|
Ultimate
Eye Formula |
| Contact Us |
| Resources |
|
GINKO'S EFFECTS ON AGING NERVE CELLS IN THE EYE Loss of energy from seizures linked to free radicals. CoQ10 level low in heart and liver of diabetics. DHEA-S causes an increase in melatonin secretion. Nasal spray prevents recurrence of osteoporotic fractures. Deprenyl improves cardiac function. Effect of HRT on the arteries in perimenopausal women. Cancer and Mediterranean dietary traditions. Prostate cancer risk and physical activity. Raloxifene vs. tamoxifen on lipid metabolism. 1. Ginkgo's effects on aging nerve cells in the eye Age-related changes of mitochondria (cell organelles that produce energy) were studied in glial cells of the retina of the eye from guinea pigs fed with or without externally applied ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), an established free radical scavenger. When cell mitochondria from aged animals were compared with those from young adults, they displayed (1) a diminished number of well-defined cristae, (2) a reduced membrane potential and (3) a slightly reduced index of vitality. Cell mitochondria were also studied in aged guinea pigs that had been fed daily by ginkgo biloba during the last two months before they were sacrificed. The results showed that the cell mitochondria displayed (1) many well-defined cristae, compared with mitochondria from untreated aged animals, (2) a significantly enhanced membrane potential and (3) a significantly enhanced index of vitality. Thus, the results suggest that many but not all structural and functional parameters of aging retinal cell mitochondria are impaired by accumulating free radical damage, and that externally applied radical scavengers may protect these organelles from the damaging actions of free radicals. Ginkgo biloba treatment enhances the intrinsic glutathione (endogenous antioxidant) content of aged guinea pig retinal cells. OPHTHALMIC RESEARCH, 2000, Vol 32, Iss 5, pp 229-236
|