Curative effects of Ginkgo biloba L. have been recognized for centuries, dating back to traditional Chinese medicine which used crushed leaves to treat several health problems. Although G. biloba L. has several known and investigated activities, the antioxidant activity of its extract (EGb 761) is particularly relevant because reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen (RNS) species are constantly produced in aerobic organisms. Currently, the exploitation of the antioxidant activity of G. biloba extract Egb 761 has been of particular pharmacological importance because oxidative stress may be harmful to cells and may trigger the development of many disorders. The antioxidant activity of the EGb extract against oxidative stress has been associated with several therapeutic effects and currently, Egb761 is indicated to treat labyrinthitis, headache, memory disturbance, intermittent claudication, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, cardiovascular disorders, cerebral ischemia, increased libido and sexual activity, and psychiatric diseases, such as depression. This study is a review of basic and clinical studies related to antioxidant properties of G. biloba L.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects a large portion of the elderly worldwide and is the most common dementia in this population. AD is usually accompanied by concurrent comorbidities leading to the simultaneous use of several drugs to improve the quality of life, which renders AD patients vulnerable to drug interactions and adverse reactions. This study assessed the frequency of polypharmacy based on comorbidities in AD patients from the city of Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study in non-institutionalized and volunteer AD patients. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale was applied to classify the AD stage and a socioeconomic survey was used to identify possible comorbidities and medications taken. Medications were evaluated according to the Kussano's criteria (2010) to identify polypharmacy. The incidence of polypharmacy was high (up to 65.9%, n = 27); hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (58.54%, n = 24). AD patients inappropriately take drugs, either because of inattention or lack of popular medical understanding and may be subjected to consequences such as drug interactions and iatrogenic adverse reactions. Hence, studies focusing on AD patients investigating further risks caused by drug interactions are relevant and can increase awareness in their health care assistance and caregivers.
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