Ginkgolide B (Diterpenoid)

Ginkgolide B is a diterpene lactone compound isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaves that functions as a specific platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist. Laboratory studies show it inhibits PAF with an IC50 of 3.6 μM, potentially affecting platelet aggregation and inflammatory processes.

Origin & History

Ginkgolide B is a diterpenoid terpene lactone (C20H24O10) extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. It belongs to a class of bioactive trilactones with a complex hexacyclic structure including a tert-butyl group, confirmed as diterpenoid in origin through biosynthetic studies.

Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine context for Ginkgolide B is documented in the available research. References are limited to its natural occurrence in Ginkgo biloba leaves without any ethnopharmacological history.

Health Benefits

• Platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonism - acts as a specific PAF receptor antagonist with an IC50 of 3.6 μM (preliminary in vitro evidence)
• No human clinical trial evidence available for other health benefits
• Research limited to laboratory studies only
• No meta-analyses or RCTs found in the available research
• Current evidence does not support specific health claims

How It Works

Ginkgolide B functions as a competitive antagonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptors, blocking PAF binding with an IC50 of 3.6 μM. This antagonism prevents PAF-mediated platelet aggregation, neutrophil activation, and inflammatory cascade initiation. The compound's unique cage-like diterpene structure allows selective binding to PAF receptor sites.

Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Ginkgolide B. Available data is limited to preclinical and in vitro research demonstrating PAF antagonism, with no PubMed PMIDs or human study designs provided.

Clinical Summary

Current evidence for ginkgolide B is limited exclusively to preliminary laboratory and in vitro studies. No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted specifically on isolated ginkgolide B. The primary research consists of receptor binding assays demonstrating PAF antagonist activity. Evidence strength remains very limited due to absence of human studies and reliance solely on laboratory data.

Nutritional Profile

Ginkgolide B is a pure bioactive diterpenoid compound (molecular formula C20H24O10, molecular weight 424.4 g/mol), not a food ingredient, therefore it contains no macronutrients (0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fat), no dietary fiber, and no vitamins or minerals in any meaningful nutritional sense. It is a highly oxygenated cage-structured terpene lactone featuring a unique tert-butyl group and five rings including three lactone rings. Bioactive compound concentration: isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts typically at trace levels; standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts (e.g., EGb 761) contain approximately 0.8–1.2% total ginkgolides (A, B, C, J combined), with Ginkgolide B representing a minor fraction estimated at roughly 0.1–0.3% of standardized extract by dry weight. As a pure compound, it is 100% Ginkgolide B by definition. Bioavailability: oral bioavailability is estimated at approximately 40–80% in animal models; the compound demonstrates moderate lipophilicity (logP ≈ 0.9) facilitating membrane permeability. It is metabolically stable with limited hepatic first-pass metabolism. Half-life in human plasma studies with standardized Ginkgo extracts is approximately 4–6 hours. It does not contribute caloric value and serves exclusively as a pharmacologically active phytochemical with PAF receptor antagonist activity (IC50 3.6 μM in vitro).

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Ginkgolide B are available in the research. Laboratory solubility data indicates 14 mg/mL in DMSO and 25 mg/mL in DMF for research use only. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Other ginkgolides (A, C), bilobalide, Ginkgo biloba extract

Safety & Interactions

Safety data for isolated ginkgolide B in humans is unavailable due to lack of clinical trials. As a PAF antagonist, it may theoretically interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and should be avoided. Potential side effects cannot be determined without human studies, though general Ginkgo biloba extracts containing ginkgolides have reported bleeding risks.