Therapeutic Applications of Ginkgo biloba L. Tree: Systemic Review

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba L., commonly known as ginkgo, is one of the oldest trees in the world that it often referred as "living fossil" and is the only species survived from Ginkgoaceae. 1 G. biloba L. is a plant that originated in China and has been cultivated in Asia. Ginkgo thrives in full sun and moderate, medium-moisture soil. 2 One of the most notable aspects is the leaves of G. biloba L., they are distinguished by their fan form and dichotomous venation. 3 G. biloba L. female plants produce orange apricot-like structures that are not technically fruits. They are seeds that have a soft, fleshy shell section called sarcotesta and a hard section called sclerotesta. The odor of the sar-cotesta is powerful and foul-smelling, and most peo-ABS TRACT Ginkgo biloba L. is considered one of the oldest trees in the world and has been used for thousands of years for its variety of pharmacological effects. It is commonly known as ginkgo. Leaf extracts of this fossil tree have been standardized and patented under the name EGb761. EGb761 mainly consists of terpene trilactones which are unique to this species and flavone glycosides. It is supported by scientific research that these chemical components are responsible for the pharmacological effects of the tree. G. biloba L. has gained interest as a therapeutic plant for its favorable effects in cog-nitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders like dementia. Its beneficial impacts on a wide range of pathological conditions, including cardiovascular health, asthma, psychiatric disorders, skin problems, and glaucoma as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and hepatoprotective activities, have been reported through experimental and clinical research. Ginkgo is generally well tolerated but when combined with warfarin or other antiplatelet medications , it can increase the risk of bleeding. This review mainly focuses on recent studies of pharmacological effects of G. biloba L. and indicates that G. biloba L. might be beneficial in the prevention and improvement of neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, ocular, metabolic, mental disorders also have anticancer and antimicrobial properties however further studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of G. biloba L. in order to guide medical use.