Antagonistic Effects of Extract From Leaves of Ginkgo biloba on Glutamate Neurotoxicity

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1997 (Jul);   18 (4):   344–347

Zhu L, Wu J, Liao H, Gao J, Zhao XN, Zhang ZX

School of Medicine, Nanjing University, China

To determine whether the extract of leaves of Ginkgo biloba L (EGb) and several active constituents of EGb have protective effects against glutamate (Glu)–induced neuronal damage.

METHODS:   Microscopy and image analysis of nucleus areas in the arcuate nuclei (AN) of mice were made. The neuronal viability in primary cultures from mouse cerebral cortex was assessed using MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)– 2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] staining and the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single neuron was measured using Fura–2.

RESULTS:   EGb (2.5 mg.L–1) and its constituent ginkgolide B (Gin B, 2 mg.L-1) protected the neuronal viability against Glu-induced injury, and prevented the Glu–induced elevation in [Ca2+]i. EGb (3-10 mg.kg–1) attenuated the decrease of nucleus areas in arcuate nuclei induced by Glu (1 g.kg–1, s.c.).

CONCLUSION:   EGb and Gin B prevent neurons from Glu neurotoxicity through reduction of the rise in [Ca2+]i.

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