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Effects of the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® on neuroplasticity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 July 2012

Walter E. Müller*
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
Jeanine Heiser
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
Kristina Leuner
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany Department of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Walter Müller, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Biocenter, Goethe University, Marie-Curie Street 9, 60439, Frankfurt, Germany. Phone: +49 69 79829373; Fax: +49 69 79829374. Email: pharmacolnat@em.uni-frankfurt.de.

Abstract

Neuroplasticity, the ability of synapses to undergo structural adaptations in response to functional demand or dysfunctions is increasingly impaired in aging and Alzheimer's disease. EGb761® has been shown in several preclinical reports to increase nearly all aspects of impaired neuroplasticity (long-term potentiation, spine density, neuritogenesis, neurogenesis). While all three fractions of constituents (ginkgolides, flavonoids, bilobalide) seem to be active, the flavonoids and specifically the aglycone isorhamnetin seem to be most relevant.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2012

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