Method for Isolating Terpene Trilactones (Ginkgolides, Bilobalide) from Leaves and Pharmaceutical Powders of Ginkgo biloba
- Summary
- Lead Inventors: Koji NakanishiProblem or Unmet Need:Ginkgo biloba is a frequently used herbal remedy for increasing cognitive function (particularly in the elderly and Alzheimer's patients), treating vascular and neurodegenerative dementia, as well as improving circulation and tinnitus. The main active ingredients have been identified as flavonoids and terpene trilactones (TTLs), including Ginkgolides A,B,C,J and Bilobalide, which have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Although Ginkgo biloba extract has been approved as medicine in Germany and France in the form of the standardized formula EGb 761, herbal remedies in the US require no approval by the FDA, and thus vary in quality, safety, and efficacy. Not only do purer forms of the active ingredients need to be tested for their biological activity, but they would contribute to higher quality dietary supplements and lead to possible development of a pharmaceutical-grade drug. The invention is a method for isolating terpene trilactones from Ginkgo biloba plant material or extract, resulting in a 10-fold higher enrichment of TTLs compared to other common preparations. Administration of this enriched extracted to Alzheimer's Disease mice results in improved memory compared to those given commercially available Ginkgo extracts.
- Technology Benefits
- Improves memory in Alzheimer model mice 10-fold higher purity of TTLs than EGb 761 (55-70% vs. 5-7%) Rapid extraction process (shortened from several days to one day) Economical and efficient Versatile (start from leaves or commercial extract) Opportunity:STV is actively seeking a licensing partner(s) who will develop and market products and/or processes based on the method for isolating terpene trilactones from Ginkgo biloba.
- Technology Application
- Enrichment of TTL content in nutraceuticals (dietary supplements, functional foods/beverages) Ideal starting material for pure TTL preparation Low-flavonoid/high-TTL controls in animal/clinical studies Treatment for Alzheimer's disease, dementia, vascular disorders, tinnitus
- Detailed Technology Description
- The invention is a method for isolating terpene trilactones from Ginkgo biloba plant material or extract, resulting in a 10-fold higher enrichment of TTLs compared to other common preparations. Administration of this enriched extracted to Alzheimer's...
- *Abstract
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None
- *Inquiry
- Jullian Jones Columbia Technology Ventures Tel: (212) 854-8444 Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu
- *IR
- M01-055
- *Principal Investigator
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- *Publications
- Protection against beta-amyloid induced abnormal synaptic function and cell death by Ginkgolide. J. Vitolo O, Gong B, Cao Z, Ishii H, Jaracz S, Nakanishi K, Arancio O, Dzyuba SV, Lefort R, Shelanski M. Neurobiol Aging. 2007 Jul 17.
- *Web Links
- Patent: EP1416949USPTO: US 6,844,451
- Country/Region
- USA

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