A Review of Medicinal Properties of Ginkgo biloba L.

Abstract

The history of the Ginkgo biloba L. species’ history dates back to very ancient times. It can live for approximately a thousand years and it is quite resistant to adverse conditions. Its leaves contain important components that make them useful for medicinal purposes. In addition, its seeds have also been used as a therapeutic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. G. biloba extracts are usually used in standardized dosage forms in medicinal preparations. Today, the preffered form is a standardized extract of G. biloba called Tebonin Egb761.

Studies have shown that G. biloba leaf extract is effective in treating symptomatic relief of mild to moderate cerebral insufficiency in humans. It provides effective treatment in both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia patients. The herbal extract can also have positive effects on the quality of life in healthy individuals. G. biloba is effective against inner ear disorders and provides protection against endothelial damage. Besides, scientific studies have demonstrated that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and many other effects. G. biloba is considered an important nutraceutical due to its scientifically proven effects. There is a growing interest in the scientific community regarding this plant.

In this study, a review was made by compiling the data obtained from the literature on the "botanical characteristics", "history", "bioactive components", and "biological activities" of the G. biloba species.