A comprehensive review on the molecular mechanism of Ginkgo biloba Linn. activity in various metabolic syndromes

Introduction

In this communication the focus is on the summarization of the complex molecular pathways that Ginkgo biloba Linn. utilizes to treat metabolic syndromes, a major international health concern marked by interrelated risk factors like obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension.

Method

Several databases, including the Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubChem, were used while literature review was conducted. The use of suitable keywords like mechanism of Ginkgo biloba, pharmacological activities of medicinal plants, herbal remedies in metabolic syndromes etc. was made. It was attempted that all the English language articles published between 1980 and 2023 were referred.

Results

Numerous molecular mechanisms contribute to the development of various metabolic syndromes and their risk factors. These mechanisms include insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, increased oxidative stress, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, impaired mitochondrial function, and others. This review summarizes the ways in which Gingko biloba, through modification of ROS formation, blocking the activation of NADPH oxidases, modifying the expression of antioxidant enzymes, downregulating MAPKs and AP-1, increasing cAMP, deactivating Stat5, activating the AMPK signalling pathway, influencing Stat3/JAK2, NF-κB, Nrf-2, mTOR, HGF/c-Met, Wnt/β-catenin, and BMP signalling pathways, modifying the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, etc., can alleviate disorders related to metabolic dysfunction.

Discussion

The therapeutic properties of Ginkgo biloba Linn. and its constituents, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and apoptotic activities, have drawn attention in recent years. In response to the growing public demand for novel therapeutics, prospective novel medicines may be produced by comprehending their molecular mechanisms and signalling networks.