Extensive evidences has shown the p

Extensive evidences has shown the promising effects of Ginkgo biloba consumption on several diseases such asAlzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and ischemic stroke, etc. Several studies also have reported its beneficial role onmotor activity and cognitive functions. This species contain a unique class of diterpenes, namely Ginkgolide B, whichpossess several pharmacol. activities such as protective effect against cardiovascular disease; the most importantcauses of death worldwide. The promising effects of Ginkgolide B on stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, aresuggested by an overwhelming body of scientific evidences. Many studies have shown that the increase of sirt1expression, the suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and toll-likereceptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-kB, the up-regulation of heme oxygenase 1, erythropoietin secretion and anti-apoptotic proteinexpression, the inhibition of pro-apoptotic proteins expression, and the improvement of endothelial NO synthesis are themain mol. mechanisms involved in the protective effect of Ginkgolide B on ischemic stroke. In this review, all theavailable data on the chem., mechanisms of neuroprotection and clin. impacts of Ginkgolide B are critically discussed.