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Biological activities of Ginkgo extracts
1College of Agriculture, Forestry, Life Sciences, Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0315, USA.
Summary
Ginkgo biloba extracts from leaves, roots, and callus showed significant biological activity, inhibiting tumor formation and bacterial growth. Leaf and root tissues had higher concentrations of key compounds like ginkgolide A.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ginkgo biloba is widely used for its purported health benefits.
- Understanding the biological activity of its various components and extracts is crucial for validating its medicinal applications.
- Marker compounds like ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, and bilobalide are important indicators of Ginkgo's quality and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the biological activity of methanolic extracts from different parts of Ginkgo biloba, including leaf, root, and derived callus tissues.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of these extracts against a panel of pathogenic bacteria.
- To compare the activity of natural extracts with specific marker compounds (ginkgolide A, B, bilobalide) and a commercial product (Tanakan).
Main Methods:
- Methanolic extracts of leaves, roots, leaf-derived callus, and root-derived callus were prepared.
- Bioassays included the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-induced potato tumor assay for anti-tumor activity and the Kirby-Bauer microbial sensitivity assay for antimicrobial activity.
- Standard strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes were used.
Main Results:
- Methanolic extracts from leaves, leaf-derived callus, root-derived callus, bilobalide, and Tanakan significantly inhibited tumor formation, though less effectively than camptothecin.
- No activity was observed against Escherichia coli; however, callus extracts inhibited Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
- All tested extracts and compounds demonstrated inhibitory effects against Streptococcus pyogenes. Leaf and root tissues exhibited higher concentrations of ginkgolide A compared to callus tissues.
Conclusions:
- Ginkgo biloba extracts possess significant anti-tumor and antimicrobial properties, with variations observed between different plant parts and derived tissues.
- Callus cultures show potential as a source for producing bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity.
- Leaf and root tissues are richer sources of key marker compounds like ginkgolide A, suggesting their importance in the overall biological activity of Ginkgo biloba.