Ginkgolide

Ginkgolide refers to a family of diterpene trilactone compounds derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. The most studied members are ginkgolide A, B, and C, along with less well-known variants such as ginkgolides J, K, and M. They share a distinctive polycyclic, highly oxygenated lactone structure that gives them their name and biological properties.

Ginkgolides are natural products of Ginkgo biloba and are among the terpenoid constituents extracted from the leaves for use in research and commercial supplements. In standardized Ginkgo biloba preparations, such as EGb 761, ginkgolides are included together with bilobalide and flavone glycosides as part of the terpene lactone fraction. Extraction and isolation methods have been developed to obtain relatively consistent amounts of these compounds for study.

The pharmacological activity of ginkgolides is largely attributed to platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonism, with ginkgolide B being a key example. This action is associated with anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective effects in experimental models. The exact clinical relevance in humans remains uncertain, and results across studies are mixed.

In medical and regulatory contexts, ginkgolides are not approved as medicines for cognitive or vascular conditions in most jurisdictions. They appear in dietary supplements derived from Ginkgo biloba leaves. Safety considerations include the potential for bleeding risk when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, as well as rare allergic reactions. Research continues to clarify the distinct roles of individual ginkgolides and their clinical utility.