Ginkgo Leaf Research Articles

Enhanced biohydrogen production from sugarcane molasses by adding Ginkgo biloba leaves

Low H2 yield from biomass impedes the industrial application of biohydrogen production. To improve H2 yield, the effect of Ginkgo biloba leaf (GL) on H2 production was investigated in this study. In batch fermentation with sugarcane molasses (SM), the addition of GL improved H2 yield by 28.03%. SM medium was optimized with response surface methodology (RSM) to determine the best concentrations of GL, SM, and an inexpensive nitrogen source—corn steep liquor (CSL). A maximum yield of 1.58 mol-H2/mol-hexose from SM was obtained when GL, CSL and SM hexose were 2.31 g/L, 2.28 g/L and 10 g/L, respectively. As observed with metabolic flux analysis, GL enhanced H2 conversion from SM via altering the metabolic flux distribution of E. harbinense from ethanol pathway towards acetate pathway. This study demonstrated the promotion effect of GL on H2 production from SM, raising a novel method for enhanced biohydrogen production in large scales.

Ginkgo biloba L. Leaf Extract Protects HepG2 Cells Against Paraquat-Induced Oxidative DNA Damage.

Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extracts and herbal infusions are used worldwide due to the health benefits that are attributed to its use, including anti-neoplastic, anti-aging, neuro-protection, antioxidant and others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an aqueous Ginkgo biloba extract on HepG2 cell viability, genotoxicity and DNA protection against paraquat-induced oxidative damage. Exposure to paraquat (PQ), over 24 h incubation at 1.0 and 1.5 µM, did not significantly reduce cell viability but induced concentration and time-dependent oxidative DNA damage. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract produced dose-dependent cytotoxicity (IC50 = 540.8 ± 40.5 µg/mL at 24 h exposure), and short incubations (1 h) produced basal and oxidative DNA damage (>750 and 1500 µg/mL, respectively). However, lower concentrations (e.g., 75 µg/mL) of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract were not cytotoxic and reduced basal DNA damage, indicating a protective effect at incubations up to 4 h. On the other hand, longer incubations (24 h) induced oxidative DNA damage. Co-incubation of HepG2 cells for 4 h, with G. biloba leaf extract (75 µg/mL) and PQ (1.0 or 1.5 µM) significantly reduced PQ-induced oxidative DNA damage. In conclusion, the consumption of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract for long periods at high doses/concentrations is potentially toxic; however, low doses protect the cells against basal oxidative damage and against environmentally derived toxicants that induce oxidative DNA damage.

Synergy of Ginkgetin and Resveratrol in Suppressing VEGF-Induced Angiogenesis: A Therapy in Treating Colorectal Cancer.

Ginkgetin, a biflavone from Ginkgo biloba leaf, and resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grape and wine, are two phytochemicals being identified for its binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): the binding, therefore, resulted in the alteration of the physiological roles of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. The bindings of ginkgetin and resveratrol were proposed on different sites of VEGF, but both of them suppressed the angiogenic properties of VEGF. The suppressive activities of ginkgetin and resveratrol in VEGF-mediated angiogenesis were supported by several lines of evidence including (i) inhibiting the formation of sub-intestinal vessel in zebrafish embryos and microvascular sprouting in rat aortic ring; and (ii) suppressing the phosphorylations of VEGFR2, Akt, eNOS, and Erk as well as expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-2, and MMP-9 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Here, we showed the synergy of ginkgetin and resveratrol in suppressing the VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation. The synergy of ginkgetin and resveratrol was further illustrated in HT-29 colon cancer xenograft nude mice. Ginkgetin and resveratrol, when applied together, exerted a synergistic anti-tumor effect of 5-fluorouracil with decreasing microvessel density of tumors. In parallel, the combination of ginkgetin and resveratrol synergistically relieved the 5-fluorouracil-induced inflammatory response by suppressing expressions of COX-2 and inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the anti-angiogenic roles of ginkgetin and/or resveratrol could provide effective therapeutic strategy in cancer, similar to that of Avastin, in suppressing the VEGF-mediated angiogenesis during cancer development.

The research of quality indicators of minced products based on freshwater mussel and ginko biloba powder

An analytical review of the literature on the ways of using hydrobionts in the technology of minced products was conducted. The possibility of using ginkgo biloba leaf powder for enrichment of minced products and their functional properties has been investigated. Based on the results of previous comprehensive studies of the physicochemical composition and safety indicators that formed the basis of the developed regulatory documentation for the semi-finished product of freshwater mussel, the possibility of using the soft body of the mussel genus Anodonta in the cuttings technology was proposed and investigated. The possibility of producing chopped freshwater mussel products with the addition of ginkgo biloba leaf powder as a functional additive is experimentally confirmed in this article. The influence of different percentages of ginkgo biloba powder on the organoleptic, functionally technological and rheological properties of the developed cutlets has been investigated. Optimal doses of use of ginkgo biloba powder in the recipe for chopped products based on freshwater mussel have been established. The differences in the plastic viscosity of different minced samples were investigated, which is explained by the different content of ginkgo biloba leaf powder supplement. The viscosity quantification in all samples indicates the rate of destruction of the structure. The output of the finished products, moisture-holding and fat-holding capacity is determined. Studies have been conducted to determine the level of active acidity of finished products. The complex of qualitative characteristics of the developed chopped products (cutlets) is investigated. The regularities of the influence of the component composition on the functional and technological characteristics of ground beef systems based on freshwater hydrobionts have been established. Investigation of the use of locally sourced, raw materials rich in nutrition in technology for minced meat products is relevant. This will allow to expand the range of existing hydrobionics products and to obtain functional products.

A New Alcoholic Compound Isolated from the Leaves of Ginkgo biloba

A new compound, (S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-butane-1,4-diol (1), and seven known compounds (2–8) were isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The structures of compounds 1–8 were established by spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of the data with those of analogs. Compounds 4, 5, and 7 were isolated from Ginkgo biloba for the first time.

Mechanisms Associated with Protective Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extracton in Rat Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

ABSTRACTCerebral infarction occurs as a consequence of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GbE) is composed predominantly of active ingredients such as flavonoids and terpene lactones and often used to treat cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the use of this herbal extract to treat cerebrovascular-mediated damage are not known. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of administration GbE to ameliorate the observed consequences of CIRI. The following parameters were measured: (1) behavioral score (2) infarct area (3) the content of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and (4) interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression levels in the infarcted brain tissue. Data demonstrated that treatment with GbE to CIRI rats resulted in significant reduction in cerebral-infarcted area associated with improvement in behavioral score. GbE was found to decrease serum MDA levels concomitant with elevated activity levels of SOD and GSH-PX. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that GbE significantly lowered the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the infarcted brain tissue. Data suggest that GbE may be therapeutically effective in improving behavioral score in CIRI rats through reduction of oxidative stress and anti-inflammation in the cerebral infarction region.

Bilobalide Suppresses Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes via the AMPK Signaling Pathway

Bilobalide, the only sesquiterpene compound from Ginkgo biloba leaf, exhibits various beneficial pharmaceutical activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and protective effects for the central nervous system. Several bioactive components extracted from Ginkgo biloba extract reportedly have the potential to attenuate lipid metabolism. However, the effect of bilobalide on lipid metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we used 3T3-L1 cells as the cell model to investigate the effect of bilobalide on adipogenesis. The results showed that bilobalide inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and intracellular lipid accumulation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting results indicated that several specific adipogenic transcription factors and a few important adipogenesis-related genes were significantly down regulated on both mRNA and protein levels in bilobalide treatment groups. By contrast, the expression of some lipolytic genes, such as adipose triglyceride lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1α, were all up-regulated by bilobalide treatment, and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, and HSL were stimulated. Furthermore, bilobalide treatment partially restored AMPK activity following its blockade by compound C (dorsomorphin). These results suggested that bilobalide inhibited adipogenesis and promoted lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway.

Graphene oxide-assisted ethanol reflux extraction of total flavonoids from Ginkgo biloba leaves: study of kinetics and mechanism

Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBL) contain many biologically active compounds such as flavonoids and terpene trilactones. In this study, graphene oxide (GO)-assisted ethanol reflux extraction (GERE) was adopted to extract the Ginkgo flavonoids (GF) from GBL, and the kinetics and mechanism of GF extraction were studied. SEM, XRD and FT-IR results all showed that GO could disrupt the cellulose structure and reduce the crystallinity of GBL. Through the obtained experimental data, it can be seen that So–Macdonald model was suitable to describe the extraction kinetics with high values of the coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.994) and low values of the residual sum of squares (RSS ≤ 0.00022). The optimum leaching conditions of GERE were 70% (v/v) of ethanol concentration, 16 mL/g of liquid to solid ratio, 1.5 mg/g of GO dosage and 140 rpm of stirring speed at 70°C for 4 h by the single factor experiments. Under these conditions, the equilibrium yield of GF by GERE reached 82.63%, about 5.60% higher than the conventional ethanol reflux extraction (ERE). The value of the apparent activation energy obtained was 3.69 kJ/mol for GERE, 6.35% lower than that for ERE at a temperature within the range of 40–70 °C. HPLC results indicated that GO could not decompose flavonoids. The higher yield of GF can be attributed to the catalytic hydrolysis to the cell wall by GO, which can decrease the apparent activation energy and accelerate the leaching of GF at the fast diffusion stage. GERE method is an efficient and green extraction technology and So–Macdonald model satisfactorily described the extraction kinetics of Ginkgo flavonoids.

Dietary Ginkgo biloba leaf extract alters immune-related gene expression and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in common carp Cyprinus carpio

Ginkgo biloba leaf is widely used in traditional medicine in China. The present study aimed to illustrate the effects of dietary Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBLE) on growth performance and immune responses in common carp infected by Aeromonas hydrophila. Six different diets either not treated (control) or treated with 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 g/kg of GBLE were designed to feed the fishes for 8 weeks. The results indicated that, compared to the control groups, 10 g/kg dietary GBLE significantly increased body growth and feed utilization. In GBLE dietary groups, red blood cell levels, white blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly increased relative to the control groups. Dietary supplementation with 5 g/kg GBLE increased the phagocytic ratio, and phagocytic indexes increased in the 2, 5 and 10 g/kg groups relative to the control groups. Moreover, 2, 5 and 10 g/kg GBLE diets increased O2− production compared to the control groups. Additionally, GBLE diets stimulated lysozyme activity (in 10 g/kg group) and inhibited bactericidal activity (in 0.5, 2, 5 and 10 g/kg group). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that IL1β, IL8, TNF-α, IL10, TGFβ, and inducible enzyme genes were prone to decrease while SAA, hepcidin and GPX1 were increased due to the GBLE diet in the intestine. In the head-kidney, the GBLE treatment decreased IL1β, IL8, TNF-α, IL10, TGFβ, INOS and arginase gene expressions, whereas SOD upregulation was found in the GBLE condition. The mRNA expressions of IL1β, IL8, TNF-α, IL10 and INOS were decreased, but SAA, hepcidin, GPX1 and SOD mRNA levels were increased in the spleen in the GBLE diet compared to the control. Additionally, diet supplemented with GBLE improved the survival rate infected with A. hydrophila. Our observations suggest that GBLE effectively enhanced growth performance, modulated immune-related gene expression. It improved survival rate of common carp after A. hydrophila infection and the optimum concentration we recommend is 10 g/kg of GBLE.

Dietary Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts supplementation improved immunity and intestinal morphology, antioxidant ability and tight junction proteins mRNA expression of hybrid groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀) fed high lipid diets

For many years, Ginkgo biloba has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBLE) supplementation on immune response, intestinal morphology, antioxidant ability and tight junction proteins mRNA expression of hybrid groupers fed high lipid diets. Basal diets supplemented with GBLE at 0, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 10.00 g/kg were fed to hybrid grouper for 8 weeks. The study showed that dietary GBLE supplementation significantly improved immune ability by increasing plasma complement 3, complement 4 and Immunoglobulin M content. Dietary supplementation of 0.50–2.00 g/kg GBLE improved intestinal morphology and increased the expression of zonula occludens 1, zonula occludens 2, zonula occludens 3, occludin and claudin 3a. Dietary supplementation of 0.50–2.00 g/kg GBLE improved antioxidant ability by increasing activities and expressions of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase, suppressed inflammatory by increasing expression of interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β1 and target of rapamycin, and decreased apoptotic responses by reducing the expression of caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9 in the intestine of hybrid grouper fed high lipid diets. This study indicated that dietary GBLE supplementation was clearly beneficial for intestinal health and immunity in hybrid groupers fed high lipid diets and it could be used as a functional feed additive in aquaculture to promote the application of high lipid diets.

Gold Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Ginkgo biloba Leaf Aqueous Extract for the Decolorization of Azo-Dyes and Fluorescent Detection of Cr(VI)

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are successfully synthesized via a facile and eco-friendly biosynthesis approach. Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) leaf is an extract used as bio-aqueous solution for the preparation of the AuNPs. Photo-chemically, the G. biloba leaf plays dual roles wherein it serves as reducing and stabilizing agent. Through this approach, the use of toxin-induced chemical is completely avoided making the approach a green chemistry. Several synthetic parameters such as reactant concentration, media pH, reaction time and temperature are optimized which in turn enables the formation of AuNPs with uniform size. Various analytical techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution-transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, fringe spacing and selected area diffraction (SEAD) pattern, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are used for AuNPs characterization. The AuNPs exhibit cubic structure and spherical shape with average size of 18.95 ± 5.95 nm. The homemade AuNPs show promises in the catalytic decolorization of azo-dyes in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). In addition, the AuNPs show appreciable sensitivity for the detection of Cr(VI) with a detection limit found to be 0.1–0.8 μM. This study is expected to spur further works on the use of metal nanoparticle for environmental pollution remediation.

Biological and Environmental Applications of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using the Aqueous Extract of Ginkgo biloba Leaf

Due to the biocompatibility and eco-friendly properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), their aqueous synthesis is gaining great attention. Herein, we report the biosynthesis of AgNPs using Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) leaf aqueous extract without using toxic chemicals. The synthesis conditions have been investigated by the factorial design of experiments (FDE) by exploring reaction conditions such as concentration ratio, media pH, reaction temperature as well as duration. The results demonstrate that the heating of 0.5 mL of as-prepared G. biloba leaf extract and 5.0 mL of 0.5 mM AgNO3 at 80 °C for 30 min in a mild alkaline medium (pH 9) were the optimal reaction parameters. The uniform spherical shapes AgNPs with particle size 14.14 ± 4.44 nm was confirmed by the techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction (SEAD) pattern and dynamic light scattering (DLS). It is clearly observed that the as-synthesized AgNPs are efficiently hindered the growth of both gram-positive and negative bacteria. Furthermore, they also showed ten times faster degradation of azo-dyes according to the pseudo-first-order kinetics and its constant (k). In addition, they demonstrated an efficient fluorescent probe for hexavalent chromium detection. The green synthesis of such environment-friendly AgNPs in bulk shows that this method has potential industrial application prospects.

Comparisons of bioinspired piezoelectric wind energy harvesters with different layout of stiffeners based on leaf venation prototypes

In this paper, we analyze the energy harvesting capacity of different piezoelectric elements with bionic stiffeners derived from venation growth algorithm (VGA) that have the prototypes of dicotyledonous plant leaf venations. Three types of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) leaves are designed and fabricated. The contours of these models are isosceles triangle, isosceles trapezoid and 60° sector that correspond to the palmate leaf, pinnate leaf and ginkgo leaf, respectively. In wind tunnel tests, the PVDF leaves are connected with a cylinder bluff body by a double-layer beam and driven by the vortex-induced vibration in the wind flow after crossing the cylinder. The performances of energy harvester are evaluated by the open circuit voltage and output power. Through some control group test, the influence of the contours of leaves was proved to be negligible. Experiment results show that the maximum output power can reach 0.855μW for the model with pinnate venation at the wind speed of 11 m/s with a power density of 3.29μW/cm3. In this condition, the open circuit RMS (root mean square) voltage is 1.695 V and also the best performance of our models. Furthermore, the experimental results indicate that the energy harvesting capacity of PVDF models with bionic veins is 2–3 times higher than the traditional reinforced structure with orthogonal stiffeners. From these studies, it is confirmed that the bionic reinforced structure can significantly improve the efficiency of piezoelectric energy harvesters operating on wind-induced vibration principle. At present, the dicotyledonous vein configuration has proved to be the best prototype, which can be obtained by venation growth algorithm (VGA).

Ginkgo leaf cuticle chemistry across changing pCO2 regimes

Cuticles have been a key part of palaeobotanical research since the mid-19th Century. Recently, cuticular research has moved beyond morphological traits to incorporate the chemical signature of modern and fossil cuticles, with the aim of using this as a taxonomic and classification tool. For this approach to work, cuticle chemistry would have to maintain a strong taxonomic signal, with a limited input from the ambient environment in which the plant grew. Here, we use attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to analyse leaf cuticles from Ginkgo biloba plants grown in experimentally enhanced CO2 conditions, to test for the impact of changing CO2 regimes on cuticle chemistry. We find limited evidence for an impact of CO2 on the chemical signature of Ginkgo cuticles, with more pronounced differences demonstrated between the abaxial (lower leaf surface) and adaxial (upper leaf surface) cuticles. These findings support the use of chemotaxonomy for plant cuticular remains across geological timescales, and the concomitant large-scale variations in CO2 concentrations.

Biflavones from Ginkgo biloba as inhibitors of human thrombin

Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease in both eastern and western countries, but the bioactive constituents and the underlying mechanism of anti-thrombosis have not been fully characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of major constituents in Ginkgo biloba on human thrombin, a key serine protease regulating the blood coagulation cascade and the processes of thrombosis. To this end, a fluorescence-based biochemical assay was used to assay the inhibitory effects of sixteen major constituents from Ginkgo biloba on human thrombin. Among all tested natural compounds, four biflavones (ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, bilobetin and amentoflavone), and five flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) were found with thrombin inhibition activity, with the IC50 values ranging from 8.05 μM to 82.08 μM. Inhibition kinetic analyses demonstrated that four biflavones were mixed inhibitors against thrombin-mediated Z-GGRAMC acetate hydrolysis, with the Ki values ranging from 4.12 μM to 11.01 μM. Molecular docking method showed that the four biflavones could occupy the active cavity with strong interactions of salt bridges and hydrogen bonds. In addition, mass spectrometry-based lysine labeling reactivity assay suggested that the biflavones could bind on human thrombin at exosite I rather than exosite II. All these findings suggested that the biflavones in Ginkgo biloba were naturally occurring inhibitors of human thrombin, and these compounds could be used as lead compounds for the development of novel thrombin inhibitors with improved efficacy and high safety profiles.

Toxicological evaluation of lotus, ginkgo, and garlic tailored fermented Korean soybean paste (Doenjang) for biogenic amines, aflatoxins, and microbial hazards

The present study aimed to develop a consortium of nutritive fermented food products, supplemented with phytochemicals, with reduced toxicological contents. We developed new flavored Doenjang products (protein rich) fermented with lotus, ginkgo, and garlic plant extract-based Meju (termed as EMD) as the starter culture and by using traditional Meju (termed as TMD), where these plant extracts were added later during the fermentation process. Fermented Doenjang samples were analyzed for reduced levels of biogenic amines (BAs), aflatoxins, and microbial hazards, (including Bacillus cereus) as well as for their nutritive contents and antioxidant potential, after varying periods of fermentation (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). All Doenjang samples prepared using plant extracts and their mixtures (1% and 10%) showed desired reduction in B. cereus counts, BAs, aflatoxins, and other foodborne pathogens as well as showed potent antioxidant abilities, including phenolic/flavonoid contents. Based on the higher efficiency in reducing various toxicants, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract added TMD samples were selected for the development of Doenjang products as an innovative approach, with great potential to improve the quality and safety of soybean fermented products in the Korean market, offering enhanced health benefits and reduced risks of toxicity.

Comprehensive HPTLC fingerprinting as a tool for a simplified analysis of purity of ginkgo products

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHerbal medicinal products based on ginkgo leaf refined dry extract (GBE) are an European development from the Eastern Asia traditionally used species Ginkgo biloba L. Nowadays, ginkgo products have increased the presence in the market, mainly as dietary supplements. Its adulteration with rutin and quercetin or herbal extracts rich in these compounds is a common practice. Tests featuring assays and detection of adulterants need to be performed on top of other existent methods (e.g. identification test). This may increase the costs of evaluating the quality of ginkgo products. Aim of the studyTo prove that comprehensive HPTLC fingerprinting can provide information beyond identification of ginkgo products, avoiding additional chromatographic tests for detection of adulterations. Materials and methodsThe information contained in the fingerprint obtained by HPTLC analysis of flavonoids was used for identification and for detection of adulterants, as well as to verify the limits of rutin and quercetin, which are normally determined by HPLC and used for detection of adulterants. For this purpose, peak profiles were generated from HPTLC chromatogram images. USP-HPLC methods were used for quantification of total flavonoids and testing the limits of rutin and quercetin. HPLC data were used to support the validity of the HPTLC method. An additional reversed phase HPTLC method was developed as a possible confirmatory method for the quercetin limit test. ResultsThe proposed HPTLC method uses a particular sequence of detections, resulting in a number of images, which are later interpreted in a certain order. It is able to identify ginkgo products, to detect adulterants (rutin, quercetin, sophora fruit and flower bud, and buckwheat), and, using peak profiles generated from the chromatogram images prior to and after derivatisation, to evaluate the limits of rutin and quercetin. Forty-eight out of fifty-nine ginkgo dietary supplements analysed contained one or more adulterants. Furthermore, results of the HPTLC and HPLC limit tests for rutin and quercetin were in agreement in 98% of the cases. Finally, a decision tree showing the sequence of interpretation of the fingerprints obtained with the different detections after a single HPTLC analysis is included to help the analyst to evaluate whether samples have the correct identity and whether they contain or not adulterants. ConclusionA single HPTLC analysis is able to provide information on identity and purity of the products. This simplifies the analytical workflow and reduces the number of analyses prescribed in the USP powdered ginkgo extract monograph.

Effects of Gut Microbiota on the Bioavailability of Bioactive Compounds from Ginkgo Leaf Extracts.

Ginkgo leaf extract (GLE) is a popular herbal medicine and dietary supplement for the treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. GLE contains a variety of secondary plant metabolites, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, as active components. Some of these phytochemicals have been known to be metabolized by gut microbial enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the gut microbiota on the pharmacokinetics of the main constituents of GLE using antibacterial-treated mice. The bilobalide, ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, ginkgolide C, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin pharmacokinetic profiles of orally administered GLE (600 mg/kg), with or without ciprofloxacin pretreatment (150 mg/kg/day for 3 days), were determined. In the antibacterial-treated mice, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of isorhamnetin were significantly (p < 0.05) increased when compared with the control group. The Cmax and AUC of kaempferol and quercetin (other flavonol glycosides) were slightly higher than those of the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant, while both parameters for terpenoids of GLE showed no significant difference between the antibacterial-treated and control groups. These results showed that antibacterial consumption may increase the bioavailability of isorhamnetin by suppressing gut microbial metabolic activities.

Renal Protective Effect of Ginkgo biloba and L-carnitine Extracts against Pentylenetetrazol Induced Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, Injury and Proliferation Alternation in Epileptic Rats

Objectives: Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBLE) and L-carnitine extract are a commercial product used as a nutraceutic herbal widely. They have antioxidant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. This study hypothesized that GB and L-carnitine may have protective effects against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced oxidative damage in kidney in male albino rats.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 80 male albino rats were equally divided into eight groups (G1, control; G2, GBLE; G3, L-carnitine; G4, Pentylenetetrazole; G5&amp;G6, pre and post treated PTZ with L-carnitine groups respectively; G7&amp;G8, pre and post treated PTZ with GBLE respectively). Results: Serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and cystatin c were significantly increased in PTZ group when compared with control. Also; kidney homogenate MDA and DNA fragmentation were increased when compared with control while, significant decrease in CAT, SOD, GST and TAC in PTZ when compared with control. On other hand pre and post-treatment with L-carnitine and GBLE improved these parameters.&#x0D; Conclusions: The results revealed that; the treatment with L-carnitine improved these parameters more than GBLE and the results of post treatment were better than pre-treatment.

Safety of herbal medicine for elderly patients with chronic disease in the Republic of Korea

IntroductionElderly patients with chronic diseases may experience unintended adverse events (AEs) related to medication. This study investigated the detection of drug safety signals associated with herbal medicine by analyzing spontaneous AE reports in this patient group to generate new safety information. MethodsThe “Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management Korea Adverse Event Reporting System database (KIDS-KD)” was used to investigate patients over 65 years old with chronic disease from 2013 to 2016. The target of analysis is seven herbal medicines such as ginkgo leaf extracts, ivy leaf extracts, herbal cough suppressants and expectorants. AEs associated with herbal medicine were considered a signal if they accounted for greater than 0 of the 95% lower confidence interval of the Information Component (IC025). The relevance of unexpected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) was determined based on a review of the KIDS-KD and then derived as safety information. ResultsAmong 113 types of herbal medicine-AE combinations, 56 drug-event combinations (DECs) in elderly patients with chronic disease were detected as signals. Of those, 12 types of DECs were investigated as unexpected ADR and finally 9 types were assessed as necessitating reporting of safety information: ginkgo leaf extracts (depression, thrombocytopenia), ivy leaf extracts (bullous eruption, muscle weakness, nocturia, lip ulceration, neuropathy peripheral, anxiety, malaise). ConclusionsThe elderly have a high prevalence of chronic diseases, resulting in polypharmacy, and potentially creating a high risk of ADRs. Establishing a pharmacovigilance system for herbal medicine is of great importance.