Ginkgoflavones are a group of flavonoid compounds found in Ginkgo biloba leaves. Extracts from Ginkgo biloba, particularly standardized extracts containing ginkgoflavones and terpenoids, have been studied for their potential neuroprotective effects, including use in cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke. The proposed mechanisms include antioxidant activity, inhibition of platelet-activating factor, improvement of cerebral blood flow, and reduction of neuronal apoptosis.

Several preclinical studies have shown that ginkgoflavones can reduce brain damage and improve neurological outcomes in animal models of ischemic stroke. Some small clinical trials and meta-analyses have suggested modest benefits of Ginkgo biloba extracts in improving cognitive and neurological outcomes after stroke, but the quality of evidence is variable and often limited by methodological flaws, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity in study design. Large, well-controlled clinical trials are lacking, and most guidelines do not currently recommend Ginkgo biloba or ginkgoflavones as standard therapy for stroke.

Thus, while there is some scientific interest and limited evidence supporting the use of ginkgoflavones for stroke, the strength of evidence is low (rated 2/5), and further research is needed to determine efficacy and safety. Ginkgo biloba extracts should not replace established medical treatments for stroke.