Ginkgo Biloba Extract 761 Reduces the Risk of Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness. Although its development is poorly understood., high concentrations of reactive oxygen species, maybe trigger it. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the antioxidant action of the dietary supplement Ginkgo biloba (EGb-761) can reduce the progression of AMD. A clinical trial was conducted in Mexico, with people over 55 years of age. AMD patients were treated with EGb-761: 50 mg/day (n = 26) or 100 mg/day (n = 22) for 3 months. A control group with 22 healthy people (without treatment) was included. Before and after treatment, functional and structural ocular tests were performed, and systemic oxidative stress (OS) was measured.Changes between baseline and after the treatment with both doses were significant (P < 0.05). Contrast sensitivity increased 16% and 17%, the number of metamorphopsias (central vision integrity) decreased 100% and 95%; central perimetry (scotoma) decreased 93% and 88%, and hyperpigmentation (autofluorescence) decreased 88% and 89%, respectively. For OS, malondialdehyde concentration decreased 7.6% and 8.5%, and reduced glutathione levels increased 5.3% and 7.1%, respectively. We suggest giving low doses of Gb to older adults with early-stage AMD educe or avoid side effects.