EFFECT OF THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTION OF GINKGO-BILOBA EXTRACT (EGB-761) ON AGING AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

Aging is responsible for oxidative damage to DNA, protein, lipid, and other macromolecules linked to tissue alterations, The resultant damag e contributes significantly to degenerative diseases, to include those of the brain, sensorial tissues, and cardiovascular system. To protec t cellular components from oxyradical attack, especially lipoperoxidat ion, a substantial interest in the use of antioxidants has evolved, A free radical scavenger, Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) may be effecti ve in fighting the oxidative stress related to aging. Many data suppor t the efficacy of EGb 761 in biological model systems. In aging proces ses, EGb 761 may ameliorate the mitochondria respiratory chain functio n by quenching the superoxide anion, and the hydroxyl and peroxyl radi cals. It protects the brain by facilitating the uptake of neurotransmi tters and by reducing ischemia-reperfusion episodes and level of apopt osis, Moreover, in sensorial tissues, EGb 761 reduces apoptosis in the olfactive bulb and in the retinal pigmented epithelium of the eye, an d protects against the lipoperoxidation alteration of the retina that results in a decrease of the electroretinogram response, In the cardio vascular system, by a direct effect on oxidative low density lipoprote ins, EGb 761 may decrease atherosclerosis evolution, and is shown to a ccelerate cardiac mechanical recovery after ischemia-reperfusion. In c onclusion, the antioxidant effects of EGb 761 noted in many experiment al data, may explain the therapeutic efficacy observed in clinical tri als of the elderly. These beneficial properties seem in part to come f rom the activity of EGb 761 constituents, such as flavonoids and terpe ns.