Improve Well-Being and Life Expectancy of Cats (Felis catus) with Lymphoma

Ginkgo biloba Extract Can Improve Well-Being and Life Expectancy of Cats (Felis catus) with Lymphoma

Chitosan Nanoparticles-Preparation, Characterization and Their Combination with Ginkgo biloba Extract in Preliminary In Vitro Studies.

Nanoparticles (NPs), due to their size, have a key position in nanotechnology as a spectrum of solutions in medicine. NPs improve the ability of active substances to penetrate various routes: transdermal, but also digestive (active endocytosis), respiratory and injection. Chitosan, an N-deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a natural biodegradable cationic polymer with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Cross-linked chitosan is an excellent matrix for the production of nanoparticles containing active substances, e.g., the Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). Chitosan nanoparticles with the Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) were obtained by ion gelation using TPP as a cross-linking agent. The obtained product was characterized in terms of morphology and size based on SEM and Zeta Sizer analyses as well as an effective encapsulation of GBE in nanoparticles-FTIR-ATR and UV-Vis analyses. The kinetics of release of the active substance in water and physiological saline were checked. Biological studies were carried out on normal and cancer cell lines to check the cytotoxic effect of GBE, chitosan nanoparticles and a combination of the chitosan nanoparticles with GBE. The obtained nanoparticles contained and released GBE encapsulated in research media. Pure NPs, GBE and a combination of NPs and the extract showed cytotoxicity against tumor cells, with no cytotoxicity against the physiological cell line.

The enzymatic modification of whey-proteins for spray drying encapsulation of Ginkgo-biloba extract

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBLE) contains many bioactives including flavonoids and terpene trilactones that play some pharmacological roles. These compounds are sensitive to operating conditions; so, encapsulation is a suitable approach to protect them. In this study, different carriers including maltodextrin (MD), and its combination with gum-Arabic (MD-GA), whey protein concentrate (MD-WPC), and whey-protein hydrolysate (MD-HWPC) were used to encapsulate GBLE. Powder production yield, physicochemical/functional characteristics, physical stability and flowability of particles were affected by the type and composition of carriers. FTIR results indicated the placement of phenolic compounds in the carrier matrix. The SEM images also showed the morphological changes of particles (especially the size, indentation and surface shrinkage) under the influence of various carriers. Microencapsulated powders formulated using MD-HWPC showed the highest values of TPC, DPPH, and ABTS and a lighter color which determined the suitability of this wall material (due to the improvement of surface activity and emulsifying properties of protein as a result of partial enzymatic hydrolysis) to protect the antioxidant properties of GBLE during spray-drying, improving the production yield and preserving physical and functional characteristics of the encapsulated powders.

Advances on analysis methods of ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGBL) is a valuable herbal extract. The main active ingredients are flavonoids, terpene lactones, organic acids and proanthocyanidins. In recent years, there have been many reports on the detection of the above active ingredients. In this paper, the analysis methods of chemical components in EGBL were reviewed, such as ultraviolet spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance. The analysis methods of ginkgolic acids are also reviewed. Based on the current research progress, three suggestions are provided. Firstly, the quality marker research of EGBL needs to be strengthened. Secondly, more bioassay methods for EGBL quality control should be developed. Thirdly, it is necessary to strengthen the detection of proanthocyanidins in EGBL.

Ameliorating effects of gingko, Ginkgo biloba extract on waterborne toxicity of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) in the Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss: Growth, histology, oxidative stress, immunity, antioxidant defense and liver function

The potentials of gingko, Ginkgo biloba extract in ameliorating the toxicity of titanium nano-oxide (NanoTiO2) (30% of the LC50 or 1.65 mg/l) were evaluated in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish (n = 540; mean weight: 22.5 ± 2.1 g) were distributed into 18 tanks (n = 30/tank). The test treatments were: negative control (NC): non-supplemented and non-exposed fish, positive control (PC): non-supplemented fish exposed to 1.65 mg/l nano TiO2, G1 + Ti: 0.5 g GIB/kg + 1.65 mg/l nano TiO2, G2 + Ti: 1 g GIB/kg + 1.65 mg/l nano TiO2, G3 + Ti: 2 g GIB/kg + 1.65 mg/l nano TiO2, G4 + Ti: 4 g GIB/kg + 1.65 mg/l nano TiO2. The experiment was done during 60 days. The nano-TiO2 treatments showed lower growth performance (P < 0.05) in comparison with non-exposed fish. Protease and lipase activities mainly decreased (P < 0.05) in response to nano TiO2 in the treatments, G1 + Ti and G4 + Ti compared to NC. The immunity was depressed (P < 0.05) in PC and fish of G1 + Ti and G4 + Ti compared to NC, G2 + Ti and G3 + Ti. Exposure to nano-TiO2 stimulated liver antioxidant enzymes almost all in PC and fish of the groups, G1 + Ti, G2 + Ti, G4 + Ti compared to NC (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) elevated the treatments, G2 + Ti and G3 + Ti (P < 0.05). 1–2 g GIB/kg ameliorated the oxidative stress and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in these treatments (P > 0.05). The liver metabolic enzymes mainly increased in serum, following Nano-TiO2 exposure in PC and treatments, 0.5–1 g GIB/ Kg (P < 0.05). Nano-TiO2 caused liver and intestine lesions mostly in PC and fish of 0.5 g GIB/kg. In conclusion, our results indicated that GIB at levels of 1–2 g GIB/kg can ameliorate nano-TiO2 –induced oxidative atress and its adverse effects on immunity and liver function in the fish.

Preparation of polyvinyl pyrrolidone stationary phase and its application in separation and analysis of flavonoids

AbstractPolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is known as a polymer with special adsorption properties for polyphenolic compounds. In this paper, chemical‐bonded stationary phase (PVP@Silica) was prepared and applied to the separation of flavonoids. System constants determined by linear solvation energy relationships with methanol–water mixtures as the mobile show that the column can provide stronger hydrogen bonding and π–π interaction than C18 column. Under reversed‐phase conditions, traditional flavonoids have much longer retention on PVP@Silica than on C18 column with methanol–water mobile phase due to multimodal retention mechanism, including hydrogen bonding and π–π interaction. In addition, a U‐shaped retention curve was observed in acetonitrile–water mobile phase because of the enhanced hydrogen bonding under the high proportion of acetonitrile. The selectivity to polyhydroxy structure gives the stationary phase unique separation ability for flavonoids. The separation orthogonality was further investigated by a sample set containing 33 flavonoids with different substitution structures. The (RP‐PVP@Silica)‐(RP‐C18) system exhibited 60% orthogonality metric (OM) for these flavonoids with methanol–water mobile phase. A high OM of 63.5% was achieved in (RP‐PVP@Silica)‐(HILIC‐PVP@Silica) system. Finally, PVP@Silica was applied to the purification of total flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). The offline (RP‐PVP@Silica)‐(RP‐C18) two‐dimensional separation system was used for the analysis of flavonoids in GBE.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) restores gut microbiota dysbiosis in a rat model of lard-rich diet-induced obesity

BackgroundGut microbiota (GM) modulation has been considered a nutritional approach to manage obesity. Reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B) is associated with reduced energy harvesting capacity from the diet, ameliorates endotoxemia and inflammation, and restores gut hormone signaling related to hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis. As anti-obesogenic and anti-inflammatory properties have been attributed to Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), the present study investigated whether GbE supplementation for two weeks modulates the GM composition of obese rats. MethodFifty-six 2-month-old male Wistar rats were submitted to a lard-rich diet-induced obesity protocol for 60 days (high-fat diet, HFD). Following the obesity-inducing period, rats were gavaged daily with GbE at 500 mg/kg (HFD+G group), or saline (HFD group), for 14 days. A 3rd group (pair-fed group, PF) was performed by mimicking the HFD group (saline administration) but with its food intake matched to the HFD+G group. Rats were euthanized on the 14th supplementation day. Stool DNA was extracted and amplified with V3–V4 region primers of the 16S rRNA gene. ResultsIn comparison to both HFD and PF groups, GbE supplementation increased the number of Bacteroidetes colon community and concomitantly reduced the abundance of Firmicutes, reducing the F/B ratio. Hierarchical clustering showed that communities of the HFD+G group were less likely related to HFD and PF groups. ConclusionAs GbE modulated the GM structure and diversity in GbE-supplemented obese rats, our results show that GbE possesses phytotherapeutic potential to modulate obesity by improving GM and lessening the consequences of obesity-related GM dysbiosis.

Ginkgo Biloba and Long COVID: In Vivo and In Vitro Models for the Evaluation of Nanotherapeutic Efficacy.

Coronavirus infections are neuroinvasive and can provoke injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and long-term illness consequences. They may be associated with inflammatory processes due to cellular oxidative stress and an imbalanced antioxidant system. The ability of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, such as Ginkgo biloba, to alleviate neurological complications and brain tissue damage has attracted strong ongoing interest in the neurotherapeutic management of long COVID. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb) contains several bioactive ingredients, e.g., bilobalide, quercetin, ginkgolides A-C, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and luteolin. They have various pharmacological and medicinal effects, including memory and cognitive improvement. Ginkgo biloba, through its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, impacts cognitive function and other illness conditions like those in long COVID. While preclinical research on the antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection has shown promising results, clinical translation remains slow due to several challenges (e.g., low drug bioavailability, limited half-life, instability, restricted delivery to target tissues, and poor antioxidant capacity). This review emphasizes the advantages of nanotherapies using nanoparticle drug delivery approaches to overcome these challenges. Various experimental techniques shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the oxidative stress response in the nervous system and help comprehend the pathophysiology of the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To develop novel therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems, several methods for mimicking oxidative stress conditions have been used (e.g., lipid peroxidation products, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors, and models of ischemic brain damage). We hypothesize the beneficial effects of EGb in the neurotherapeutic management of long-term COVID-19 symptoms, evaluated using either in vitro cellular or in vivo animal models of oxidative stress.

Natural antioxidant formula ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual fear memory through suppression of neuroinflammation in rats

This study investigated the ameliorating effects of a natural antioxidant formula (NAF) consisting of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid, ferulic acid, flaxseed oil, vitamin E, and vitamin B12 on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive dysfunction model in rats. Six-week-old rats received a diet containing 0.5% (w/w) NAF for 38 days from Day 1, and LPS (1 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally once daily on Days 8 and 10. On Day 11, LPS alone increased interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex and the numbers of M1-type microglia/macrophages and GFAP+ reactive astrocytes in the hilus of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. NAF treatment decreased brain proinflammatory cytokine levels and increased the number of M2-type microglia/macrophages. During Days 34–38, LPS alone impaired fear memory acquisition and the extinction learning process, and NAF facilitated fear extinction learning. On Day 38, LPS alone decreased the number of type-3 neural progenitor cells in the hippocampal neurogenic niche, and NAF restored the number of type-3 neural progenitor cells and increased the numbers of both immature granule cells in the neurogenic niche and reelin+ hilar interneurons. Thus, NAF exhibited anti-inflammatory effects and ameliorated LPS-induced adverse effects on hippocampal neurogenesis and fear memory learning, possibly through amplification of reelin signaling by hilar interneurons. These results suggest that neuroinflammation is a key factor in the development of LPS-induced impairment of fear memory learning, and supplementation with NAF in the present study helped to prevent hippocampal neurogenesis and disruptive neurobehaviors caused by neuroinflammation.

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb-761) confers neuroprotection against ischemic stroke by augmenting autophagic/lysosomal signaling pathway

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb-761) is well-recognized to have neuroprotective properties. Meanwhile, autophagy machinery is extensively involved in the pathophysiological processes of ischemic stroke. The EGb-761 is widely used in the clinical treatment of stroke patients. However, its neuroprotective mechanisms against ischemic stroke are still not fully understood. The present study was conducted to uncover whether the pharmacological effects of EGb-761 can be executed by modulation of the autophagic/lysosomal signaling axis. A Sprague-Dawley rat model of ischemic stroke was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min, followed by reperfusion. The EGb-761 was then administered to the MCAO rats once daily for a total of 7 days. Thereafter, the penumbral tissues were acquired to detect proteins involved in the autophagic/lysosomal pathway including Beclin1, LC-3, SQSTM1/p62, ubiquitin, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D by western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Subsequently, the therapeutic outcomes were evaluated by measuring the infarct volume, neurological deficits, and neuron survival. The results showed that the autophagic activities of Beclin1 and LC3-II in neurons were markedly promoted by 7 days of EGb-761 therapy. Meanwhile, the autophagic cargoes of insoluble p62 and ubiquitinated proteins were effectively degraded by EGb-761-augmented lysosomal activity of cathepsin B and cathepsin D. Moreover, the infarction size, neurological deficiencies, and neuron death were also substantially attenuated by EGb-761 therapy. Taken together, our study suggests that EGb-761 exerts a neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke by promoting autophagic/lysosomal signaling in neurons at the penumbra. Thus, it might be a new therapeutic target for treating ischemic stroke.