Natural antioxidants for neurodegenerative diseases.

The author reviews the studies on the preventing effects of natural antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, flavonoids, and polyphenols on neurodegenerative diseases, especially summarizing the results on the protective effect of ginkgo biloba extract on neuron cells, preventing effects of green tea polyphenols on apoptosis of PC12 cells (Parkison's disease model), preventing effects of genestien on amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells (Alzhemer's disease model), and preventing effect of Crataegus flavonoids on ischemic-reperfusion damage to the brain of the Mongolian gerbil (stroke model) in the laboratory.