Ginkgo(ld) and Pycnogenol May Act as Antimutagens

[Harry Hirsute]

mutagen

1. any agent or substance which can cause genetic mutation

note: EGb 761 is a patented ginkgo biloba extract, sold in the USA under the name Ginkgold (distributed by Nature's Way). It is, by far, the most-scientifically studied extract of it's kind.

Antimutagenic in vitro activity of plant polyphenols: Pycnogenol® and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761)

Ofloxacin (15 µg/mL) and acridine orange (5 µg/mL) induce mutagenicity by different mechanisms in the photosynthetic flagellate Euglena gracilis.

The present study examined whether Pycnogenol® (PYC; 5-100 µg/mL) or Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761; 5-100 µg/mL) could protect against the mutagenic effects of each of the mutagens and the potential mechanisms underlying such protection.

The highest concentration of PYC and EGb 761 effectively reduced the mutagenic activity of both ofloxacin and acridine orange by more than 99% (p < 0.001). Using luminol-dependent photochemical methodology it was demonstrated that EGb 761 and PYC were effective antioxidants.

In addition, as determined by spectrophotometry, PYC and EGb 761 bound acridine orange. Both PYC and EGb 761 have been shown to produce dual antimutagenic effects, as evidenced by both antioxidant and physicochemical properties.

The findings suggest that EGb 761 and PYC would thus be suitable for future study, not only as antioxidants, but also as antimutagenic agents.

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/c...TRY=1&SRETRY=0