title: Ginkgo biloba and neurodegenerative disorders.
abstract: The Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 has been the subject of many studies which confirm its usefulness for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies. These studies have focused on: a) the probable mechanisms of action that are involved in these disorders (including non-specific mechanisms implicated in diverse neurodegenerative disorders, particularly oxidative stress, or specific mechanisms such as those associated with beta-amyloid in Alzheimer's disease) and the processes of neuronal death; b) available animal models, and c) healthy individuals or those suffering from mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. This data must be completed, particularly with regard to new knowledge about the pathogenesis of these disorders. Ambitious interventional studies are underway and may provide new evidence regarding the effect of EGb 761 in preventing Alzheimer's disease in humans. Positive findings would be particularly interesting since this drug is very safe to use.
authors.affiliation: IPSEN, 24 rue Erlanger, 75016 Paris, France. yves.christen@ipsen.com
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Christen
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D005609:Free Radicals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract
chemical_list: D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D000975:Antioxidants; D005609:Free Radicals; D010936:Plant Extracts; C063170:Ginkgo biloba extract; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract