Ginkgo Biloba’s Antiviral Properties

Functional Medicine Research with Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, DC

Ginkgo biloba, known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia. Ginkgo biloba is often touted as an herb for brain health, such as improving memory and cognition. This reputation does a great disservice to the most versatile herb in the world.

Ginkgo biloba can be used as a potent antiviral agent for a variety of viruses.

Ginkgo biloba has some key bioactive antiviral components:

Flavonoids and Terpenoids: Ginkgo leaves contain high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These substances contribute to the antiviral activity of the plant.

Ginkgolides and Bilobalides: These are unique terpene trilactones found in Ginkgo biloba, which have specific antiviral activities.

Ginkgo Biloba’s Mechanisms of Antiviral Action

The antiviral properties of Ginkgo biloba are multi-faceted, involving multiple mechanisms:

Inhibition of the fusions and synthesis of proteins in the viruses herpes simplex 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2).

Inhibition of genome replication in cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Zika virus (ZIKV).

Inhibition of viral fusion proteins in HIV, Ebola virus (EBOV), influenza A virus (IAV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Inhibition of the targeting protein and DNA of coronoviruses (SARS-CoV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and measles virus.

Inhibition of Viral Entry and Replication: Some studies suggest that Ginkgo biloba extracts can interfere with the ability of viruses to enter host cells or replicate. This is a key step in preventing the spread of viral infections.

Immune System Modulation: Ginkgo biloba might enhance the body’s immune response against viral infections. By modulating immune functions, it could help in controlling viral spread and severity.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of Ginkgo biloba can be beneficial in reducing the severity of symptoms associated with viral infections.

Research on Ginkgo Biloba’s Antiviral Properties

Anti-MERS-CoV and Anti-HCoV-229E Properties: A study focused on the antiviral activities of Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E).

Inhibition of Enveloped Viruses: Research published in Scientific Reports discussed how ginkgolic acid, a component of Ginkgo biloba, inhibits the fusion of enveloped viruses.

The study found that ginkgolic acid had a strong inhibitory effect on Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and also tested its effects on Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) and Zika Virus (ZIKV).

Researchers also found broad spectrum inhibition by ginkgolic acid of all three classes of fusion proteins including HIV, Ebola virus (EBOV), influenza A virus (IAV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV).

In addition, inhibition was found of a non-enveloped adenovirus.

The authors conclude that ginkolic acids may potentially be used to treat acute infections (e.g. Coronavirus, EBOV, ZIKV, IAV and measles), and also topically for the successful treatment of active lesions (e.g. HSV-1, HSV-2 and varicella-zoster virus (VZV)). It was observed that ginkgolic acid could inhibit the entry of these viruses into cells, thereby blocking viral replication.

Another study entitled, “Ginkgolic acids inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and its variants by blocking the spike protein/ACE2 interplay” found that ginkgolic acids from ginkgo biloba inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 virus from binding to the ACE2 receptor and thus could potentially be helpful in acute COVID-19 infections.

I use VascuSelect from Moss Nutrition which contains 120 mg of ginkgo biloba, 100 mg of grape seed extract, and 100 mg of mango fruit powder per capsule for acute and chronic viruses dosed 1 capsule once or twice a day with or without food.

Grape seed extract and mango fruit powder have also been shown to have antiviral properties. This trio of herbs not only has antiviral properties, but they also protect and repair the microcirculation which is damaged by viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

In summary, ginkgo biloba has exhibited diverse antiviral activities spanning multiple different types of viruses, indicating its potential clinical use as a supplemental antiviral agent.

Hedberg Institute Members can download full antiviral protocols by logging in.

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References

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