Detection of allergenic urushiols in Ginkgo biloba leaves.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
SEARCH · PubMed Health
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In this work, 22 alcoholic extracts, obtained from 14 species of plants belonging to four families, used for different food and medicinal purposes in Brazil, were evaluated for their capacity to inhibit the reduction of the free radical, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and to protect Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, an eukaryotic cell model, against the lethal oxidative stress caused by tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBH). Five extracts, two from Lamiaceae family (ethanol and butanol extracts from aerial parts of Hyptis fasciculata) and three from Palmae family (Copernicia cerifera leaves and mesocarp of fruits and the endocarp/mesocarp of fruits from Orbignya speciosa) were able to increase the tolerance of S. cerevisiae to TBH and showed to be active as DPPH radical scavengers, thus indicating that these plant extracts could be considered as potential sources of antioxidants. With the exception of ethanol extract of H. fasciculata, the remainder four extracts exhibited a DPPH radical scavenging activity higher than that obtained from Ginkgo biloba, a reference plant with well documented antioxidant activity. Interestingly, the ethanol extract of G. biloba were not effective for yeast cell protection, reinforcing the antioxidant potential of these extracts.
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbal nutritional supplements, with terpene lactones and flavonoids being the two major active components. An on-line purification high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) method was successfully developed for the quantitative determination of flavonoids and terpene lactones excreted in human urine after ingesting the herbal supplement. Satisfactory separation was obtained using a C18 capillary column made in-house with sample clean-up and pre-concentration achieved using a C18 pre-column with column switching. High selectivity and limits of detection of 1-18 ng/mL were achieved using a selected ion monitoring (SIM) scan in negative ion mode; the on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) recovery of the active components in Ginkgo biloba determined in this study was greater than 75%.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that can be activated by a structurally diverse range of synthetic and natural chemicals, and it mediates the toxic and biological effects of environmental contaminants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The spectrum of chemicals that bind to and activate the AhR signal transduction pathway and the identity of materials containing AhR active chemicals is only now being defined. Utilizing AhR-dependent gel retardation and reporter gene bioassays, the screening of extracts of 22 dietary herbal supplements and 21 food products (vegetables and fruits) was performed to identify those containing AhR agonists. Several herbal extracts (ginseng, Fo-Ti, white oak bark, licorice, ginkgo biloba, and black cohosh) stimulated AhR DNA binding and gene expression to levels between 20 and 60% of that produced by TCDD. Although some food extracts (corn, jalapeño pepper, green bell pepper, apple, Brussels sprout, and potato) were relatively potent activators of AhR DNA binding (30-50% of TCDD), only corn and jalapeño pepper extracts induced AhR-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression. However, dilution of corn, jalapeño pepper, bell pepper, and potato extracts dramatically increased their ability to induce luciferase activity, suggesting that these extracts contained AhR antagonists whose effectiveness was overcome by dilution. Overall, these results demonstrate that dietary products can be a major source of naturally occurring AhR ligands to which animals and humans are chronically exposed.
AIM: To compare the relative levels of antioxidant activity in vitro in Ginkgo biloba samples (in tablet or capsule form) from different commercial suppliers, to determine whether some brands may be more efficacious in their potential to increase endogenous antioxidant activity, and thereby counter oxidative stress related disorders. DESIGN: Antioxidant activity of the above sample extracts was determined in vitro against the ABTS.(+) (2-2'-amino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical, relative to Trolox (water-soluble vitamin E analogue) antioxidant standards, using an established assay procedure. OUTCOME MEASURES: The relative antioxidant activity of G. biloba sample extracts was expressed in terms of millimoles per liter of Trolox equivalent (TE) for the initial extract, micromol TE per whole tablet, nmol TE per mg tablet, and nmol TE per mg ginkgo content. RESULTS: Data (as mean +/- standard deviation (SD) from 4 separate estimations) obtained in this study showed a considerable variation (approximately 50-fold) in the level of antioxidant activity in preparations from different suppliers, particularly when compared on an equivalent (i.e., nmol TE/mg ginkgo) basis. Of the 18 products investigated, the highest level of antioxidant activity (whether expressed as micromol TE per whole tablet or nmol TE/mg ginkgo) was obtained for Pharma Nord Bio-Biloba (Pharma Nord, Morpeth, UK) tablets (p < 0.05, Dunnett's statistical test). CONCLUSIONS: Some of the apparent variation in antioxidant activity of the various products investigated can be accounted for in terms of the physical nature of the G. biloba (i.e., dried leaf powder or standardized concentrated extract) used in tablet formulation. However, even when comparing products based on concentrated extract, the data demonstrated that there is still a considerable variation in antioxidant activity. Presumably this may result from differences in the manufacturing process between suppliers, which in turn may limit the efficacy of these preparations in the prevention or treatment of disease.
An integrative approach for managing a patient with cancer should target the multiple biochemical and physiological pathways that support tumor development while minimizing normal tissue toxicity. Angiogenesis is a key process in the promotion of cancer. Many natural health products that inhibit angiogenesis also manifest other anticancer activities. The authors will focus on natural health products (NHPs) that have a high degree of antiangiogenic activity but also describe some of their many other interactions that can inhibit tumor progression and reduce the risk of metastasis. NHPs target various molecular pathways besides angiogenesis, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the HER-2/neu gene, the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, the NF-kB transcription factor, the protein kinases, Bcl-2 protein, and coagulation pathways. The herbalist has access to hundreds of years of observational data on the anticancer activity of many herbs. Laboratory studies are confirming the knowledge that is already documented in traditional texts. The following herbs are traditionally used for anticancer treatment and are antiangiogenic through multiple interdependent processes that include effects on gene expression, signal processing, and enzyme activities: Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood), Viscum album (European mistletoe), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap), resveratrol and proanthocyanidin (grape seed extract), Magnolia officinalis (Chinese magnolia tree), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Ginkgo biloba, quercetin, Poria cocos, Zingiber officinale (ginger), Panax ginseng, Rabdosia rubescens (rabdosia), and Chinese destagnation herbs. Quality assurance of appropriate extracts is essential prior to embarking on clinical trials. More data are required on dose response, appropriate combinations, and potential toxicities. Given the multiple effects of these agents, their future use for cancer therapy probably lies in synergistic combinations. During active cancer therapy, they should generally be evaluated in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. In this role, they act as biological response modifiers and adaptogens, potentially enhancing the efficacy of the so-called conventional therapies. Their effectiveness may be increased when multiple agents are used in optimal combinations. New designs for trials to demonstrate activity in human subjects are required. Although controlled trials might be preferred, smaller studies with appropriate end points and surrogate markers for antiangiogenic response could help prioritize agents for the larger resource-intensive phase 3 trials.
It has previously been demonstrated in separate studies that single doses of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and a combination of the two extracts can improve different aspects of cognitive performance in healthy young volunteers. The present study directly compared the effects of single doses of G. biloba, ginseng, and a product combining the two on aspects of mood and cognitive performance in the same cohort of healthy, young adult volunteers. The study followed a randomised placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced, cross-over design. Twenty participants received 360 mg of ginkgo, 400 mg of ginseng, 960 mg of a product combining the two extracts, and a matching placebo. Treatment order was dictated by random allocation to a Latin square, with a 7-day wash-out period between treatments. Cognitive testing comprised completion of the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised assessment battery and two serial subtraction mental arithmetic tasks. Mood was assessed with Bond-Lader visual analogue scales. Following a baseline cognitive assessment, further test sessions took place 1, 2.5, 4, and 6 h after the day's treatment was taken. The results largely supported previous findings. All three treatments were associated with improved secondary memory performance on the CDR battery, with the ginseng condition evincing some improvement in the speed of performing memory tasks and in the accuracy of attentional tasks. Following ginkgo and the ginkgo/ginseng combination performance of both the Serial Threes and Serial Sevens, subtraction tasks was also improved at the later testing sessions. No modulation of the speed of performing attention tasks was evident. Improvements in self-rated mood was also found following ginkgo and to a lesser extent the combination product.
Ginkgolides A, B, C and J, together with bilobalide, are unique terpenoid components of the Ginkgo biloba tree. Due to similar chemical properties, their separation is quite tedious. We have developed an efficient and rapid protocol for separation of individual ginkgolides and bilobalide from G. biloba extracts. The procedure takes advantage of enhanced susceptibility of ginkgolides B and C to benzylation and the ease of separation of these products from ginkgolides A and J which do not react. The protocol is applicable to the previously reported enriched extracts prepared from G. biloba leaves. A single chromatographic step prior to benzylation provides bilobalide and mixture of ginkgolides A, B, C, and J. After benzylation, the individual ginkgolides are separated by chromatography.
Flavonoids are an important group of recognized antioxidants ubiquitous in fruits, vegetables and herbs. There are epidemiological evidences for the stroke-protecting capacity of flavonoids and while the neuroprotective power of complex extracts rich in flavonoids like those of Ginkgo biloba, green tea or lyophilized red wine have been demonstrated in several studies, neuroprotection by individual flavonoids has been poorly studied in vivo. The neuroprotective capacity of individual flavonoids was studied in PC12 cells in culture and in a model of permanent focal ischemia (permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion - pMCAO). In the in vivo experiments, flavonoids were administered in lecithin preparations to facilitate the crossing of the blood brain barrier. The simultaneous incubation of PC12 cells with 200 micro M hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and different flavonoids for 30 min resulted in a conspicuous profile: quercetin, fisetin, luteolin and myricetin significantly increased cell survival while catechin, kaempherol and taxifolin did not. Quercetin was detected in brain tissue 30 min and 1 h after intraperitoneal administration. When one of the protective flavonoids (quercetin) and one of those that failed to increase PC12 cell survival (catechin) were assessed for their protective capacity in the pMCAO model, administered i.p. 30 min after vessel occlusion, quercetin significantly decreased the brain ischemic lesion while catechin did not. It is concluded that when administered in liposomal preparations, flavonoids structurally related to quercetin could become leads for the development of a new generation of molecules to be clinically effective in human brain ischemia.
The water-soluble polysaccharides from dried Ginkgo biloba leaves were isolated after exhaustive extraction with organic solvents. The polysaccharide mixture could be separated into a neutral (GF1) and two acidic (GF2 and GF3) polysaccharide fractions by ion exchange chromatography. According to the Mr distribution GF1 and GF3 seemed to be homogenous, whereas GF2 could be further fractionated into two subfractions (GF2a and GF2b) by gel permeation chromatography. GF1 (Mr 23,000) showed the structural features of a branched arabinan. The main chain was composed of 1,5-linked arabinose residues and three in 12 arabinose molecules were branched via C-2 or C-3. GF2a (Mr 500,000) consisted mainly of 1,2,4-branched mannose (29%), 1,4-linked glucuronic (32%) and galacturonic (8%) acid as well as terminal rhamnose (25%). After removal of ca 70% of the terminal rhamnose the remaining polysaccharide showed a decrease in 1,2,4-branched mannose and an increase in 1,2-linked mannose indicating that at least half of the rhamnose residues were linked to mannose via C-4. GF3 (Mr 40,000) consisted of 1,4-linked galacturonic (30%) and glucuronic (16) acid, 1,3,6-branched galactose (15%), 1,2-linked (5%) and 1,2,4-branched (3.5%) rhamnose as well as 1,5-linked arabinose (11%). Rhamnose (5%) and arabinose (10%) were present as terminal groups. Mild acid hydrolysis selectively cleaved arabinose and the remaining polysaccharide showed an increased amount of 1,6-linked and terminal galactose and a decreased quantity of 1,3,6-branched galactose. These results indicated that the terminal as well as the 1,5-linked arabinose were mainly connected to galactose via C-3. The GF3 polysaccharide appeared to be a rhamnogalacturonan with arabinogalactan side chains.
Herbal dietary supplements to promote health may be double-edge swords. A herbal dietary supplement, FastOne, which contains extracts of kola nut, grape, green tea and Ginkgo biloba, and is used as an agent for weight management, was administered to rats to test whether it induced CYP1A2, a procarcinogen-activating enzyme. Western blot analysis indicated that treatments with 0.15, 0.3, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg of the supplement for 3 days increased CYP1A2 expression in rat liver microsomes in a dose-dependent manner. The 0.3, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg treatments increased rat liver microsomal CYP1A2 activity measures as the conversion of caffeine to paraxanthine to 166, 212, 331 and 473% of normal, respectively. In humans, the intake of 2 and 4 capsules of the supplement for 3 days increased CYP1A2 activity to 194 and 203%, respectively, as assessed by the change in the urinary ratio of 1,7-dimethylxanthine plus paraxanthine to unmetabolized caffeine. Intake of the herbal supplement increased CYP1A2 activity to levels higher than that observed from smoking (179%). This study suggests that the long-term intake of the dietary supplement inducing CYP1A2 may increase the incidence of colorectal cancers caused by procarcinogens activated by CYP1A2 in rapid N-acetyltransferase-2 acetylators and of lung adenocarcinoma in slow acetylators.
OBJECTIVE: A pilot study to assess multiple crossover n = 1 trials with verum/placebo discrimination as the outcome measure as a means of identifying responders and non-responders to the acute nootropic effect of Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) among healthy volunteers. METHOD: Multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled n = 1 trials with 8 treatments in randomized order and separated by minimum washout periods of 7 days. Treatments were acute 120 mg doses of G. biloba extract (GK501) or undistinguishable placebo. The frequency distribution of correct scores for verum-placebo discrimination was compared with the binomial distribution to identify putative responders, who were then tested for consistency of performance over a further 8 treatments. RESULTS: The frequency distribution of scores (n = 11) was bimodal and a discontinuity defined 3 putative responders and 2 putative negative responders for re-test. Two of the putative responders again performed at above chance level and the probability of achieving their scores or better by chance was 0.013 and 0.052. CONCLUSIONS: n = 1 trials with verum/placebo discrimination as outcome are a promising method for exploring response heterogeneity to treatments with a subjective effect. Preliminary evidence suggests that there are responders and non-responders to an acute G. biloba treatment among healthy subjects.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
There are hundreds of foods, nutrients, herbs, and botanicals that have "bioactive" constituents with potential human health benefits. Three of these are discussed in this review: soy, garlic, and ginkgo biloba. Each of these three choices involves an ingestible item composed of a complex mixture of bioactive agents. For each of these three, there is a large and growing body of research suggesting potential cardiovascular health benefits. And for each there is at least some level of disagreement or controversy. The focus of this review is on results from recent human clinical trials.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The use of herbal medicine is widespread and growing, with as many as 3 in 10 Americans using botanical remedies in a given year. Because many herbal medicines have significant pharmacological activity, and thus potential adverse effects and drug interactions, healthcare professionals must be familiar with this therapeutic modality. This article summarizes the history and current use of plant-based medicine and highlights the evidence of the risks and benefits associated with 6 plants: echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, St John's wort, and valerian. Therapies outside the medical mainstream tend to suffer from a dearth of research and critical evaluation. Critics and supporters alike note the conceptual and practical difficulties in studying many complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and meditation. Herbal medicine, however, lends itself well to standard evaluation methods. This article summarizes and evaluates evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. We present the results of meta-analyses and subsequent randomized controlled trials for garlic and St John's wort; a comprehensive critical review and subsequent randomized controlled trials for ginkgo; and summaries of all identified randomized controlled trials for echinacea, ginger, and valerian.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.