Effect of one week treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on ischemia-induced infarct volume in gerbils

The present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb761) in male gerbils subjected to focal cerebral ischemia produced by permanent occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. In this study, gerbils were fed standard chow with or without EGb761 (100 mg/kg/day, i.g.) prior to cerebral ischemia for 1 week. Gerbils were anesthetized and craniectomized to expose the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). The right MCA was constricted with an 8-0 suture to produce a permanent ligation. Infarct volume was assessed by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride) staining 24 hours after initiation of cerebral ischemia. Results showed that the EGb761 group had significant reduction of infarct volume 4 and 6 mm from the frontal pole by 40% and 30%, respectively when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Mean locomotor activity of gerbils was reduced 24 hours after the occlusion of the MCA in both groups. However, there was no difference in locomotor activity between groups either 30 minutes before or 24 hours after the occlusion (p > 0.05).