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Published on: June 20, 2025
Complement-Modulating Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Dry AMD: Insights From Molecular Docking and Dynamics
Ting Huang1, Dan Jiang1, Dahu Wang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Purpose:
To investigate the complement-modulating mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) through an integrative approach combining bioinformatics, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Methods:
Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify dry AMD-related targets, followed by molecular docking and 100-ns MD simulations to evaluate the binding stability and free energy of EGb 761 components with complement proteins C3 and C5.
Results:
Quercetin and ginkgolide B showed the strongest and most stable interactions with complement proteins C3 and C5. Persistent hydrogen bond networks were observed in the C3/ginkgolide B and C3- and C5-quercetin complexes. MM-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area analysis indicated that van der Waals and electrostatic interactions were the main contributors to binding, and key residues (C3: ASP1435, GLU1433, LYS1001, LYS1436; C5: ASP1457, GLU837, GLU932) were identified as critical hotspots.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that the major active components of G. biloba extract may act as natural complement modulators, stabilizing interactions with C3 and C5 to mitigate inflammation and oxidative injury in dry AMD.
Translational Relevance:
Because the blood-retinal barrier limits the efficacy of systemic drugs for retinal diseases, nanomaterial-based ocular delivery systems are gaining attention. However, identifying suitable bioactive compounds for nanocarrier encapsulation remains challenging. EGb 761, a standardized and clinically validated G. biloba extract with proven safety and efficacy in ophthalmology, represents a promising candidate. This study provides a mechanistic basis for its potential in dry AMD and offers insights for developing natural complement-targeting therapeutics.
