Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF GINKGO BILOBA: BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTIC, ETHNOMEDICINAL USES, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Bina Suaihiamchung Riamei*, Abishkar Rai, Thupten Tsering Khochilu, Miss. Kanchan Singh

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest tree species and is also known as the “living fossil”, it has been used in traditional medicine in Asia, Europe, Cannada, Brazil and the Americas for thousands of years. Its diverse phytochemical profile, mostly consisting of terpene tri-lactones and flavonoids, is believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties. This paper summarizes its phytoconstituents, pharmacological activity, mechanisms of action, and ethnomedical importance. Ginkgo biloba has strong neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiplatelet properties. The traditional Chinese medicine has employed the leaves and seed(nuts) to treat kidney, bladder, and lungs problem for a long time. The leaves are used in various region for lowering the cholesterol levels Labyrinthitis, and cerebrovascular insufficiency. And people in Greece have utilized its fruit and leaves for treating headaches, depression, coronal sickness arteriosclerosis. Some of the ways these actions happen include by boosting antioxidant defenses, protecting dopaminergic neurons, stopping inflammatory mediators, stopping platelet-activating factor, and stopping topoisomerase II in cancer cells. It also cross the blood brain barrier, enhance synaptic plasticity, lower lipid peroxidation, and protect neuron, liver and heart from oxidative damage. The extract is beneficial to treat Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular insufficiency, dementia, Parkinson's disease, respiratory diseases, infections, and problems with circulation. Ginkgo biloba is still a useful medicinal plant with a wide range of pharmacological effects that make it a good choice for treating a wide range of conditions. Ginkgo biloba can enhance therapeutic accuracy and clinical reliability by integrating traditional herbal advantages with modern pharmacological innovations. To fully exploit its medicinal potential, further research and development are essential.

Keywords: Ginkgo biloba, Anti-Cancer, Neuroprotective, Anti hyperlipidemic.