Blackmores Institute

Examining 84 studies on the role of Gingko biloba (G. biloba), the review, published in Phytotherapy Research found that both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated positive effects on different components of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, and hyperglycaemia.
 
 “G. biloba regulates fatty acid profile by lowering the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides and increasing the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in blood. Furthermore, it reduces blood glucose by increasing glucose consumption and insulin sensitivity,” the authors explained.
 
 Anti-obesity mechanisms of G. biloba have been demonstrated in numerous trials – particularly animal studies, where they have been observed to increase energy expenditure and decrease food intake. On the other hand, they simultaneously increase the sensitivity of different cells (e.g., muscle cells and adipocytes) to insulin resulting in increased energy consumption.
 
 Blood pressure levels are related to insulin resistance and visceral obesity, which are the main pathophysiological characteristics underlying metabolic syndrome (MetS). The hypotensive effects of G. biloba have been reported in several animal models and small-scale trials in humans. It has been proposed that the hypotensive mechanism may be due in part to G. biloba’s enhancement of eNOS expression and NO production.
 
 Defined by the review as a cluster of interconnected detrimental conditions, metabolic syndrome can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease – conditions that include dyslipidaemia, low HDL-cholesterol levels, obesity, raised triglycerides and hypertension.
 
 “Herbal therapy plays a prominent role in medical treatment over the world due to fewer side effects, cultural acceptability, efficacy, and safety and the effectiveness of medicinal herbs in the treatment of MetS has been addressed in several studies,” the authors said.
 
 “G. biloba has been known as a valuable herb for mankind more than 2000 years and regarded as a “living fossil”. Used as traditional medicine, studies have indicated a number of benefits including anti-inflammatory, photo-protective, hepato-protective, cardio-protective, and antioxidant effects.”
 
 The review suggests that the health benefits of plants can be ascribed to their bioactive constituents such as polyphenols, terpenoids and alkaloids all exerting several physiological effects on the human body.
 
 “G. biloba regulates fatty acid profile by lowering the levels of LDL and TG and increasing the levels of HDL in blood. Furthermore, it reduces blood glucose by increasing glucose consumption and insulin sensitivity.”
 
 “It is suggested that further studies be conducted to demonstrate the mechanism of action of Ginkgo biloba at the molecular and cellular levels,” the authors concluded.
 
 Source:
 Phytother Res. 2020 DOI: <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6646">10.1002/ptr.6646</a>

Gingko biloba may be effective in improving metabolic syndrome according to a new review.

Recommended for you

Optimising exercise performance

Prioritising focus and cognition with L-theanine

Citicoline | Supporting the foundations of cognitive function

Iron Absorption | Why form matters