Researchers found that a compound called bilobalide, found in ginkgo leaf tea, may help protect brain cells affected by Parkinson’s disease. In laboratory studies with mice, the compound reduced movement problems and brain cell damage caused by Parkinson’s. The researchers discovered that bilobalide works in two ways: it reduces harmful inflammation in the brain and improves the balance of bacteria in the gut, which appears to communicate with the brain. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before ginkgo tea can be recommended as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural compound from ginkgo leaves called bilobalide could help treat Parkinson’s disease and how it might work in the body
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were given a chemical to mimic Parkinson’s disease symptoms; no human participants in this study
  • Key finding: Bilobalide reduced movement problems and protected brain cells in mice with Parkinson’s-like symptoms, working through two pathways: reducing brain inflammation and improving gut bacteria balance
  • What it means for you: This research suggests ginkgo leaf tea may have potential as a future treatment, but it’s still in early stages. People with Parkinson’s should not replace their current medications with ginkgo tea without talking to their doctor first

The Research Details

Scientists started by extracting different compounds from ginkgo leaves and testing which ones protected brain cells. They identified ten active compounds, with bilobalide being the most powerful. They then tested bilobalide in mice that had been given a chemical to create Parkinson’s-like symptoms. The researchers measured how well the mice could move, looked at their brain tissue under a microscope, and analyzed changes in their gut bacteria and brain inflammation markers.

The study used advanced techniques to understand how bilobalide works. They examined which genes were turned on or off in the brain, mapped out the biological pathways involved, and studied how the gut bacteria changed. This multi-layered approach helped them understand the complete picture of how the compound might help.

This research approach is important because it connects traditional herbal medicine with modern science. Rather than just testing whether ginkgo works, the researchers figured out exactly which compound is responsible and how it works in the body. Understanding the mechanism helps scientists develop better treatments and predict which patients might benefit most.

This is laboratory research using animal models, which is a necessary first step but doesn’t prove the treatment will work in humans. The study was thorough in examining multiple biological pathways and mechanisms. However, animal studies often don’t translate directly to human results. The research hasn’t been tested in people with Parkinson’s disease yet, so we can’t know if the benefits will be the same in humans

What the Results Show

Bilobalide significantly improved movement and motor function in mice with Parkinson’s-like symptoms in a dose-dependent way, meaning higher doses worked better. The compound protected dopamine-producing brain cells from dying, which is the main problem in Parkinson’s disease. Under the microscope, researchers could see that bilobalide reduced inflammation in the brain by blocking specific inflammatory pathways (the cAMP-PKA-CREB and TLR4/NLRP3 pathways).

The compound also changed the gut bacteria in beneficial ways. It increased helpful bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family while reducing harmful bacteria like Helicobacter. These changes in gut bacteria were accompanied by increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (acetate and butyrate), which are beneficial compounds produced by healthy gut bacteria.

The study identified nine other compounds in ginkgo leaves that also showed protective effects against Parkinson’s-like damage, suggesting that ginkgo’s benefits may come from multiple compounds working together. The research revealed that bilobalide’s protective effects involve multiple biological systems working together, not just one mechanism. The gut-brain connection appears to be particularly important, as changes in gut bacteria composition correlated with improvements in brain health.

This research builds on previous knowledge that ginkgo has been used traditionally for brain health and that inflammation plays a major role in Parkinson’s disease. However, this is the first study to specifically identify bilobalide as the key active compound and to show how it affects both brain inflammation and gut bacteria. Previous research suggested the gut-brain connection matters in Parkinson’s, and this study provides a mechanism for how ginkgo might work through this pathway.

This study was conducted entirely in laboratory mice, not in humans with Parkinson’s disease. Animal models don’t always translate to human results. The study didn’t test whether ginkgo leaf tea itself (as people would drink it) has the same effects as the isolated bilobalide compound. The dose used in mice may not correspond to practical doses for humans. The study didn’t examine potential side effects or interactions with Parkinson’s medications. Long-term effects weren’t studied, only short-term improvements

The Bottom Line

Based on this research alone, ginkgo leaf tea cannot be recommended as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. The findings are promising but preliminary (confidence level: low for human application). People with Parkinson’s should continue taking their prescribed medications. If interested in ginkgo tea as a complementary approach, they should discuss it with their neurologist first, as ginkgo can interact with some medications

This research is most relevant to Parkinson’s disease researchers and pharmaceutical companies developing new treatments. People with Parkinson’s disease may find it interesting but shouldn’t change their treatment based on this study alone. Family members of people with Parkinson’s might appreciate understanding potential future treatment options. The general public interested in natural health may find this encouraging, but should understand it’s very early-stage research

If bilobalide moves forward to human trials, it would typically take 5-10 years before it could potentially become an approved treatment. Even if human studies are successful, it would need to go through regulatory approval processes. People shouldn’t expect any benefits from ginkgo tea for Parkinson’s in the near term based on this research

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users could track ginkgo tea consumption (cups per day) alongside Parkinson’s symptoms like tremor severity, movement speed, or daily activity levels using a simple 1-10 scale, though they should understand this is personal tracking, not a clinical study
  • If a user’s doctor approves, they could add one cup of ginkgo leaf tea to their daily routine and track any changes in energy, mental clarity, or movement symptoms over 4-8 weeks, while maintaining all prescribed medications
  • Create a weekly symptom check-in that records movement quality, tremor levels, and overall energy, paired with ginkgo consumption logs. Share this data with their healthcare provider to determine if any changes are occurring and whether the tea should be continued

This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in humans with Parkinson’s disease. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to replace any prescribed Parkinson’s medications. People with Parkinson’s disease should consult their neurologist before consuming ginkgo tea or any herbal supplements, as ginkgo can interact with certain medications including blood thinners and some Parkinson’s drugs. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always work with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan.