Primary Study On The Effects Of Extract Of Ginkgo Biloba On Human Erythrocyte

Extracts from leaves of Ginkgo biloba have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The extract EGb761, a well-defined extract from leaves of Ginkgo biloba, has attracted much attention both in pharmaceutical and tonic markets and in research labs, due to its broad spectrum of beneficial effects on health. Its major pharmacological substances include flavonoids (24%), proanthocyanidins (7%) and terpenoids (6%). The flavonoid fraction is primarily composed of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin glycosides, and the terpenoid fraction of several ginkgolides including the ginkgolides A, B, C and J as well as bilobalide. These major components, effective as antioxidants, oxygen free radical scavengers, and with highly specific actions, such as platelet-activating factor inhibitors, are responsible for giving this extract its unique polyvalent pharmacological properties. In contrast, ginkgolic acids and related alkylphenols have been reported to cause allergic skin inflammation. Because of this and other undesired side effects, the maximum level of ginkgolic acids in EGb761 was restricted to an amount of 5 ppm.There is a general agreement that intake of this Ginkgo biloba extract in recommended doses is associated with low risk of side effects. As the general public is now turning to the use of natural therapies for the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders, EGb761 is promoted as an "ideal drug" and is often taken without medical advice. However, like most of therapies in use, Ginkgo biloba extracts has also adverse effects, including gastrointestinal upset, allergic skin reactions and headache, ototoxicity enhancement, spontaneous bleeding and drug...