Perspective Article - Oxidants and Antioxidants in Medical Science (2024)
The Health Benefits and Nutraceutical Effects of Ginkgo Biloba: A Natural Herbal Supplement
Nelson Horacio*Nelson Horacio, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University Of Surrey, Guildford, England, Email: NHoracio18@Horacio.ac.uk
Received: 12-Dec-2023, Manuscript No. EJMOAMS-24-128141; Editor assigned: 15-Dec-2023, Pre QC No. EJMOAMS-24-128141 (PQ); Reviewed: 29-Dec-2023, QC No. EJMOAMS-24-128141; Revised: 05-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. EJMOAMS-24-128141 (R); Published: 12-Jan-2024, DOI: 10.12873/0211-6057.44.S1.001
Description
Nutraceuticals encompass a wide range of products, including dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages, as well as herbal products and processed foods. They are often marketed as dietary supplements or functional foods and may contain a variety of ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other botanicals. In recent years, the health and wellness industry has witnessed a surge in interest and demand for nutraceutical supplements. These products, often derived from natural sources, offer a blend of nutrition and pharmaceutical benefits, promising to support overall health and well-being. With an array of options available, understanding the types, uses, and effectiveness of nutraceuticals becomes essential for consumers seeking to optimize their health.
Types of nutraceutical supplements
Nutraceutical supplements encompass a broad range of products, including vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids, and other dietary supplements. These can be categorized based on their intended use, such as:
General health maintenance: Multivitamins and minerals formulated to fill gaps in daily nutrition [1].
Specialty supplements: Targeted formulations addressing specific health concerns like joint health, cognitive function, or immune support.
Herbal extracts: Derived from plants with purported health benefits, such as Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea, or turmeric.
Functional foods: Foods fortified with additional nutrients or ingredients, like probiotics in yogurt or omega-3 fatty acids in fortified milk [2].
Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest living tree species and has a rich history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese and Japanese practices [3]. One of the key bioactive compounds found in Ginkgo biloba is a group of flavonoids, including quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, as well as terpenoids such as ginkgolides and bilobalide. These compounds are believed to be responsible for many of the plant’s therapeutic effects [4].
Bioactive compounds in Ginkgo biloba
Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin are potent antioxidants found in Ginkgo biloba. These compounds scavenge free radicals in the body, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. They also have potential neuroprotective effects, which may benefit cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like alzheimer’s [5].
Ginkgolides: Ginkgolides are unique terpenoids found almost exclusively in Ginkgo biloba. These compounds have been shown to inhibit Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF), a molecule involved in various inflammatory processes and blood clot formation [6]. By inhibiting PAF, ginkgolides may have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects, improving blood flow and potentially benefiting conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease [7].
Bilobalide: Another terpenoid found in Ginkgo biloba, bilobalide, has been studied for its neuroprotective properties. It is believed to exert its effects by modulating neurotransmitter release, reducing neuronal excitability, and protecting against neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Bilobalide may have potential applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive impairment [8].
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