The Miraculous Power of Ginkgo Biloba: The Discovery of Ginkgolide B's Dual Anti-Aging Effects

In the pursuit of health and longevity, scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery. Research published in the journal Nature Aging has revealed that Ginkgolide B, a compound found in Ginkgo biloba leaves, exhibits dual anti-aging effects, extending lifespan and combating muscle loss.

The study, conducted by Lee and colleagues, demonstrated that Ginkgolide B increased the lifespan of mice by 8.5%. The median lifespan (50% survival rate) of mice treated with Ginkgolide B was 905 days, compared to 834 days for untreated mice. Notably, this increase in lifespan was not accompanied by adverse effects, such as insulin resistance, which has been observed with other lifespan-extending compounds like rapamycin.

Aging is often associated with muscle loss, a condition known as sarcopenia, which impairs mobility and quality of life. To investigate Ginkgolide B's effects on muscle loss, researchers administered the compound to 6-month-old mice (equivalent to approximately 30 human years) and measured muscle mass and strength at an age equivalent to approximately 35 human years. The results showed that Ginkgolide B-treated mice had larger muscles and greater strength than untreated mice, indicating its potential to prevent or alleviate muscle loss.

Furthermore, when administered to older mice (equivalent to approximately 60 human years), Ginkgolide B not only improved muscle mass and strength but also enhanced physical function, including hanging ability, balance, and coordination. Additionally, Ginkgolide B reduced muscle aging markers, such as fat infiltration and fibrosis, and increased the number of small blood vessels and larger arteries, which is beneficial for maintaining muscle health.

In terms of body composition and metabolic health, obesity is a significant risk factor for decreased quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Lee and colleagues found that Ginkgolide B treatment reduced fat mass and increased lean body mass in aged mice, restoring blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels to those of younger mice. Ginkgolide B also improved glucose metabolism, exhibiting anti-obesity effects.

Regarding frailty, a condition characterized by vulnerability and decreased physical function, Ginkgolide B treatment reduced the frailty index score by 65% and reversed 19 out of 22 frailty measures in aged mice. Additionally, Ginkgolide B decreased inflammation markers, which contribute significantly to frailty.

Senescent cells are a primary driver of aging, promoting inflammation and damaging healthspan and lifespan. The study revealed that Ginkgolide B reduced senescent cell markers in multiple organs, alleviating the aging burden, decreasing tumor incidence, and mitigating organ damage associated with senescent cells and inflammation.

Notably, the research found that Runx1 gene overexpression contributes to muscle aging, and Ginkgolide B at least partially exerts its effects by reducing Runx1 activity. Interestingly, resistance exercise has also been shown to decrease Runx1 activity, suggesting that exercise may have similar effects to Ginkgolide B.

This study utilized a model of female C57BL/6 mice, with Ginkgolide B administered at a dose of 12 mg/kg. The discovery of Ginkgolide B's dual anti-aging effects opens new avenues for research in the field, offering hope for the potential application of this compound in promoting human health and longevity. Further research is eagerly anticipated.