Description: <p>
<strong>Ginkgolic acids (GAs)</strong> are a group of naturally occurring
2-hydroxy-6-alkylsalicylic acids found in <em>Ginkgo biloba</em> leaves,
seeds and especially the seed coat. Major congeners include
<strong>ginkgolic acid C13:0, C15:1 and C17:1</strong>. Ginkgolic acids have
demonstrated antimicrobial, antiviral, autophagy-modulating and anticancer
activities in preclinical studies. In cancer models, GAs can suppress
proliferation, migration and invasion and promote apoptosis through mechanisms
including inhibition of SUMOylation, STAT3 signalling, Hsp90 activity and other
oncogenic pathways. Individual congeners can differ substantially in potency
and biological activity, so specific forms such as C15:1 or C17:1 should be
recorded separately when identified. Ginkgolic acids are kept
separate from standardized <em>Ginkgo biloba</em> extracts because they are
considered potentially toxic constituents and are deliberately reduced to very
low concentrations in purified medicinal ginkgo preparations. Current
anticancer evidence is predominantly preclinical.
</p>