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Structural diversity and bioactivity of biflavonoids from ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), a "living fossil" plant with exceptional adaptability to environmental changes

The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is the only living dioecious species in the Ginkgoaceae family. It is characterized by a large genome and high stress tolerance, including abiotic and biotic stresses and dioecious reproduction. Ginkgo trees, often more than 200 years old, are found as ornamental plants in many European cities. The leaves and fruits have been used in medicine for several centuries and the best known beneficial effect is on cognitive ailments. Its good stress tolerance and medicinal use may be related to the presence of various phytochemicals, as biosynthesis and diversity of specific metabolites are crucial for survival in a stressful environment. The biologically active compounds in ginkgo are from the group of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkylphenols and alkylphenolic acids, carboxylic acids, lignans, proanthocyanidins, polyprenols, and polysaccharides. To date, more than one hundred flavonoids with unique structures have been identified. In a GinkoBiFlav project (HRZZ-UIP -2019-04-1018), we focus on biflavonoids in ginkgo. Biflavonoids are flavonoid dimers consisting of two identical or non-identical flavonoid units linked in a symmetrical or asymmetrical manner. Although they have biological activity, their role in plants is unknown. Recently, we have summarized literature data on the diversity, presence, and biological activity of biflavonoids in ginkgo, which we will present. We will also discuss other research directions that could elucidate the role of biflavonoids in ginkgo, possibly related to adaptation to a changing environment.

ginkgo ; living fossil

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