Effects of Ginkgolide B on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cervical Cancer Cells

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. The treatment of cervical cancer mainly focused on surgery and radiotherapy, whereas the prognosis of invasive cervical cancer is still low. Ginkgo biloba is an ancient medicinal plant that has been used for decades to treat ischemic strokes and cognitive decline. Ginkgolide B, an active ingredient extracted from Ginkgo biloba, has multiple biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Ginkgolide B has been found to have anti-tumor effects and inhibits the progression of multiple types of cancers. However, its potential role in cervical cancer is still unclear. In this study, we found that ginkgolide B suppresses the proliferation of cervical cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Ginkgolide B also induces cell cycle arrest and stimulates cell apoptosis by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. We, therefore, present a novel and promising anti-tumor drug for the treatment of cervical cancer.