Fei R, Fei Y, Zheng S, Gao YG, Sun HX, Zeng XL. Purified polysaccharide from Ginkgo biloba leaves inhibits P-selectin-mediated leucocyte adhesion and inflammation. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2008 Apr;29(4):499-506.
Type of study: Animal testing in vivo
Key finding: The polysaccharides of Ginkgo biloba leaves (PGBL) can inhibit the inflammatory process by inhibiting leucocyte adhesion.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba reduces inflammation of the skin.
Aim: To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the
polysaccharides of Ginkgo biloba leaves (PGBL) by inhibiting leucocyte adhesion.
Methods: The rough PGBL were isolated and purified. The anti-inflammatory effects of purified PGBL (p-PGBL) were assayed by ear edema induced by xylol and the acute peritonitis model in mice. The effect of p-PGBL on inhibiting the interaction between P-selectin and its ligands was investigated by flow cytometry and flow chamber.
Results: p-PGBL could effectively inhibit the acute inflammation in mice and interfere with the adhesion of HL-60 cells, a human leukaemia cell line, or neutrophils to P-selectin in static conditions, as well as the adhesion of neutrophils to Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human P-selectin and human umbilical vein endothelial cells in flow conditions in a dose-dependant manner.
Conclusions: p-PGBL can inhibit the inflammatory process through interfering with the interaction between P-selectin and its ligands.
Jiao YB, Rui YC, Yang PY, Li TJ, Qiu Y. Effects of ginkgo biloba extract on expressions of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 in U937 foam cells. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2007 Sep;42(9):930-4.
Type of study: Ex vivo
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba extract inhibited pro-inflammatory proteins while promoting the production of anti-inflammatory proteins secreted by cells especially of the immune system.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba extract reduces inflammation of the skin.
This study is to investigate the protein and mRNA expressions of
pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in U937 foam cells and effects
of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on the cytokines. U937 cells were cultured with
different concentrations of GbE (0.1, 1, and 10 microg x L(-1)), and stimulated
by 100 mg x L(-1) oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) for 24 h. The
expressions of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha
(TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in culture solution were detected by
enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that incubated with 100 mg x L(-1)
ox-LDL for 24 h, the U937 cells became foam cells, the protein or mRNA
expressions of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-10, and its receptor IL-10R in U937 foam
cells were higher markedly than those in normal U937 cells. When the cells were
pretreated with GbE (0.1, 1, and 10 microg x L(-1)), the increases of IL-1beta
and TNF-alpha in U937 foam cells were remarkably inhibited, but IL-10 expression
increased greatly. Especially when cells were pretreated with 10 microg x L(-1)
GbE, the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were markedly
lower than those in U937 foam cells. The protein expression of IL-10 and mRNA
expressions of IL-10 and its receptor IL-10R were markedly higher than those in
U937 foam cells. GbE inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta
and TNF-alpha, but up-regulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine
IL-10 and its receptor IL-10R in U937 foam cells, which might be related with
its anti-atherosclerotic actions.
Baumann L. Botanical ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Nov;6(11):1084-8.
Type of study: Review of Research
Key finding: Botanical compounds including curcumin, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, silymarin, soy, and tea tree oil. Other botanical agents, such as arnica, bromelain, chamomile, pomegranate, caffeine, green tea, licorice, and resveratrol have potential or exhibited dermatologic applications.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba has dermatological applications and are incorporated into topical formulations.
During the last 10 to 15 years, complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) has become increasingly popular in the US. Within this realm of health
care, oral and topical herbal supplements have become some of the most
frequently used alternative therapies. Most herbal supplements are based on, or
include, several botanical ingredients with long histories of traditional or
folk medicine usage. Among the numerous botanical ingredients available on the
market today, several are believed to confer dermatologic benefits. This article
will focus on a select group of botanical compounds, many of which have long
traditions in Asian medicine, with potential or exhibited dermatologic
applications, including curcumin, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, silymarin, soy, and
tea tree oil. Other botanical agents, such as arnica, bromelain, chamomile,
pomegranate, caffeine, green tea, licorice, and resveratrol, are also briefly
considered. Some of these ingredients have been incorporated into topical
formulations.
Biddlestone L, Corbett AD, Dolan S. Oral administration of Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb-761 inhibits thermal hyperalgesia in rodent models of inflammatory and post-surgical pain. Br J Pharmacol. 2007 May;151(2):285-91. Epub 2007 Mar 20.
Type of study: Animal testing in vivo
Key finding: Extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb-761) has analgesic potential in acute inflammatory pain.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba has the potential ability to relieve pain.
Background and Purpose: Studies in vitro suggest that the standardised
extract of Ginkgo biloba, EGb-761 has anti-inflammatory properties and
modulatory effects on key pain-related molecules. This study investigated the
analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of EGb-761 on carrageenan-induced
inflammatory and hindpaw incisional pain.
Experimental Approach: Adult male Wistar rats (n=6-10/group; 250-420 g) were injected intradermally with carrageenan into the left hindpaw or anaesthetised with isoflurane (2%) and a longitudinal 1 cm incision was made through the skin, fascia and plantaris muscle of the hindpaw. EGb-761 (3, 10, 30, 100 or 300 mg kg(-1)), diclofenac (5 mg kg(-1)) or drug-vehicle was administered 3 h post-carrageenan/post-surgery. Hindpaw withdrawal latency (in seconds) to thermal stimulation, response threshold (in grams) to mechanical stimulation and paw volume were measured. KEY RESULTS: Carrageenan induced significant mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and paw oedema at 6 h post-carrageenan, while paw incision surgery induced significant mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia at 6 and 24 h post-surgery. Administration of EGb-761 dose-dependently inhibited thermal hyperalgesia and was equally effective as diclofenac (5 mg kg(-1)) in both the carrageenan and hindpaw incision model. EGb-761 had no effect on carrageenan- or incision-induced mechanical allodynia or paw oedema. Diclofenac significantly reduced mechanical allodynia in both models and carrageenan-induced paw oedema.
Conclusions and Implications: EGb-761 dose-dependently alleviates acute inflammatory and surgically induced thermal hyperalgesia and is comparable to diclofenac, a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This indicates that EGb-761 has analgesic potential in acute inflammatory pain.
Liu XP, Goldring CE, Copple IM, Wang HY, Wei W, Kitteringham NR, Park BK. Extract of Ginkgo biloba induces phase 2 genes through Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. Life Sci. 2007 Apr 3;80(17):1586-91. Epub 2007 Jan 27.
Type of study: Ex vivo
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba (EGb) induced the phase 2 genes which have important roles in the antioxidant system further demonstrating the antioxidant mechanism of EGb.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba prevents cell damage by free radicals.
The standard extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) has been demonstrated to
possess remarkable antioxidant activity in both cell lines and animals. However,
the molecular mechanism underlying this effect is not fully understood. Phase 2
enzymes play important roles in the antioxidant system by reducing electrophiles
and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrated that EGb induced typical
phase 2 genes: glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and
glutathione-S-transferase subunit-P1 (GST-P1), by real-time PCR. To investigate
the molecular mechanism of this induction, we used quinone oxidoreductase 1
(NQO1) -- Antioxidant response element (ARE) reporter assay and found that EGb
activated the activity of the wild type but not the one with ARE mutated. It
indicated that EGb induced these genes through ARE, a cis-acting motif located
in the promoter region of nearly all phase 2 genes. Since nuclear factor
erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) binds ARE to enhance the expression of phase
2 genes, we detected the Nrf2 content in nucleus and found an accumulation of
Nrf2 stimulated by EGb. In a further test of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1
(Keap1), the repression protein of Nrf2 in the cytosol under resting condition,
we found that Keap1 content was inhibited by EGb and then more Nrf2 would be
released to translocate into nucleus. Thus, EGb was testified for the first time
to induce the phase 2 genes through the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which
is (or part of) the antioxidant mechanism of EGb.
Lim H, Son KH, Chang HW, Kang SS, Kim HP. Inhibition of chronic skin inflammation by topical anti-inflammatory flavonoid preparation, Ato Formula. Arch Pharm Res. 2006 Jun;29(6):503-7.
Type of study: Animal testing in vivo
Key finding: A topical preparation containing flavonoid mixtures from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi roots and Ginkgo biloba L. leaves with an extract of Gentiana scabra Bunge roots (Ato Formula) reduced skin inflammatory response, and suppressed proinflammatory genes.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba may be beneficial for treating chronic skin inflammatory disorders when topically applied.
Flavonoids are known as natural anti-inflammatory agents. In this
investigation, an anti-inflammatory potential of new topical preparation (SK Ato
Formula) containing flavonoid mixtures from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi roots
and Ginkgo biloba L. leaves with an extract of Gentiana scabra Bunge roots was
evaluated in an animal model of chronic skin inflammation. Multiple
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatments for 7 consecutive days on ICR
mouse ear provoked a chronic type of skin inflammation: dermal edema, epidermal
hyperplasia and infiltration of inflammatory cells. When topically applied in
this model, this new formulation (5-20 microL/ear/treatment) reduced these
responses. Furthermore, it inhibited prostaglandin E2 generation (17.1-33.3%)
and suppressed the expression of proinflammatory genes, cyclooxygenase-2 and
interleulin-1beta in the skin lesion. Although the potency of inhibition was
lower than that of prednisolone, all these results suggest that Ato Formula may
be beneficial for treating chronic skin inflammatory disorders such as atopic
dermatitis.
Lim H, Son KH, Chang HW, Kang SS, Kim HP. Effects of anti-inflammatory biflavonoid, ginkgetin, on chronic skin inflammation. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 May;29(5):1046-9.
Type of study: Animal testing in vivo
Key finding: Topical application of Ginkgetin, a biflavonoid from Ginkgo biloba leaves, reduces epidermal hyperplasia and suppress proinflammatory gene.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgetin, a biflavonoid from Ginkgo biloba leaves, may be beneficial for treating chronic skin inflammatory disorders when topically applied.
Ginkgetin, a biflavonoid from Ginkgo biloba leaves (Ginkgoaceae), was
previously demonstrated to inhibit phospholipase A2 and to suppress
proinflammatory gene expression such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible
nitric oxide synthase. In this study, the effects of ginkgetin were examined on
an animal model of chronic skin inflammation and proinflammatory gene
expression. When topically applied to ICR mouse ear, ginkgetin (20-80
microg/ear/treatment) inhibited ear edema (22.8-30.5%) and prostaglandin E2
production (30.2-31.1%) induced by multiple treatment of
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) for 7 consecutive days. By
histological comparison, ginkgetin was also found to reduce epidermal
hyperplasia. The expression of proinflammatory gene, interleukin-1beta, was
suppressed by ginkgetin. From the results, it is suggested that ginkgetin may be
beneficial against chronic skin inflammatory disorders like atopic
dermatitis.
Park YM, Won JH, Yun KJ, Ryu JH, Han YN, Choi SK, Lee KT. Preventive effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBB) on the lipopolysaccharide-induced expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 via suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB in RAW 264.7 cells. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 May;29(5):985-90.
Type of study: Ex vivo
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba (GBB) containing higher levels of the active principles terpene and biflavonoid than Ginkgo biloba extract have higher inflammation inhibitory property.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba containing higher levels of the active principles has better anti-inflammatory proerty.
During our ongoing efforts to identify bioactive natural products with anti-inflammatory activity, we produced an extract from Ginkgo biloba (GBB) which contains higher levels of the active principles terpene and biflavonoid than EGb, the standard commercially available extract. In the present study, we examined and compared the effects of these two extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Our data indicate that GBB is a more potent inhibitor of NO and PGE2 production than EGb 761, and it also significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release. Consistent with these observations, the protein and mRNA expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were found to be inhibited by GBB in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GBB inhibited the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which was associated with the prevention of IkappaB degradation, and subsequently with decreased p65 protein level in the nucleus. These results suggest that GBB inhibits LPS-induced iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-alpha expressions through the down-regulation of NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity.
Eli R, Fasciano JA. An adjunctive preventive treatment for cancer: ultraviolet light and ginkgo biloba, together with other antioxidants, are a safe and powerful, but largely ignored, treatment option for the prevention of cancer. Med Hypotheses. 2006;66(6):1152-6. Epub 2006 Feb 17.
Type of study: Human trial
Key finding: Ultraviolet light and ginkgo biloba along with other antioxidants possess cancer chemopreventive qualities.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba has anti-cancer properties with few adverse effects.
Cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in the
United States. The mortality rate for cancer is high (roughly 42%), and it
increases dramatically with increasing age, especially in patients between the
ages of 40 and 60 years old. Currently, the efforts at cancer prevention have
been minimal. The drugs developed so far are expensive and have serious side
effects. There are at least 18 vitamin D-sensitive cancers. Ultraviolet light,
and specifically ultraviolet B (UVB), could reduce cancer by the limited
exposure of suitable skin areas to UVB of an intensity and duration insufficient
to produce skin cancer. An irrational fear of skin cancer is preventing this
idea from being implemented. Though skin cancer incidence is significant,
mortality from skin cancer is relatively rare. Roughly 1,000,000 Americans will
be affected by skin cancer but only 10,000 deaths are expected in 2005 (a 1%
mortality rate). Skin cancer is easily detected and often cured by excisional
biopsy alone. Current practice among practicing clinicians is to use a
prescription drug substitute for UV light, calcitriol (1-25
dihydroxycholcalciferol). However, high levels of (calcitriol) are dangerous,
and there is no consensus on just what a high dose or a safe dose is. Apart from
skin cancer, UV light exposure possesses few risks. Additionally, a number of
botanical agents such as ginkgo biloba, vitamins E and C, carotenoids, selenium
and proanthocyanidins can prevent the risk of skin cancer. Ginkgo biloba also
possess the following additional cancer chemopreventive qualities: (1) promoting
apoptosis of cancer cells; (2) an anti-clastogenic effect on chromosomes by
repairing and reconstituting broken and damaged chromosomes; (3) a powerful
therapeutic effect on the treatment of fibrosis-related cancer; (4) a
therapeutic effect on free radical-induced cancer; (5) a therapeutic effect on
the treatment of cancer incident to the result of numerous carcinogens; (6) a
therapeutic effect on preventing free radical-induced cancer; (7) an enhancing
effect on radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer; and (8) a therapeutic
effect on reducing the size of cancer tumors. Ginkgo biloba is widely-used and
has few adverse effects. The proposed preventive treatment for cancer consists
of short intermittent exposure of the least sensitive areas of the body to
sunlight and/or artificial ultraviolet light. The routine testing of plasma
vitamin D levels help monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and periodic
checkups with a dermatologist help monitor the safety.
Di Mambro VM, Fonseca MJ. Assays of physical stability and antioxidant activity of a topical formulation added with different plant extracts. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2005 Feb 23;37(2):287-95.
Type of study: Ex vivo
Key finding: The Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and Ginkgo biloba (GB) extracts individually and as part of formulations showed great antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba alone or in other formulations protects skin from damage such as those caused by free radicals when topically applied.
In the present investigation the changes on physical stability (pH,
viscosity, flow index and tixotropy) of topical formulations were evaluated
following inclusion of different plant extracts containing flavonoids. Also, the
antioxidant effect of these plant extracts alone and after addition in the
formulation was evaluated using chemiluminescence and the stable free radical
1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(.-)) assays, as well as the inhibition of
lipid peroxidation. Formulation added with dl-alpha-tocopherol was used to
compare the physical stability and antioxidant activity. Formulations with plant
extracts showed pseudoplastic behavior with decreasing on viscosity and
tixotropy. The Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and Ginkgo biloba (GB) extracts alone and
the formulations containing these extracts showed great antioxidant and free
radical scavenging activities while the other extracts studied (mixture of
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Symphytum officinale L and Arctium majus root, Nelumbium
speciosum and soybean) showed lower activity. The results suggest that GG and GB
extracts may be used in topical formulations in order to protect skin against
damage caused by free radical and reactive oxygen species.
Ozkur MK, Bozkurt MS, Balabanli B, Aricioglu A, Ilter N, Gürer MA, Inalöz HS. The effects of EGb 761 on lipid peroxide levels and superoxide dismutase activity in sunburn. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2002 Jun;18(3):117-20.
Type of study: Animal testing
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) was found to have protective and therapeutic in investigation with UVB irradiated mice skin.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba extract may protect and treat sunburn after UVB irradiation.
Background /Purpose: Free oxygen radicals are involved in inflammatory
skin reactions induced by ultraviolet B (UVB). In this study, the effect of a
herbal antioxidant Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) was investigated in UVB
irradiated mice skin.
Methods: The study was carried out on four groups of mice (n = 6 in each group). The first group was a control group (G1). The second group (G2) was only exposed to acute UVB irradiation. The third group (G3) received 100 mg/kg/day of EGb 761 orally for 5 days before UVB irradiation and the fourth group (G4) was given only a single dose of EGb 761 immediately after UVB irradiation. Eighteen hours after exposing to UVB, lipid peroxide levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were studied and UVB damage was evaluated histopathologically according to "sun-burn cell count".
Results: The SOD activities and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in G2, G3 and G4 were found to be decreased significantly when compared with G1 (P < 0.05). The SOD activities of G3 and G4 were higher when compared with G2 (P < 0.05). The number of sunburn cells (SBCs) was the highest in G2.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that EGb 761 may have an important effect,
both as a protective and therapeutic agent, in sunburn after UVB
irradiation.
Kwak WJ, Han CK, Son KH, Chang HW, Kang SS, Park BK, Kim HP.
Effects of Ginkgetin from Ginkgo biloba Leaves on cyclooxygenases and in vivo
skin inflammation. Planta Med. 2002 Apr;68(4):316-21.
Type of study: Animal testing, In vivo
Key finding: Ginkgetin, a biflavone from Ginkgo biloba leaves, down-regulates COX-2 induction associated with an anti-inflammatory activity against skin inflammatory responses.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba reduces the inflammation of the skin.
Ginkgetin, a biflavone from Ginkgo biloba leaves, was previously reported
to be a phospholipase A2 inhibitor and this compound showed the potent
antiarthritic activity in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis as well as analgesic
activity. This investigation was carried out to find effects on cyclooxygenase
(COX)-1 and -2 including an in vivo effect. Ginkgetin (1 - 10 microM) and the
biflavonoid mixture (10 - 50 microg/ml), mainly a 1 : 1 mixture of ginkgetin and
isoginkgetin, from G. biloba leaves, inhibited production of prostaglandin E2
from lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. This inhibition was mediated,
at least in part, by down-regulation of COX-2 expression, but not by direct
inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2 activity. Down-regulation of COX-2 by ginkgetin was
also proved in the dorsal skin of ICR mouse treated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol
13-acetate (TPA). At total doses of 1,000 microg/site on the dorsal skin (15 mm
x 15 mm), ginkgetin inhibited prostaglandin E2 production by 65.6 % along with a
marked suppression of COX-2 induction. In addition, ginkgetin and the
biflavonoid mixture (100 - 1,000 microg/ear) dose-dependently inhibited skin
inflammation of croton oil induced ear edema in mice by topical application. The
present study suggests that ginkgetin from G. biloba leaves down-regulates COX-2
induction in vivo and this down-regulating potential is associated with an
anti-inflammatory activity against skin inflammatory responses.
Mossabeb R, Kraft D, Valenta R. Evaluation of the allergenic potential of Ginkgo biloba extracts. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2001 Aug 16;113(15-16):580-7.
Type of study: Ex vivo
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba extracts did not show presence of type I allergens characterized by the immediate onset of symptoms usually affecting the skin or mucous membranes caused mostly by proteins.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba extracts may not cause common allergies.
Ginkgo biloba extracts are used for the treatment of central and
peripheral malperfusion, cerebral insufficiency and dementia. Between 1996 and
1998, several patients in Austria who had received parenteral Ginkgo extracts
were reported to have developed allergy-like symptoms. The aim of the present
study was to determine whether Ginkgo biloba extracts contain type I allergens.
The protein content of Ginkgo biloba extracts was determined by BCA protein
determination and SDS-PAGE. We used sera from 95 polysensitized plant-allergic
patients (the sera contained IgE antibodies against most plant allergens), and
rabbit antisera raised against defined recombinant plant allergens. The presence
of allergens in Ginkgo extracts was determined by dot-blotting and Wester blot.
Neither rabbit antisera nor IgE antibodies of patients reacted to the Ginkgo
extracts. In addition, it was shown that prick testing of the skin could be
conveniently used to study Gingko extracts for allergenic activity. In
conclusion, no evidence for the presence of type I allergens in Ginkgo extracts
was found. We recommend serological and/or skin testing to exclude sensitisation
to components of Ginkgo biloba extracts.
Chang LK, Whitaker DC. The impact of herbal medicines on dermatologic surgery. Dermatol Surg. 2001 Aug;27(8):759-63.
Type of study: Medline search and review of the literature
Key finding: Herbal products such as Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, feverfew, and vitamin E may increase causes surgical risk such as the risk of bleeding, and should be discontinued prior to dermatologic surgery to minimize the risk of surgical complications.
How does it help your skin: It is advisable to discontinue topical application of Ginkgo biloba prior to skin related surgery to avoid possible complications.
Background: In recent years herbal medicines and supplements have become
increasingly popular. With their increased popularity, more publications are
warning about the potential harmful effects of some of these products.
Objective: To present scientific evidence of the benefits and surgical risks of herbal products.
Methods: A Medline search and review of the literature.
Results: Many herbal medicines are relevant in dermatologic surgery since Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, feverfew, and vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding, and ephedra may potentiate the side effects of epinephrine.
Conclusion: Dermatologists should be aware of these herbal products and their uses. Many of these products prescribed by alternative medicine physicians or purchased over the counter should be discontinued prior to dermatologic surgery to minimize the risk of surgical complications.
Aricioglu A, Bozkurt M, Balabanli B, Kilinç M, Nazaroglu NK, Türközkan N. Changes in zinc levels and superoxide dismutase activities in the skin of acute, ultraviolet-B-irradiated mice after treatment with ginkgo biloba extract. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2001 May;80(2):175-9.
Type of study: Animal testing, In vivo
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba increased SOD activity and Zinc levels in UVB damaged skin.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba repairs UVB damaged skin.
Acute ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation is known to act as an initiator in
the formation of reactive oxygen species. These oxygen products are highly
reactive and they are able to cause irreversible damage to cellular components.
Oxygen free radicals are normally neutralized by very efficient systems in the
body. These include antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). In a
healthy subject, there is a balance between free radicals and the levels of
antioxidants. In some pathological conditions such as oxidative stress, the
level of antioxidants is significantly reduced. The skin contains relatively
high levels of zinc (Zn), an essential element known to be a cofactor in some
metabolic pathways. Zinc has also been reported to have antioxidant properties.
In the present study, we investigated the effect of ginkgo biloba extract (Gbe),
a potent free-radical scavenger, on UV-B-irradiated skin by measuring SOD
activity and Zn levels in the skin, before and after treatment. The SOD activity
was decreased after UV-B exposure, in comparison with the control group (p <
0.05). After Gbe treatment, the SOD activity increased (p < 0.05) as compared
with the untreated UV-B irradiated group. The Zn levels changed in the same
pattern as the SOD activity values.
Hibatallah J, Carduner C, Poelman MC. In-vivo and in-vitro assessment of the free-radical-scavenger activity of Ginkgo flavone glycosides at high concentration. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999 Dec;51(12):1435-40.
Type of study: In-vivo and in-vitro
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba showed free-radical-scavenging and antioxidant property
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba protects skin from damage due to free radicals.
Free radicals are involved in numerous skin diseases, especially
inflammatory reactions and photosenescence. To identify possible free-radical
scavenging by an original terpene-free Ginkgo biloba extract containing 33%
Ginkgo flavone glycosides, mostly quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, we
studied its activity by means of in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, using
superoxide dismutase (SOD) as a positive control. By means of an in-vitro
electron-spin resonance (ESR) assay we compared the activity of the Ginkgo
extract with that of its two aglycones, quercetin and kaempferol. Quercetin and
Ginkgo extract had significant antioxidant properties without pro-oxidant
effect. In contrast, kaempferol, above an optimum antioxidant concentration,
behaved as a pro-oxidant. The in-vivo experiments were conducted on an
anti-inflammatory model. The cutaneous blood flux which reflects the skin
inflammatory level was recorded by means of a laser Doppler perfusion imager.
The data confirmed the free-radical-scavenging property of both Ginkgo extract
and SOD. The Ginkgo extract significantly inhibited (37%) cutaneous blood flux
to the same extent as SOD. These data confirmed the antioxidant property of
Ginkgo extract. A complementary spin-trapping technique would enable
identification of the free radicals involved. This Ginkgo extract should be
useful for protection of the skin against free radicals.
Bekerecioğlu M, Tercan M, Ozyazgan I. The effect of Gingko biloba extract (Egb 761) as a free radical scavenger on the survival of skin flaps in rats. A comparative study. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg. 1998 Jun;32(2):135-9.
Type of study: Animal testing
Key finding: Gingko biloba extract reduced the necrosed area of skin flap considerably.
How does it help your skin: Gingko biloba extract, besides protecting skin from damage due to free radicals, also may rejuvenate dying tissues.
Free radicals may have a role in pedicle flap necrosis. We undertook this
study to compare the effect of various antioxidants and scavengers of free
radicals such as vitamin E, vitamin C, deferoxamine, and Gingko biloba extract
(Egb 761) on McFarlane caudal-based dorsal rat flaps. Fifty rats were divided
into five groups of 10 animals each. One group served as a control (saline)
group. The remaining four groups were given vitamin C 340 mg/kg, deferoxamine
150 mg/kg, Egb 761 100 mg/kg, and vitamin E 20 mg/kg. The necrosed area of flap
was significantly reduced in the deferoxamine (p < 0.001), Egb 761 (p <
0.001), and vitamin C (p < 0.05) groups compared with the control group.
Vitamin E had no effect on distal flap necrosis (p = 0.20).
Bekerecioğlu M, Kutluhan A, Demirtaş I, Karaayvaz M. Prevention of adriamycin-induced skin necrosis with various free radical scavengers. J Surg Res. 1998 Feb 15;75(1):61-5.
Type of study: Animal testing In vivo
Key finding: Gingko biloba extract (Egb 761) is a very effective agent to prevent the necrosis and decrease the tissue malondialdehyde levels.
How does it help your skin: Gingko biloba extract protects skin from damage due to free radicals.
Infiltration of antitumor agents into subcutaneous tissues may either
result in a local area of self-resolving inflammation or progress to
full-thickness loss of skin and underlying vital structures. Inadvertent
extravasation of adriamycin can result in severe tissue necrosis. The mechanism
of this tissue damage is believed to be release of oxygen free radicals into the
tissue. After adriamycin extravasation, the treatment groups were made up
according to drugs used, EGb 761, pentoxifylline, alpha-tocopherol acetate, and
alpha-tocopherol succinate in rats. To prevent the necrosis and to decrease the
tissue malondialdehyde levels, the most effective agent was found to be EGb 761,
and pentoxifylline was also effective (P < 0.001). No difference was found
between topical lanoline and saline (P > 0.05). The maximum ulcer diameter
was obtained in 2 weeks. The maximum tissue malondialdehyde levels were obtained
in 24 h, and in comparison to the control group the treatment groups showed
lower levels. Our aim is to show the role of free radicals in the formation of
skin necrosis as a cause of adriamycin extravasation and to prevent or decrease
the skin necrosis using various free radical scavengers.
Castelli D, Colin L, Camel E, Ries G. Pretreatment of skin with a Ginkgo biloba extract/sodium carboxymethyl-beta-1,3-glucan formulation appears to inhibit the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis in man. Contact Dermatitis. 1998 Mar;38(3):123-6.
Type of study: Human trial - double blind
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba/carboxymethyl-beta-1,3-glucan formulation can mitigate against allergic contact dermatitis
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba can lessen skin reaction resulting from exposure to allergens.
The clinical efficiency of mitigating contact dermatitis with a Ginkgo
biloba extract and carboxymethyl-beta-1,3-glucan formulation was investigated in
a double-blind versus placebo study using 22 subjects (Caucasian women aged
22-55 years) with allergic contact dermatitis from various substances in the
European standard series. The formulation was applied to intact skin 2X a day
for 2 weeks ("in use" application) prior to a single application of a selected
contact allergen under a Finn Chamber for 24 h. Readings were carried out in a
blind study by a dermatologist 2 and 3 days after patch removal. Representative
photographs were taken of treated, placebo and untreated test areas. 68.2% of
the panelists showed significantly reduced skin reactivity (p = 0.037*) on the
treated site 2 days after patch removal, versus untreated and/or placebo sites.
This finding indicates that the Ginkgo biloba/carboxymethyl-beta-1,3-glucan
formulation can mitigate against allergic contact dermatitis.
Lin SY, Chang HP. Induction of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in different rat tissues and protection from UVB irradiation after topical application of Ginkgo biloba extracts. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1997 Jul-Aug;19(6):367-71.
Type of study: Animal testing in vivo
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) formulation protected skin from the severity of UVB irradiation damage
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba extract protects and treats skin affected by UVB irradiation.
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) prepared from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba
with 50% diluted alcohol was found to locally induce superoxide dismutase (SOD)
and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity in epidermis after topical application, and
also to systemically increase the activity of both enzymes in the liver, heart
and kidney of Sprague Dawley rats. Skin pretreated with 50% diluted
alcohol-extracted liquid formulation was protected from exacerbation of UVB
damage. Changes in the lipid structure of the skin of rats determined by
ATR/FT-IR spectroscopy demonstrated penetration of active components from GBE
dosage formulations.
Kim SJ, Lim MH, Chun IK, Won YH. Effects of flavonoids of Ginkgo biloba on proliferation of human skin fibroblast. Skin Pharmacol. 1997;10(4):200-5.
Type of study: In vitro
Key finding: Flavonoids of Ginkgo biloba enhances the proliferation of normal human skin fibroblast.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba extracts aids wound healing.
Ginkgo biloba studies have focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of
the major components, ginkgolide and bilobalide, whereas little is known about
their effect on fibroblasts. This study demonstrated the enhancing effects of
Ginkgo L. extracts, especially the flavonoid fractions: quercetin, kaempferol,
sciadopitysin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, on the proliferation of normal human
skin fibroblast in vitro measured by MTT
(3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay and
direct hemocytometer cell count. Furthermore, increased production of collagen
and extracellular fibronectin were documented by radioisotope (2,3-3H-proline)
incorporated collagen assay, procollagen type I C-peptide assay and by
immunoturbidimetric assay. These proliferative effects suggest another useful
pharmacologic application of Ginkgo L. extracts in addition to their well-known
anti-inflammatory effect.
Dumont E, Petit E, Tarrade T, Nouvelot A. UV-C irradiation-induced peroxidative degradation of microsomal fatty acids and proteins: protection by an extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761). Free Radic Biol Med. 1992 Sep;13(3):197-203.
Type of study: Animal testing in vitro
Key finding: Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) offers effective protection against attack by free radicals.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba provides protection to skin from damage from free radicals.
After exposure of rat liver microsomes to UV-C irradiation, analysis of
membrane fatty acids by gas chromatography confirmed that EGb 761, a drug
containing a dosed and standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba, provides effective
protection against free radical attack in vitro. This analysis, coupled with
thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction, permitted qualitative and overall
quantitative evaluation of radical-induced damage to polyunsaturated fatty acids
(PUFA), as well as evidence of the antioxidant properties of the Ginkgo biloba
extract. Assay of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) showed a
correlation between TBARS concentration and the state of degradation of the
polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mannitol (5.5 mM) did not prevent degradation of
microsomal PUFA or malondialdehyde (MDA) production, nor did it prevent
polymerization of membrane proteins. Low doses of EGb 761 were found to provide
efficient protection of membrane PUFA regardless of individual susceptibility to
peroxidation. This protection was accompanied by a decrease in the production of
TBARS. EGb 761 also protected membrane proteins from the irreversible
polymerization induced by these degradation products, but did not appear to
prevent thiols oxidation into disulfide bonds.
Scholtyssek H, Damerau W, Wessel R, Schimke I. Antioxidative activity of ginkgolides against superoxide in an aprotic environment. Chem Biol Interact. 1997 Oct 24;106(3):183-90.
Type of study: Ex vivo
Key finding: Ginkgolides, a major component of Ginkgo biloba, exhibits antitoxidant properties.
How does it help your skin: Ginkgo biloba offers protection to skin from damage due to free radicals.
The terpene lactones ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, ginkgolide C, ginkgolide
J and bilobalide, which are components of a standardized extract (EGb 761) from
leaves of Ginkgo biloba, as well as ginkgolide M from roots of G. biloba were
studied regarding their reaction against superoxide (O2-) and hydroperoxyl
radicals (HO2) in dimethyl sulfoxide as an aprotic solvent. It was found that
the ginkgolides B, C, J, M as well as bilobalide react with superoxide and its
protonated form as demonstrated by EPR and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The initial
reaction rate with these oxygen-derived radicals is in the order of 100 M-1/s
and below. Ginkgolide A does not react with superoxide under these conditions.
From these findings it can be suggested that the superoxide scavenging effect of
the ginkgolides B, C, J, M and bilobalide contributes to the antioxidant
properties of G. biloba.
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BulkActives are DIY skin care suppliers of skin actives, cosmetic ingredients, cosmeceuticals, active ingredients, and standardized botanical extracts for diy skin care products and homemade cosmetics.
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We now offer a range of NON-formaldehyde releasing preservatives:
phenoxyethanol (paraben free) & paraben and phenoxyethanol combo
NEW
White Willow - bark extract 80%...more salicin and a light beige color!
Out of stock:
Oat Beta Glucan
abstracts menu: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, alpha bisabolol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Beta 1-3 Glucan (Yeast), Beta 1-3, 1-4 Glucan (Oat), Boswellia serrata, Carnitine (-L), Coconut Endosperm, Co Q10, DMAE bitartrate, Centella Asiatica, Dimethyl isosorbide, Ellagic acid, Ferulic Acid, Gamma oryzanol, Ginkgo Biloba, Glucosamine (N-acetyl-D),Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), Gynostemma extract, Idebenone, Lecithin (liquid),Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), Niacinamide, Pomegranate extract, Quercetin ,Resveratrol, Silymarin, Soy Isoflavones, Wild Yam (Diosgenin)