Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ginkgolide B is a terpene lactone found in Ginkgo biloba, a plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Its primary scientific relevance to the nervous system comes from its role as a potent antagonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF), which is involved in inflammatory processes and microcirculatory disturbances. Several preclinical and clinical studies have investigated Ginkgolide B’s neuroprotective effects, particularly in contexts such as ischemic stroke, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, some randomized controlled trials suggest that Ginkgo biloba extract (which includes Ginkgolide B among other constituents) can modestly improve cognitive function in dementia and mild cognitive impairment, although results are mixed and often confounded by the use of whole plant extracts rather than isolated Ginkgolide B. Mechanistically, Ginkgolide B’s inhibition of PAF could help reduce neuronal damage during ischemic events and attenuate neuroinflammation. However, there remains a lack of large, high-quality clinical trials evaluating Ginkgolide B alone for nerve health or neurological disorders. Most available evidence relates to Ginkgo biloba extracts as a whole, not the isolated terpene. Therefore, while there is scientific rationale and some supporting evidence, the strength and specificity of the evidence for Ginkgolide B’s direct support of the nervous system are moderate.

More about Ginkgolide B
More about Nerves

Other ingredients that support Nerves

Other body systems supported by Ginkgolide B

Products containing Ginkgolide B