Ginkgo Reverses Memory Loss in Rats with Experimental
Alzheimer's
A study released in the October issue of
the journal Life Sciences indicates Ginkgo biloba can protect
the brain against changes that lead to impaired memory.
Researchers in Hong Kong treated rats with beta-amyloid for 14
days, a procedure that results in Alzheimers-like changes. After
the animals were treated with beta-amyloid, they experienced
memory impairment when attempting to negotiate a water maze.
When the animals were treated orally with Ginkgo biloba extract,
however, the treatment partially reversed the memory deficit.
The researchers concluded that Ginkgo biloba can protect the
brain against beta-amyloid and the resulting changes that lead
to memory impairment. The study authors believe Ginkgo exerts
its benefits through its ability to liberate acetylcholine, a
cognitive enhancing neurotransmitter.
Reference:
Tang F, Nag S, Shiu S, Pang S. The effects of melatonin and
Ginkgo biloba extract on memory loss and choline
acetyltransferase activities in the brain of rats infused
intracerebroventricularly with beta-amyloid 1-40. Life Sci. 2002
Oct 18;71(22):2625. |
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