Associate Professor

  B.S., M.S. Peking University
  Ph.D. State University of New York
  Postdoctoral Fellow, Massachusetts Institute
          of Technology, Harvard Medical School

  University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
  Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  20 North Pine Street, Room 500
  Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1108

  Office Phone: (410) 706-6639
  Lab Phone: (410) 706-8497
  Fax: (410) 706-0346 
  Email: yluo@rx.umaryland.edu

Our research interest is focused on aging, age-related neurodegenerative diseases and neuroprotective mechanisms. Use of herbal medicine has increased substantially in the last decade in the United States. The disease prevention theory associated with herbal medicine has the potential to both increase quality of life and reduce health care costs in our society. However, the action mechanisms of herbal extracts are poorly understood. We apply contemporary neuroscience theories and methodologies to provide a better understanding of the neuroprotective mechanisms of herbal extracts, such as a standardized extract of ginkgo biloba used by the public to enhance mental function and to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.