A Review on <i>Ginkgo biloba</i> : Nutritional Profile, Toxicity, and Its Therapeutic Potential in Stroke Management

ABSTRACT Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) is a plant with many bioactive components and is an old species that is believed to offer a range of health advantages to living organisms. It belongs to the family of Ginkgoaceae and exhibits a strong tolerance to both biological and environmental stresses. As G. biloba contains flavonoids, terpene trilactones, and phenolic substances, its fruits and leaves have considerable therapeutic potential. However, the alkylphenols found in Ginkgo seeds are poisonous and allergenic. Stroke is a neurological impairment caused by vascular injury of the central nervous system, and globally, stroke is ranked as the second most common cause of death and disability. Numerous risk factors, disease processes, and mechanisms can contribute to stroke, which is not a single disease. G. biloba played a crucial role in the prevention and therapy of stroke and its different types. This review focuses on the nutritional value, bioactive ingredients, toxicity, and drug interactions of G. biloba and their use in the therapy of different types of strokes. This review aimed to set the stage for future studies on the safe and effective use of G. biloba by facilitating a comprehensive examination of its properties and promoting the development of novel agents.