Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
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.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordginkgolide B benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Ginkgolide B (Diterpenoid) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
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.
“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.”Traditional Medicine
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.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
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.
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).
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
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.
Clinical Evidence
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.
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.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Ginkgolide-BGBDiterpenoid trilactone BGinkgo terpene lactone BBN 52021Hexacyclic diterpenoid BGinkgo biloba trilactone B
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IC50 value of ginkgolide B for PAF inhibition?
Ginkgolide B demonstrates PAF receptor antagonism with an IC50 of 3.6 μM in laboratory studies. This indicates the concentration needed to inhibit 50% of PAF receptor binding activity.
Are there any clinical trials on ginkgolide B benefits?
No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on isolated ginkgolide B. Current evidence is limited to preliminary laboratory and in vitro receptor binding studies only.
How does ginkgolide B differ from other ginkgolides?
Ginkgolide B is one of several diterpene lactones found in Ginkgo biloba, each with distinct molecular structures and PAF receptor binding affinities. Specific comparative potency data between individual ginkgolides is limited in available research.
Can ginkgolide B help with blood clotting disorders?
There is no clinical evidence supporting ginkgolide B for blood clotting disorders. While it shows PAF antagonist activity in lab studies, human efficacy and safety data are completely absent.
What foods or supplements contain ginkgolide B?
Ginkgolide B is naturally found in Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts and standardized Ginkgo supplements. Isolated ginkgolide B supplements are not commonly available, and most products contain mixed ginkgolides from whole plant extracts.
What is the mechanism of action of ginkgolide B as a PAF antagonist?
Ginkgolide B functions as a platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, blocking the effects of PAF in laboratory settings with an IC50 value of 3.6 μM. PAF is a potent inflammatory and thrombotic signaling molecule involved in various immune and cardiovascular responses. By inhibiting PAF receptor activation, ginkgolide B theoretically could modulate inflammatory and clotting cascades, though this mechanism remains limited to in vitro evidence. Human studies are needed to determine whether this mechanistic activity translates to meaningful clinical benefits.
Why is ginkgolide B studied as a diterpenoid compound?
Ginkgolide B is classified as a diterpenoid, a class of compounds derived from four isoprene units that often exhibit unique structural properties and biological activities. This chemical classification is important because diterpenoids frequently demonstrate receptor-specific binding and antagonistic effects, which explains ginkgolide B's selective interaction with PAF receptors. The diterpenoid structure contributes to its potency as a PAF antagonist, making it a compound of interest in pharmacological research despite the lack of clinical validation.
What are the limitations of current ginkgolide B research?
Current ginkgolide B research is limited exclusively to laboratory studies with no human clinical trials, meta-analyses, or randomized controlled trials available in the scientific literature. While in vitro evidence demonstrates PAF antagonism, there is insufficient data to support specific health claims or determine whether laboratory results translate to human efficacy and safety. Additional rigorous clinical investigation would be required to establish whether ginkgolide B provides meaningful therapeutic benefits beyond its demonstrated receptor antagonism in controlled experimental conditions.
Explore the Full Encyclopedia
7,400+ ingredients researched, verified, and formulated for optimal synergy.
Browse IngredientsThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
hermetica-encyclopedia-canary-zzqv9k4w ginkgolide-b curated by Hermetica Superfoods at ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com and licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (non-commercial share-alike, attribution required)
