The antioxidant activity of standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) in rats

The standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) has been widely employe d for its significant benefit in neurodegenerative disorders. Although anti oxidative actions have been attributed to this extract, the mechanisms of t he multiple principles involved in this pharmacological activity are not co mpletely established. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are frequently a ssociated with oxidative stress and defects in the cellular protective mech anisms. In this study, the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were ev aluated in the hippocampus, striatum and substantia nigra (SN) of rats trea ted with EGb 761. An increase in the CAT and SOD activities in the hippocam pus, striatum and SN, and a decrease of the LPO in the hippocampus were obs erved. These data are additional to the antioxidant properties of EGb 761 r eported in the literature and indicate a possible role for the extract in t he treatment of diseases involving free radicals and oxidative damage. Copy right (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.