Have you ever thought about the evolution of pharmaceutical drugs? When I watch Grey’s Anatomy or House, I constantly feel amazed by far humans have come, how much we understand about the human body, and how many drugs and procedures have been procured to help us live longer. However, while the contemporary focus seems to be on the newest and greatest technology, it is humbling to notice how some of the oldest natural remedies are still at the heart of many of our treatments today.

Whenever I read a research article about alternative medicine that focuses on natural remedies, the problem seems to be the negative side effects of harsh chemicals in pharmaceutical drugs and procedures. Some plants, such as aloe vera, asafetida, and gingko biloba, have been known for their medicinal properties for centuries. It surprises me when I hear of a new use being discovered for one of these plants; one would think with the knowledge and creativity the scientific and health community possesses, these plants would have been researched well enough for one to know their properties.

Researchers in Korea have discovered a new medicinal property for Gingko Biloba: protecting cells against damage from radiation therapies. In the study, lymphocytes (white blood cells) were collected from a diverse range of the population and divided in two groups. One group was treated with salt water as the control and the other with Gingko Biloba extract. Then the cells underwent radiation, specifically gamma rays from radioactive cesium. The difference between apoptosis (self cell destruction) in the control and gingko group was significant, about 5% of treated cells died whereas 33% of control cells went under apoptosis.

Radiation increases the number of free radicals and other oxidizing agents, which promotes apoptosis. Radiation also damages DNA, proteins, and other biomolecules that are crucial for metabolism. The properties of Gingko that reduce the effects oxidation can help patients who are treated with radiation therapy, as well as prevent the patient’s immune system from becoming susceptible to other diseases while undergoing treatment.

Discussion Question: Why do you think some properties of well-studied medicinal plants remain unknown for so long?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122956.htm
Research Article: http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=28889