Oxidative damage to normal human brain tissue was induced following exposure to hydroxyl or superoxide free radical species generated by CO60 irradiation in vitro.

Extracts of Ginkgo biloba or Panax ginseng showed a remarkable capacity to protect brain tissue proteins from oxidative damage in vitro, even at extreme (2000 kRads).

We suggest, therefore, that the beneficial effect of these plant extracts in preventing brain tissue damage in vivo may result from their action in protecting brain proteins from oxidative damage, in addition to their previously reported capacity to reduce free radical induced lipid peroxidation.

Department of Neurosurgery
Regional Neurosciences Centre
Newcastle General Hospital, UK

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