Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) influences monoaminergic neurotransmission via inhibition of NE uptake, but not MAO activity after chronic treatment.

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Fehske CJ, Leuner K, Muller WE

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) influences monoaminergic neurotransmission via inhibition of NE uptake, but not MAO activity after chronic treatment.

Pharmacol Res. 2009 Jul;60(1):68-73. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2009.02.012. Epub 2009 Mar 21.

PubMed ID

19427589 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

In order to explain cognition-enhancing effects of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761), an increase of central monoaminergic neurotransmission has been suggested, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Here, we confirm that the norepinephrine (NET), the serotonin (SERT), the dopamine (DAT) uptake transporters and MAO activity are inhibited by EGb761 in vitro, although rather high concentrations are required for inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B activity. However, after 14 days of daily oral treatment with 100mg/kg EGb761 only NE uptake is significantly decreased in NMRI mice, while 5-HT uptake and MAO activity are not affected. As synaptic dopamine clearance in the frontal cortex is mediated by NET, not DAT, these findings may give an explanation for the enhancement of dopaminergic neurotransmission by EGb761 seen in animal models, presumably linked to its positive effects on cognition and attention.

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Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Ginkgo biloba	Sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Inhibitor	Details