Therapeutic efficacy of EGb761 (Gingko biloba extract) in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

EGb761 is a standardized extract of green Gingko biloba, which exerts prote ctive effects against mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress. We examine d whether oral administration of 0.022% or 0.045% EGb761 in the diet could impart neuroprotective effects in a transgenic mouse model (G93A) of amyotr ophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). EGb761 significantly improved motor performa nce and survival, and protected against a loss of spinal-cord anterior moto r horn neurons in male G93A mutant transgenic ALS mice,but not in littermat e female mutant transgene mice. While EGb761 extended survival in littermat e female G93A mice, significance was not reached. EGb761, however, signific antly improved weight loss in both male and female transgenic ALS mice. The se findings provide evidence for a gender-specific neuroprotective effect o f EGb761 in a transgenic model of ALS and suggest that EGb761 may be a pote ntial effective treatment in patients with ALS.