Ginkgolide A and Ginkgolide B from ginkgo extract review of research studies and health benefits

Extracts from the leaves of ginkgo biloba tree have become popular as a treatment  atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and thrombosis. These extracts have terpenelactones, total bilobalide, ginkgolide A, and ginkgolide B. Ginkgolides are biologically active terpenic lactones present in Ginkgo biloba. Extracts from Ginkgo biloba leaves confer their therapeutic effects through the synergistic actions of flavonoid and terpenoid components.

Ginkgolides and Alzheimer's disease
Ginkgolides A and B protect neurons against Abeta1-42-induced synapse damage. Ginkgolides are active components of Ginkgo biloba preparations and may protect against the synapse damage and the cognitive loss seen during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Ginkgolides protect against amyloid-beta1-42-mediated synapse damage in vitro.
Mol Neurodegener. 2008 Jan 7; Bate C, Tayebi M, Williams A. Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
The early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are closely associated with the production of the Abeta1-42 peptide, loss of synapses and gradual cognitive decline. Since some epidemiological studies showed that EGb 761, an extract from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, had a beneficial effect on mild forms of AD, the effects of some of the major components of the EGb 761 extract ginkgolides A and B, myricetin and quercetin on synapse damage in response to Abeta1-42 were examined. Pre-treatment with ginkgolides A or B protects neurons against Abeta1-42-induced synapse damage. Our observations suggest that the ginkgolides are active components of Ginkgo biloba preparations and may protect against the synapse damage and the cognitive loss seen during the early stages of AD.

Ginkgolide A, B, C and blood thinning
Ginkgolide B, one of the major components of Ginkgo biloba extracts, is a potent platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, which is also regarded as having neuroprotective effects on the CNS. The activation of platelet activating factor receptors PAFR may play an important role in the inhibition of the mitochondrial respiration and the induction of neuronal damage after cerebral thrombosis. Ginkgolides possess neuroprotective effects by improving mitochondrial metabolism. Platelet activating factor (PAF) is an ubiquitous phospholipid that acts as a mediator of numerous pathophysiological conditions.
   Ginkgolide C is a potent inhibitor of collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. Ginkgolides A, B, C and J are structurally similar, varying only by the presence or absence of oxygens at their R1 and R2 positions.