Brain surrounded by Ginkgo biloba leaves and oxygen bubbles

Unlocking Brain Health: Can Oxygen and Ginkgo Biloba Combat Alzheimer's?

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how hyperbaric oxygen and Ginkgo biloba extract could improve cognitive function by targeting the NF-kB pathway in Alzheimer's disease."

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a frightening reality for many, characterized by a slow decline in cognitive functions, affecting memory, language, and overall mental agility. Scientists are tirelessly searching for effective treatments to slow or halt this progression. Among the promising avenues of research is the exploration of natural compounds and therapies that can support brain health and potentially counteract the effects of AD.

One area of particular interest is the relationship between inflammation in the brain and the progression of AD. A key player in this inflammatory process is a protein complex called nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB). While NF-kB has various roles in the body, its activation in the brain is linked to nerve degeneration and diseases like AD. Researchers are keen to understand how to regulate NF-kB activity to protect brain cells and maintain cognitive function.

In this context, two treatments have garnered attention for their potential cognitive benefits: hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB 761). HBO involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, while Ginkgo biloba extract is derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study aimed to investigate whether these treatments, alone or in combination, could improve cognitive and memory impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease, with a specific focus on the NF-kB pathway.

How Do Oxygen and Ginkgo Biloba Affect the Brain?

Brain surrounded by Ginkgo biloba leaves and oxygen bubbles

The study, published in the Chinese Medical Journal in November 2015, delved into the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB 761) on rats with induced Alzheimer's disease. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the experiment and its findings:

The researchers induced AD in rats by injecting β-amyloid 25-35 into their hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and learning. The rats were then divided into six groups:

Normal (healthy rats)
Sham (rats undergoing a mock procedure)
AD model (rats with induced Alzheimer's)
HBO (rats treated with hyperbaric oxygen)
EGB 761 (rats treated with Ginkgo biloba extract)
HBO/EGB 761 (rats treated with both hyperbaric oxygen and Ginkgo biloba extract)

The cognitive and memory functions of the rats were assessed using Morris water maze tests, which measure their ability to navigate and remember the location of a hidden platform in a pool of water. Additionally, the researchers analyzed brain tissue samples to evaluate apoptosis (programmed cell death) and the activity of proteins related to the NF-kB pathway.

A Promising Future for Alzheimer's Research

This study offers a glimpse into the potential of hyperbaric oxygen and Ginkgo biloba extract as supportive therapies for Alzheimer's disease. While the research is still in its early stages, the findings suggest that these treatments may improve cognitive function and reduce neuronal damage by influencing key pathways in the brain. More studies are needed to confirm these results and determine the optimal dosages and treatment protocols for humans. As we continue to unravel the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, this research brings hope for new and innovative approaches to support brain health and improve the lives of those affected by this devastating condition.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4103/0366-6999.169105, Alternate LINK

Title: Hyperbaric Oxygen And Ginkgo Biloba Extract Ameliorate Cognitive And Memory Impairment Via Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Pathway In Rat Model Of Alzheimer'S Disease

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Chinese Medical Journal

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Li-Da Zhang, Li Ma, Li Zhang, Jian-Guo Dai, Li-Gong Chang, Pei-Lin Huang, Xiao-Qiang Tian

Published: 2015-11-20

Everything You Need To Know

How does Alzheimer's disease affect cognitive functions?

Alzheimer's disease leads to a decline in various cognitive functions, notably affecting memory, language skills, and overall mental agility. This decline is a primary characteristic of the disease, impacting daily life and overall quality of life for those affected. The specific way it degrades these functions relate to nerve degeneration often triggered by activation of the protein complex called nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB).

What is the role of NF-kB in the context of Alzheimer's disease?

In the context of Alzheimer's disease, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) is a key player in the inflammatory processes within the brain. Activation of NF-kB is linked to nerve degeneration, a hallmark of diseases like Alzheimer's. Researchers are interested in regulating NF-kB activity as a potential way to protect brain cells and maintain cognitive function, though the effect on cognitive function and protection of brain cells is still under investigation.

What are hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB 761), and how are they being explored as potential treatments for Alzheimer's?

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, while Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB 761) is derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both are being explored for their potential cognitive benefits in Alzheimer's disease. Studies investigate if these treatments, alone or in combination, can improve cognitive and memory impairment by influencing pathways like the NF-kB pathway.

Can you elaborate on the 2015 Chinese Medical Journal study involving hyperbaric oxygen and Ginkgo biloba extract?

The study, published in the Chinese Medical Journal in November 2015, investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB 761) on rats with induced Alzheimer's disease. Researchers induced AD in rats by injecting β-amyloid 25-35 into their hippocampus. The rats were divided into groups, including normal, sham, AD model, HBO-treated, EGB 761-treated, and combined HBO/EGB 761-treated. Cognitive functions were assessed using Morris water maze tests, and brain tissue samples were analyzed for apoptosis and NF-kB pathway-related protein activity. The goal was to observe if HBO and/or EGB 761 could mitigate the cognitive decline and neuronal damage associated with Alzheimer's in the rat model.

What are the implications of the research on hyperbaric oxygen and Ginkgo biloba extract for future Alzheimer's treatments?

The research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen and Ginkgo biloba extract show promise as potential supportive therapies for Alzheimer's disease. The findings indicate that these treatments may improve cognitive function and reduce neuronal damage, possibly by influencing key pathways in the brain such as the NF-kB pathway. While still in early stages, this research offers hope for new and innovative approaches to support brain health and improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's. It highlights the importance of further studies to confirm these results and determine optimal dosages and treatment protocols for humans. This research can lead to better therapeutic strategies.