Ginkgo biloba Extract 761: A Review of Basic Studies and Potential Clinical Use in Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba extract 761 (EGb 761) is a well-defined extract obtained from Ginkgo biloba leaves according to a standardized method. It has been used extensively for the treatment of diseases related to the central nervous system including neurosensory disturbances, cerebrovascular insufficiency, peripheral vascular disturbances, and degenerative dementia. The potential use of EGb 761 has also been suggested for the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, which is discussed in the current review. These disorders constitute a global epidemic with serious economic and social consequences. Current available treatments with synthetic drugs may have some disadvantages and undesired side effects. There are diverse natural extracts that have been used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders due to their therapeutic action and low rate of side effects, such as EGb 761. EGb 761 has the ability to produce neuroprotection due to its chemical composition and the synergy of its components. We describe several neuroprotective mechanisms of action of EGb 761 such as antioxidant effects, modulation of neurotransmission, neuroendocrine regulation, and upregulation of neurotrophic factors, which underlie its potential therapeutic effect on psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic effects of EGb 761 both in animal models of psychiatric disorders and in clinical studies that include these pathologies. We focus on depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, as well as the therapeutic action of EGb 761 on dementia in comorbidity with psychiatric disorders. In the current review, we propose thef potential use of EGb 761, alone or combined with current medication treatment, for psychiatric disorders.

Ginkgolide K protects the heart against endoplasmic reticulum stress injury by activating the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α/X box‐binding protein‐1 pathway

“…Ginkgolide K (1,10‐dihydroxy‐3,14‐didehydroginkgolide, GK) is a diterpene lactone isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba , a natural product with a long history of therapeutic application for cardiovascular diseases in humans (Liu et al , ). G. biloba extract EGb761 is a widely used and well‐defined extract of G. biloba leaves (Montes et al , ). Many studies have shown that ginkgolides are the most important constituents of G. biloba , which play a vital role in prevention and treatment of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (Tosaki et al , ; Liu et al , ) and neurological disorders (Maclennan et al , ).…”

EGb761 improves histological and functional recovery in rats with acute spinal cord contusion injury

“…It has been used extensively for the treatment of diseases related to the central nervous system, including brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders and degenerative dementia. [4][5][6] For example, EGb761 has neuroprotective effects and enhances neurogenesis after ischemic stroke. [7][8][9] As an antioxidant agent, EGb761 not only has neuritogenic and angiogenic potential but also has the potential to augment repair and has regeneration mechanisms following stroke.…”

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 attenuates brain death-induced renal injury by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and the SAPK and JAK-STAT signalings

“…The toxicological and pharmacological properties of EGb761 are well - characterized. A number of preclinical studies have suggested neuroprotective effects for EGb7612122, and it have been widely used in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in elder individuals23. The molecular mechanisms of neuroprotective effects of EGb761 are of multiple-aspects, including anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, protecting mitochondria24, etc.…”