The Effects of natural antioxidants on process of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

In this study (International “Eureka“ project E! 3695 „Creation of the methodology for effects of natural antioxidants on the development of the Diabetes mellitus complications“) we evaluated the effects of Ginkgo biloba L. and Camellia sinensis L. leaves extracts on oxidative damage in type 2 diabetic patients with surrounding diabetic complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, rethinophaty) [1]. All subjects (88 patients) were outpatients of the Endocrinology Clinic, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics. Subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (treated with Insulinum, Metforminum or combination of both), aged from 35 to 80 years old and followed up for diabetic retinopathy, nefropathy or neuropathy were enrolled into the study. All patients were randomly allocated to receive standardized Ginkgo biloba dry extract (Ex.Gb), Ex.Cs (standardized Camellia sinensis L. leaves extract), compound of both extract - Grinvitals Cereloba plus tablets (GCP) or placebo capsules. The baseline measurements were repeated after 9 and 18 months of receiving preparations. First nine months patients received capsules twice a day, second nine months – three times a day. Placebo capsules were made from microcrystalline cellulose, a material indifferent to disease. The comparisons between three different measurements (at baseline, after 9 and 18 months) were made using Friedman test and Two-way ANOVA. The results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The results confirm the beneficial influence of Ex.Gb on reducing amount of MDA (malondialdehyde) and HNE (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal) in diabetic patients. The strongest effect of Ex.Gb was observed on the amount of lipid peroxidation markers. While the Ex.Cs didn’t have significant effects. Ex.Gb had the most influence on perivascular changes (perivascular intumescence, haemorrhages, accumulation of hemosiderin, lipid infiltration of conjunctiva) in bulbar conjunctiva vessel