Ginkgolide A and Ginkgolide B

Extracts from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba 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.

Ginkgolide A, Ginkgolide B, Ginkgolide 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.

Ginkgo biloba brain information