New Insight into the Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Vascular Aging Prevention

Background: Aging-associated vascular dysfunction promotes cardiovascular diseases. Recently, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has attracted considerable attention in the prevention of aged vasculature. Methods: This review discusses the pathophysiological alterations in aged vasculature and the underlying mechanisms of GBE in vascular aging suppression. Results: Both arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction are critical aging-related vascular phenotypes that result in the progression of cardiovascular diseases in the general population. Consistent oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction lead to vascular dysfunction. GBE ameliorates aging-related vascular dysfunction, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The main effects of GBE in aged vasculature might be associated with the longevity signaling pathways. GBE also attenuates the progression of vascular aging in diabetes mellitus via regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Conclusion: GBE plays an important role in the prevention of vascular aging process. It is a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate aging-related vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.