Slowing down the aging process with natural ingredients
Authors
Lueder M, Blank J
Institution
QENAX AG, Zug
Country
Switzerland
Year
2010
Journal
In-Cosmetics
Abstract
The ginkgo biloba tree is the world’s oldest living tree. The use of Ginkgo for medicinal purposes can be traced back to the oldest Chinese materia medica – about 2800 BC. There are two important bioactive ingredient groups in Ginkgo biloba, the terpene lactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide) and the ginkgo flavone glycosides. Ginkgolides have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. The terpene lactone ginkgolides are unique to the ginkgo tree and are not found elsewhere in nature. They are diterpenes, which differ slightly in structure. The terpene lactone bilobalide has a sesquiterpenoid structure. The effects of the ginkgo flavone glycosides result from their antioxidant properties, particularly their ability to act as scavengers of oxygen-free radicals. The accumulation of oxygen-free radicals is an important contributor to age-related damage processes of the skin. Ginkgo flavone glycosides have been shown to protect against the peroxidation of lipids, which are important components of cell membranes and are essential for maintaining membrane fluidity. The radical scavenging properties of Ginkgo biloba are comparable to other well-known antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C. Efficacy tests performed with a concentrated Gingko biloba extract confirmed both, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The effective prevention of skin damages induced by the accumulation of oxygen-free radicals could be demonstrated.