Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) in arteriosclerosis prophylaxis

The prevention or deceleration of atherogenesis is one of the most significant anti-aging objectives since this is a matter of avoidance of myocardial infarction and stroke. To approach this prophylactic aim, phytochemical nutrition counteracting peroxidation of blood lipids based on their scavenger qualities for reactive oxygen species (ROS) can possibly serve. For example, oxidized LDL particles are highly atherogenic. Against this background, we investigated in a pilot study the effect of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761: Rökan novo), the free oxygen radical scavenging properties of which are well-documented, on the atherosclerotic nanoplaque formation in cardiovascular high-risk patients. In eight patients who had undergone an aortocoronary bypass operation, the reduction of atherosclerotic nanoplaque formation amounted to 11.9 +/- 2.5% (p < 0.0078) and of nanoplaque size to 24.4 +/- 8.1% (p < 0.0234), respectively, after a 2-month therapy with Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761, 2 x 120 mg daily, Rökan novo, Spitzner Arzneimittel, Ettlingen, Germany). Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was upregulated by 15.7 +/- 7.0% (p < 0.0391), the quotient oxLDL/LDL lowered by 17.0 +/- 5.5% (p < 0.0234) and lipoprotein(a) concentration decreased by 23.4 +/- 7.9% (p < 0.0234) in the patients' blood after the 2-month medication regimen. The concentration of the vasodilating substances cAMP and cGMP was augmented by 37.5 +/- 9.1% (p < 0.0078) and 27.7 +/- 8.3% (p < 0.0156), respectively. A multimodal regression analysis reveals a basis for a mechanistic explanation of nanoplaque reduction under ginkgo treatment. The atherosclerosis inhibiting effect is due to an upregulation in the body's own radical scavenging enzymes and an attenuation of the risk factors oxLDL/LDL and Lp(a). Furthermore, the significant increase in the vasodilator cAMP and cGMP concentration powerfully supports the maintenance of an open bypass.