Stabilization of mitochondrial function by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761)

A large body of data emphasizes the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction during aging and as an early event in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we used PC12 cells and dissociated mice brain cells, as well as isolated mitochondria to investigate the effects of EGb 761 on mitochondrial functions. We mimicked mitochondrial abnormalities during aging by using external factors (nitrosative stress, serum deprivation and complexes inhibitors) consequently altering mitochondrial processes, such as energy metabolism. As markers for the function of mitochondria, ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured. EGb 761 alleviated mitochondrial functions in vitro at concentrations as low as 0.01 mg/ml. Treating two different age groups of mice with EGb 761 (100mg/kg body weight for 14 days) showed beneficial effects on complexes I, IV and V of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and against nitrosative stress. Interestingly, these effects were only observed in the aged mice group, proving higher efficacy of EGb 761 during aging. The single components of EGb 761 showed in both cell models protection of the mitochondrial membrane potential indicating that a complementary action of the components is responsible for the versatile actions of EGb 761.