Ginkgetin, a plant biflavone from Ginkgo biloba leaves, inhibits release of cytokines from human PMMC

Ginkgetin was previously reported as an inhibitor of group II phospholipase A$_2$. It also inhibited in vitro arachidonate release from the activated macrophages and lymphocyte proliferation. These previous studies suggested an anti-inflammatory nature of ginkgetin, especially on chronic inflammation. In fact, ginkgetin showed potent anti-inflammatory activity against rat adjuvant-induced arthritis, a chronic inflammatory animal model, with comparable analgesic activity. In order to investigate the action mechanisms, tumor necrosis factor and interferone release were studied from human PMMC. It was found that ginkgetin clearly inhibited release of these cytoknes from human PMMC. Ginkgetin was also found to inhibit immunoglobulin M production at 1 - 10 uM. These results may contribute to antiarthritic activity of ginkgetin in vivo.