Gingko Biloba Extract Research Articles

The Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) protects the kidney from damage produced by a single and low dose of carbon tetrachloride in adult male rats

Gingko biloba leaves have been used as herbal medicine in China for 5000 years, and the standardized leaf extract (GB-STE) has some beneficial effects in the treatment of age-related, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of the Gingko biloba extract (GbE) against the toxicity of a single and relatively low dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In male adult Wistar rats, we determined the urine flux, the concentration of total proteins in urine, the concentration of glucose in urine, and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal cortex as well as two markers of renal function (clearance of inulin and p-aminohippurate); we also compared the histological lesions caused by CCl4. Carbon tetrachloride increased the urinary concentration of total proteins, and the renal concentration of MDA; however, it did not modify the urine flux, urinary concentration of glucose, nor the inuline or the p-aminohipurate clearances. Morphologically, CCl4 generated some tubular damage that was more intense in the inner cortex of kidneys. The GbE extract counteracted the effects of CCl4 on the concentration of total proteins in urine, the concentration of renal MDA, and the renal histological changes. In conclusion the main toxic effects produced by CCl4 were prevented by the GbE, probably due to their antioxidant properties and the inhibition of the main P450 isoenzyme (CYP2E1) that metabolize CCl4.

Motivations for Botanical Use by Socioeconomically Diverse, Urban Adults: Does Evidence Support Motivation?

The study objectives were to characterize botanical dietary supplement (BDS) use and to compare the motivations for botanical supplement (BS) use to the efficacy of the botanical in a socioeconomically and racially diverse urban adult population. Subjects were from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, a 20-year prospective health disparities study with African American and white adults from Baltimore, Maryland. All study participants completed two dietary recalls and a dietary supplement (DS) questionnaire in Wave 3 (n = 2140). Diet quality was evaluated by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 and the Mean Adequacy Ratio for 17 micronutrients. A comparison of reported motivations to efficacy reported in the literature of single BS was conducted. Approximately 50% (1062/2140) of participants took DS. Of these, 8% (n = 178) reported taking either BS or BDS. It was found that BDS users had better diet quality than DS users as well as nonusers of DS. The top three motivations for BDS users were to improve overall health, to maintain health, and to supplement the diet. There is limited evidence for the efficacy of most BS. Review of the efficacy of the 15 BS reported by ≥5% of the study population revealed beneficial health roles for only fiber, gingko biloba extract EGb 761, and hawthorn berry. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to report a better quality diet with BDS use for a racially diverse urban population. Yet, improvement in diet is needed because overall quality did not achieve current recommendations. To improve overall health, it may be beneficial for this population to focus on dietary modifications to reduce the risks associated with chronic diseases. In general, the reported motivations for BS use were not supported by clinical evidence.

Development, characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation of Gingko biloba extract (EGB761) loaded microemulsion for intra-nasal application

Background: Ginkgo biloba is therapeutically important fossil species with extended benefits against CNS disorders as; it contains various potential constituents which are known for their specific actions. In spite of this fact its medicinal usage are limited due to the limited absorption, rapid elimination, vigorous biotransformation and low bioavailability of its therapeutic components. Objective: The present study is an attempt to develop a microemulsion system of standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB761) for intranasal application. Material and methods: It is developed by water titration method using Isopropyl Myristate (oil), Tween 80 (surfactant) and Ethanol (co surfactant). Results: EGB761 loaded microemulsions were developed and characterized. The optimized formulation showed particle size of 259.8 ± 6.3 nm, PDI score of 0.186 ± 0.092 and zeta potential as -9.87 ± 2.23 mv. Also, TEM images showed size range from 84 - 260 nm with smooth and spherical morphology. In vitro phyto-constituents release through isolated nasal mucosa showed release pattern of zero order kinetics with sustained release (up to 16 hours). Moreover, cytotoxicity evaluation (RPMI2650 cell lines) didn’t show cytotoxicity for both GBME (99.3 % ± 2.28 % and 98.17 % ± 1.86%) and plain EGB761 extract (95.3 % ± 2.1 and 91.7 % ± 1.07) with different time periods (3 and 12 hours). Conclusion: Therefore, it has been concluded from the results that, EGB761 based microemulsion (GBME) is developed with particle size range between 84 – 260 nm, having zero order release kinetics. GBME is found to be safe on RPMI2650 cell line and can be further, investigated in in vivo system.

Clinical and electrophysiological efficacy of leaf extract of <i>Gingko biloba</i> L (Ginkgoaceae) in subjects with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy

Purpose: To investigate the health benefits of Gingko biloba L. leave extract EGb 761 in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP).Method: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo trial, patients (n = 156) received Gingko biloba (120 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months. Efficacy of Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 was assessed on the reduction in the scores of “Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire” (SF-MPQ) and improvements in latency, amplitude and conduction velocity of four sensory (ulnar, median, peroneal and sural) and four motor (ulnar, median, peroneal and tibial) nerves.Results: Gingko biloba significantly improved the mean scores of sensory, affective, visual analogue score (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) of SF-MPQ on 3 and 6 month post-treatment. At the start of experiment in the Gingko biloba-treated group, scores for sensory, affective, VAS and PPI domains were 12.90 ± 7.21, 4.40 ± 1.79, 4.38 ± 1.69 and 3.24 ± 0.78 respectively. After 6-months treatment with Gingko biloba, scores for sensory, affective, VAS and PPI domains were reduced (p < 0.01) to 7.24 ± 4.91, 3.11 ± 1.81, 3.37 ± 1.35 and 2.45 ± 0.65 respectively. Contrarily, in the placebo-administered group, sensory domain was (p < 0.01) deteriorated after 6 month (4.70 ± 1.87) compared to the baseline (4.04 ± 1.67). Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 failed to influence the electrophysiological measures when compared with the placebo group. The common adverse effects observed with Gingko biloba were somnolence and dryness of mouth compared with the placebo-treated patientsConclusion: Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 seems to be an effective and safe drug for reducing symptoms of DSP without any apparent effect on the electrophysiological attributes of sensorimotor nerves.Keywords: Diabetic polyneuropathy, Diabetes mellitus, Electrophysiological parameters, Gingko biloba, Sensorimotor nerves, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire

Study the preventive effect of aqueous extract of Gingko biloba on cerebral damage induced by ischemia/ reperfusion in rat

Background: cerebral damage may occur in a variety of clinical settings and this remains a significant problem. Therefore, it seems possible that the administration aqueous extract of Gingko biloba might protect the brain against the ischemia reperfusion injury.Objectives: The study included knowledge Phytochemical Composition and determine whether Gingko biloba in the aqueous extract prevents or decreases I/R brain damage.Methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups as control, I/R group and Gingko biloba treatment group. Serum was used for the estimation of biochemical parameters: oxidative stress levels of nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) and blood was used for the estimation of enzyme immunoassay: Interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor Alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β).Results: The results showed that the extract contain : glycosides , saponins ,tannins ,phenolic compounds , resins, flavonoids ,alkaloids and proteins.The levels of Oxidative stress in group 3 were significantly lower than those in group 2 as well as the levels of enzyme immunoassay in group 3 were significantly lower than those in group 2.Conclusion: The present results suggest that Gingko biloba treatment protects the rat brain against ischemiareperfusion brain damage.

Füstölt barramundi filé termékek hazai fogyasztói megítélésének vizsgálata

A tanulmány a barramundi halfajból készült füstölt halfilé funkcionális élelmiszer irányába történő fejlesztésével kapcsolatos termékkóstoltatással egybekötött primer kutatás – a terjedelmi korlátoknak köszönhetően – legfontosabb eredményeit mutatja be. A kutatás célja az volt, hogy információt nyújtson a célközönség, esetünkben a hipermarketekben vásárló fogyasztók: (1) egyes halfogyasztási szokásairól, (2) a tudatos halfogyasztáshoz kapcsolódó attitűdjeikről, (3) az elmúlt időszakban a hazai piacra bevezetett barramundi halfaj ismertségéről, az azzal kapcsolatos fogyasztói benyomásokról, (4) valamint a legújabb termékfejlesztés (pozitív élelmi hatású anyagokkal (pl. vitamin komplex, tökmagolaj, ginkóbiloba-kivonat, máriatövismag-olaj stb.) dúsított füstölt barramundi fogyasztói megítéléséről. Az eredmények alapján elmondhatjuk, hogy kedvezőek voltak a barramundival kapcsolatos fogyasztói benyomások, mivel a halfajt alapvetően szimpatikus megjelenésű, prémium kategóriás halként pozícionálták. A termékfejlesztés, azaz a füstölt barramundi filé mint funkcionális élelmiszer kedvező fogyasztói fogadtatásra lelt. A kifejlesztett termék potenciális célközönsége fogyasztott már korábban füstölt halat és meg volt elégedve a kóstolót követően az új termék ízvilágával. Fontos hangsúlyozni, hogy a megkérdezettek egyáltalán nem voltak tisztában azzal, hogy mit takar a „funkcionális élelmiszer” kifejezés, ugyanakkor az ilyen irányú termékfejlesztést helyeselték. Legszimpatikusabbnak a szív és a szem egészségét megőrző, betegségét megelőző funkcionális élelmiszer-komponenseket nevezték meg. A kutatás alapján elmondható, hogy a termékfejlesztés iránya jó, minden szempontból kielégíti a hazai célközönség halfogyasztással kapcsolatos szokásait, elvárásait és igényeit. JEL-kódok: Q13, P46

Purification of Ginkgo biloba Extract by Antisolvent Recrystallization

AbstractThe content of flavonoids in Gingko biloba extract (GBE) could be increased by antisolvent recrystallization (ASR) using ethanol as solvent and hexane as antisolvent. By means of the single‐factor method, the effect of main factors on the content of flavonoids in purified GBE was investigated. Under optimal conditions, the content of flavonoids and ginkgo terpene lactones in purified GBE could be significantly enhanced. In addition, the content of total ginkgolic acid in purified GBE was reduced. The morphologies of raw and purified GBE were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the particle size of purified GBE was much smaller than that of raw GBE. At the same time, the saturated solubility could be improved by more than four times.

Effects of Gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on vascular smooth muscle cell calcification induced by β-glycerophosphate

Objective To investigate the effects of Gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on calcification induced by β-glycerophosphate in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods Rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were cultured with various concentrations of EGb 761 and β-glycerophosphate for 7 days. Calcium content in the cells, alkaline phosphatase activity, cell protein content, NF-κB activation, and reactive oxygen species production were assayed, respectively. Results The calcium depositions of vascular smooth muscle cells of the β-glycerophosphate group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01), and were inhibited by EGb 761 in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Data showed β-glycerophosphate induced the enhanced expression of alkaline phosphatase, up-regulated the NF-κB activity and increased reactive oxygen species production of vascular smooth muscle cells while these decreased when administrated with EGb 761(p < 0.05). Conclusions EGb 761 significantly reduced deposition of calcium induced by β-glycerophosphate in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. It not only reduced the deposition of calcium, but also inhibited osteogenic transdifferentiation, which may be associated with decreasing expression of alkaline phosphatase, down-regulating the NF-κB activity, and reducing reactive oxygen species production of vascular smooth muscle cells, and may have the potential to serve as a role for vascular calcification in clinical situations.

The Potential for Correcting Cognitive Decline in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Study aim. To identify and correct cognitive decline using gingko biloba EGb 761 in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods. The results from studies of 120 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are presented. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the MMSE, MoCa, and TMT (parts A and B) tests. Results and conclusions. Cognitive impairments were detected in 85% of patients, with reductions in attention, short-term memory, and thinking speed; 83% of patients had moderate cognitive impairments. Standardized gingko biloba extract EGb 761 given at a dose of 240 mg/day for one month was found to improve short-term memory, the concentration of attention, and thinking speed.

Pentoxifylline for intermittent claudication.

Intermittent claudication (IC) is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pentoxifylline, one of many drugs used to treat IC, acts by decreasing blood viscosity, improving erythrocyte flexibility and promoting microcirculatory flow and tissue oxygen concentration. Many studies have evaluated the efficacy of pentoxifylline in treating individuals with PAD, but results of these studies are variable. This is an update of a review first published in 2012. To determine the efficacy of pentoxifylline in improving the walking capacity (i.e. pain-free walking distance and total (absolute, maximum) walking distance) of individuals with stable intermittent claudication, Fontaine stage II. For this update, the Cochrane Vascular Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched April 2015) and the Cochrane Register of Studies (2015, Issue 3). All double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pentoxifylline versus placebo or any other pharmacological intervention in patients with IC Fontaine stage II. Two review authors separately assessed included studies,. matched data and resolved disagreements by discussion. Review authors assessed the methodological quality of studies by using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool and collected results related to pain-free walking distance (PFWD) and total walking distance (TWD). Comparison of studies was based on duration and dose of pentoxifylline. We included in this review 24 studies with 3377 participants. Seventeen studies compared pentoxifylline versus placebo. In the seven remaining studies, pentoxifylline was compared with flunarizine (one study), aspirin (one study), Gingko biloba extract (one study), nylidrin hydrochloride (one study), prostaglandin E1 (two studies) and buflomedil and nifedipine (one study). The quality of the evidence was generally low, with large variability in reported findings.. Most included studies did not report on random sequence generation and allocation concealment, did not provide adequate information to allow selective reporting to be judged and did not report blinding of assessors. Heterogeneity between included studies was considerable with regards to multiple variables, including duration of treatment, dose of pentoxifylline, baseline walking distance and participant characteristics; therefore, pooled analysis was not possible.Of 17 studies comparing pentoxifylline with placebo, 14 reported TWD and 11 reported PFWD; the difference in percentage improvement in TWD for pentoxifylline over placebo ranged from 1.2% to 155.9%, and in PFWD from -33.8% to 73.9%. Testing the statistical significance of these results generally was not possible because data were insufficient. Most included studies suggested improvement in PFWD and TWD for pentoxifylline over placebo and other treatments, but the statistical and clinical significance of findings from individual trials is unclear. Pentoxifylline generally was well tolerated; the most commonly reported side effects consisted of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea. Given the generally poor quality of published studies and the large degree of heterogeneity evident in interventions and in results, the overall benefit of pentoxifylline for patients with Fontaine class II intermittent claudication remains uncertain. Pentoxifylline was shown to be generally well tolerated.Based on total available evidence, high-quality data are currently insufficient to reveal the benefits of pentoxifylline for intermittent claudication.

Effects of Immunomodulatory Peptide Y On Cognitive Functions in Animal Models

Despite the great intensity of studies to explain mechanisms of the Alzheimer’s disease, there’s still lack of effective prevention and treatment. As many specimens had been unadmitted because of their adverse side effects, thus recent attempts to follow natural biological protective mechanisms might open a range of possibilities in developing novel drugs to slow down processes of dementia and cognitive impairment. Promising results were achieved in patients treated with herbal agents, such as Gingko biloba extract, as well as animal derived preparations, i.a. PRP/Colostrinine (proline rich polipeptyde) complex isolated from ovine and bovine colostrum with confirmed immunomodulating properties and pro-cognitive action on memory and learning functions. The contribution of egg yolk (vitellus) ingredients to chicks development appeared similar to mammalian colostrum role in growth and immunity of newborns. Recently discovered polipeptyde complex associated with IgY, named Yolkine,has been put to the series of experiments in order to determine the effects of egg yolk preparations on cognitive functions in young and old rats as a model of cognitive decline and process of brain aging. To estimate Yolkine efficiency, different doses and routes of administration were applied, along with wide range of aging-sensitive behavioral tests, i.a. novel object recognition task and Morris water maze. The authors will present the results of the ongoing study and key findings.

Effects of Gingko biloba extract on tissue distribution of fluoxetine and venlafaxine in rats.

Objective:There are many concerns about the interactions of herbal products with conventional drugs, which are mostly used as multiple drug treatment approach. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of long-term use of Ginkgo biloba extract (GK) on the absorption and tissue distribution of fluoxetine and venlafaxine.Materials and Methods:46 Wistar rats are utilized and allocated into 8 groups; 2 groups administered the vehicle and saved as control; 4 groups are treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg of GK extract for 30 days; 2 groups are treated with 40 mg/kg verapamil for 10 days. The liver, kidney, and brain distribution of fluoxetine and venlafaxine were evaluated after single oral doses using high performance liquid chromatographic method.Results:200 mg/kg GK increases fluoxetine concentrations in all studied organs, while GK 100 mg/kg increases venlafaxine levels in kidney tissue and not affected in the other two organs.Conclusion:Thirty days treatment with GK (100 mg/kg) increases kidney availability of venlafaxine, while 200 mg GK dose increases fluoxetine availability in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues after single oral doses.

Gingko biloba Extract Ameliorates Colonic Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of Colitis in Mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a serious gastrointestinal tract disease characterized by recurrent chronic inflammation and mucosal damage of the gastrointestinal tract. The conventional therapies of choice are anti-inflammatory agents, steroids and anti-TNF-α therapy. However, inherent limitations in these therapies have steered many UC patients to supplement existing therapies with alternative medicinal products. In the current study, we tested the efficacy of Gingko bilola extract (EGb 761) in abating colonic inflammation in a DSS-induced murine model of colitis. C57BL/6 mice were administered 2% DSS in the drinking water for 7 days, then regular water for 7 days, and then 2% DSS for an additional 7 days. EGb 761 (1 mg/dose) was oral gavaged daily for the duration of the experiment. At the termination of the experiment, mice treated with EGb+DSS showed higher body weight, lower spleen weight and longer colon length compared to mice treated with DSS alone. HE-stained colon tissues also exhibited less histologic inflammation in mice treated with EGb+ DSS mice compared to mice treated with DSS alone. The serum levels inflammatory cytokines, KC and TNF-α, were also decreased in mice treated with EGb+DSS compared to mice treated with DSS alone. Finally, addition of EGb 761 to TNF-α treated colonic cell line (HT29/c1) decreased secretion of IL-8 in vitro. These results collectively suggest that EGb 761 abates induction of colitis in DSS-induced model of colitis in mice.

Plant-based nutraceutical interventions against cognitive impairment and dementia: meta-analytic evidence of efficacy of a standardized Gingko biloba extract.

Among nutraceuticals and nutritional bioactive compounds, the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is the most extensively clinically tested herbal-based substance for cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the last three years, notwithstanding negative meta-analytic findings and the discouraging results of preventive trials against AD, some randomized controlled trials focusing particularly on dementia, AD, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subgroups with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and some recent meta-analyses have suggested a renowned role for EGb 761 for cognitive impairment and dementia. Meta-analytic findings suggested overall benefits of EGb 761 for stabilizing or slowing decline in cognition of subjects with cognitive impairment and dementia. The safety and tolerability of EGb 761 appeared to be excellent at different doses. Subgroup analyses showed that these clinical benefits of EGb 761 were mainly associated with the 240 mg/day dose, and also confirmed in the AD subgroup. More importantly, one of these meta-analyses showed clinical benefits in cognition, behavior, functional status, and global clinical change of EGb 761 at a dose of 240 mg/day in the treatment of patients with dementia, AD, and MCI with NPS. The inclusion of the recent randomized controlled trials focusing on dementia, AD, and MCI subgroups with NPS may partly explain the conflicting results of these recent meta-analyses and previous pooled findings.

Gingko biloba fruit extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for J55 steel in CO2 saturated 3.5% NaCl solution

The inhibition of the corrosion of J55 steel in 3.5wt.% NaCl solution saturated with CO2 by the fruit extract of Gingko biloba (GFE) has been studied using mass spectrometry (MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization, contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing concentration of the extract. The adsorption of the extract on the J55 steel surface obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorbed film on J55 steel surface containing inhibitor was confirmed by the contact angle, and SEM results. The results obtained showed that the GFE could serve as an effective inhibitor of the corrosion of J55 steel in 3.5% NaCl saturated with CO2.

A study on the inhibition of N80 steel in 3.5% NaCl solution saturated with CO2 by fruit extract of Gingko biloba

The inhibition of the corrosion of N80 steel in 3.5wt.% NaCl solution saturated with CO2 by the fruit extract of Gingko biloba (GBFE) was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. Inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing concentration of the extract. The adsorption of the extract on the N80 steel surface obeyed the Temkin adsorption isotherm. Polarization curves showed that GBFE behaves as a mixed-type inhibitor in NaCl solution. The adsorbed film on N80 steel surface containing inhibitor was confirmed by the SEM, SECM, and UV–vis results. The results obtained showed that the GBFE could serve as an effective inhibitor of the corrosion of N80 steel in 3.5% NaCl saturated with CO2.

Effect of EGb761 on light-damaged retinal pigment epithelial cells.

To investigate the protective mechanism of Gingko Biloba extract (EGb761) on the ability of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to resist light-induced damage in a comparative proteomics study. Human RPE cells (ARPE-19) were randomly distributed to one of three groups: normal control (NC group) and light-damaged model without or with EGb761 group (M and ME groups, respectively). The light-damaged model was formed by exposing to white light (2 200±300)lx for 6h. The RPE cells in ME group were conducted with EGb 761 (100µg/mL) before light exposure. The soluble cellular proteins extracting from each groups were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and stained by silver staining. Different proteins in the profiles of the gels were analyzed by Image Master Software. Two-fold expressing protein spots were identified by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry. NC, M and ME groups displayed 1 892±71, 2 145±23 and 2 216±85 protein spots, respectively. We identified 33 proteins with different expression levels between the NC and M groups, 25 proteins between the M and ME groups, and 11 proteins between the NC and ME groups. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry successfully identified 16 proteins, including metabolic enzymes, cytoskeletal proteins, anti-oxidation proteins, and others. Differences in some important proteins, such as cathepsin B, heat shock protein, and cytochrome c reductase, indicated that multiple pathways may be induced in light-damaged RPE cells and the protective effect of EGb761.

Ginkgo biloba on focal cerebral ischemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gingko biloba extract (EGB) has been used in traditional medicines for centuries, and although its application to cerebral ischemia has been of great interest in recent years, high quality evidence-based clinical trials have not been carried out. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of EGB on focal cerebral ischemia in animal models. A systematic literature search was performed using five databases spanning January 1980-July 2013. The outcome was assessed using the effect size, which was based on infarct size and/or neurological score. A total of 42 studies with 1,232 experimental animals matched our inclusion criteria. The results revealed that EGB improved the effect size by 34% compared to the control group. The animal species, the method and time to measure outcome, and the route and dosage of EGB administration affected the variability of the effect size. Mechanisms of EGB neuroprotection were reported as anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory. In conclusion, EGB exerts a significant protective effect on experimental focal cerebral ischemia. However, possible experimental bias should be taken into account in future clinical studies.

Relationship Satisfaction as a Predictor of Treatment Response During Cognitive Behavioral Sex Therapy

Impairments in sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm are common problems reported by women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Sex therapy using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a promising method for FSD. The primary goals of CBT are to help a woman improve her sexual satisfaction and to reduce or eliminate her sexual distress. Identification of predictors of treatment response in women receiving CBT could help determine which women will benefit most from this therapy. Little information is available on predictors of treatment response. It has been suggested that low relationship satisfaction may impair the effectiveness of individual CBT for sexual dysfunction. Women reporting low relationship satisfaction before CBT could show a weaker association between changes in sexual functioning and changes in sexual satisfaction/distress. The present study assessed the degree to which pretreatment relationship satisfaction predicted treatment response to CBT. A total of 31 women with sexual dysfunction (average age = 28 years, 77.4% white) were randomized to receive CBT with or without ginkgo biloba as part of a previously published randomized clinical trial. Gingko biloba extract is hypothesized to have beneficial effects on peripheral circulation, which may facilitate genital engorgement during sexual activities. Pretreatment and posttreatment data were compared using validated self-reported measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, sexual functioning, and relationship satisfaction. The level of pretreatment relationship satisfaction was predictive after CBT for changes in sexual satisfaction and distress, but not sexual functioning. Women with high relationship satisfaction before CBT experienced improvements in sexual functioning and decreasing sexual distress levels, whereas changes in sexual functioning among those with low pretreatment relationship satisfaction were associated with increased levels of sexual distress. Relationship satisfaction before therapy was a moderator of the association between changes in sexual functioning and changes in sexual distress. Improved sexual functioning was associated with decreased levels of sexual distress only among women with high pretreatment relationship satisfaction. These data show that small improvements in sexual functioning produced by CBT among women who entered therapy with low levels of relationship satisfaction were unable to alleviate their sexual distress. Low pretreatment relationship satisfaction may be predictive for poor response to CBT.

Antioxidant, Iron Chelating and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities of Extracts from Talinum triangulare Leach Stem.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant activity against the radical species DPPH, the reducing capacity against Fe II ions, and the inhibitory activity on the tyrosinase enzyme of the T. triangulare. Hydromethanolic crude extract provided two fractions after the liquid/liquid partition with chloroform. The Folin-Ciocalteu method determined the total phenolic content of the crude extract (CE) and the hydromethanolic fraction (Fraction 1), resulting in a concentration of 0.5853 g/100 g for Fraction 1, and 0.1400 g/100 g for the CE. Taking into account the results of the DPPH, the free radical scavenging capacity was confirmed. The formation of complexes with Fe II ions was evaluated by UV/visible spectrometry; results showed that CE has complexing power similar to the positive control (Gingko biloba extract).The inhibitory capacity of samples against the tyrosinase enzyme was determined by the oxidation of L-DOPA, providing IC50 values of 13.3 μg·mL−1 (CE) and 6.6 μg·mL−1 (Fraction 1). The values indicate that Fraction 1 was more active and showed a higher inhibitory power on the tyrosinase enzyme than the ascorbic acid, used as positive control. The hydromethanolic extract of T. triangulare proved to have powerful antioxidant activity and to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme; its potential is increased after the partition with chloroform.