Improvement of age-related neurocognitive disorders by Ginkgo biloba extract: neuroprotection in focus.

Oxidative stress and enhanced free radical production with subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration are major pathomechanisms for the ageing spectrum of neurocognitive disorders ranging from subjective cognitive decline over mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and vascular dementia (VD). Due to its radical scavenging, antioxidative and mitochondrial function-improving properties standardised Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBE) target several key processes of neurodegeneration. These include mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired mitochondrial quality control, and reduced energy metabolism. GBE's benefits also include supporting neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections, and reducing neuroinflammation, a major driver of disease progression in neurodegenerative conditions. As a consequence, GBE improves several aspects of cognitive dysfunction within the broad spectrum of neurocognitive disorders as indicated by a large body of evidence from randomised controlled studies. Neurocognitive disorders in ageing exist along a continuum, progressing from subjective cognitive decline to mild cognitive impairment, and ultimately to neurodegenerative and vascular dementias.Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction finally leading to neurodegeneration are the major driving forces.Standardised extracts of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba (GBE) show antioxidant and mitochondria protecting properties responsible for the improved cognition across the entire spectrum of neurocognitive disorders.Multiple placebo-controlled studies, reviews, and guidelines confirm GBE’s clinical efficacy in cognitive improvement throughout the neurocognitive continuum.