Ginkgo (1986, 2002, 2020) and macular degeneration

Learn more about macular degeneration treatment and information.

2020

Ginkgo and other phytotherapeutic products (plants that either treat disease or promote health) help treat AMD by reducing retinal degeneration caused by a). oxidative stress, which affects proteins, lipids, and DNA, and can cause tissue damage or cell apoptosis, and b). pathological neovascularization (the process where new blood vessels are formed).

This 2020 review of studies analyzes the most investigated plants and natural products found to help treat AMD, including ginkgo, bilberry/blueberry, saffron, vitamins C and E, and more. Also discussed in this article is the safety, dosage, and efficiency of these products.

Ginkgo and AMD

a. Recent experimental and clinical studies show that ginkgo has potential benefits for a large quantity of pathological conditions. In addition to its protective activities, it has the ability to extinguish free radicals, reduce platelet aggregation, and improve blood flow.

b. A standardized Ginkgo extract (EGb 7661) has been shown to have beneficial effects on functional retinal impairment, retinal microcirculation, and retinal tissue protection from oxidative stress.

c. See the study for more on Ginkgo's benefits for treatment of AMD.

Bosch-Morell F, Villagrasa V, Ortega T, Acero N, Munoz-Mingarro D, et al. (2020). Medicinal plants and natural products as neuroprotective agents in age-related macular degeneration. Neural Regen Res. Dec;15(12):2207-2216.

1986

An early French double blind study in 1986 found that Ginkgo Biloba could help people with macular degeneration, possibly due to its benefit of improving blood circulation to the brain.

Researchers: D.A. Lebuisson, L. Leroy, G. Rigal

Published: Treatment of senile macular degeneration with Ginkgo biloba extract. A preliminary double-blind, drug versus placebo study, Presse Med 1986 (article in French)

2002

Additional Controlled trials in 2002 also found that ginkgo extracts support vision quality in patients who take them for a six month period. This has been verified in both human and animal studies. Ginkgo appears to support the action of antioxidants.

Researchers: P. Fies, A. Dienel

Published: Ginkgo extract in impaired vision - treatment with special extract EGb 761 of impaired vision due to dry senile macular degeneration, Wien Med Wochenschr, 2002 (article in German)