Ginkgo Biloba Important for Healthy Eyes

By VRP Staff

In an in vitro study, ginkgo biloba stopped the death of eye cells that occurs during high glucose levels, indicating it may have a role to play in supporting the health of individuals at risk for diabetic cataracts.

Researchers investigated whether ginkgo biloba extract had protective effects on high glucose-induced cell death of human lens cells. They also studied its possible molecular mechanisms.

The cultured lens cells were divided into six groups: a normal group, a high glucose group, low-, moderate-, and high-dose ginkgo biloba groups, and a group given an anti-cataract drug.

After being incubated with high glucose for 24 hours, lens cells underwent cell death and exhibited significant oxidative stress. However, in the presence of ginkgo biloba at different doses, the rate of lens cell death was lower and the oxidative stress state was significantly ameliorated. The activation of caspase-3, an enzyme that plays an essential role in cell death and inflammation, was suppressed by ginkgo in a dose-dependent manner.

The researchers concluded that ginkgo biloba extract prevents lens cells from high glucose-induced apoptosis through inhibiting oxidative stress and by decreasing the activity of caspase-3.

“Therefore, ginkgo biloba extract has a potential protective effect against diabetic cataract formation,” the researchers wrote.

Reference:

Wu ZM, Yin XX, Ji L, Gao YY, Pan YM, Lu Q, Wang JY. Ginkgo biloba extract prevents against apoptosis induced by high glucose in human lens epithelial cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2008 Sep;29(9):1042-50.

Ginkgo biloba can be consumed as a stand-only ingredient and/or in the formula Extension Vision, which contains other eye-supporting nutrients.