Protection Efficacy of the Extract of Ginkgo biloba against the Learning and Memory Damage of Rats under Repeated High Sustained +Gz Exposure

Abstract

Repeated high sustained positive Gz (+Gz) exposures are known for the harmful pathophysiological impact on the brain of rats, which is reflected as the interruption of normal performance of learning and memory. Interestingly, extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) has been reported to have neuroprotective effects and cognition-enhancing effects. In this study, we are interested in evaluating the protective effects of EGb toward the learning and memory abilities. Morris Water Maze Test (MWM) was used to evaluate the cognitive function, and the physiological status of the key components in central cholinergic system was also investigated. Our animal behavioral tests indicated that EGb can release the learning and memory impairment caused by repeated high sustained +Gz. Administration of EGb to rats can diminish some of the harmful physiological effects caused by repeated +Gz exposures. Moreover, EGb administration can increase the biological activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) but reduce the production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Taken together, our study showed that EGb can ameliorate the impairment of learning and memory abilities of rats induced by repeated high sustained +Gz exposure; the underlying mechanisms appeared to be related to the signal regulation on the cholinergic system and antioxidant enzymes system.

In Vitro Anti-Cholinesterase and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Moringa oleifera Plants from Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…Since natural antioxidants are an essential component of health and might prevent or delay cell damage [ 20 ], they have been exploited as potential leads for the development of novel AD drugs [ 21 , 22 ]. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of natural antioxidants and nootropics [ 23 ], such as Ginkgo biloba [ 24 ] and Bacopa monnieri [ 25 ] have attracted considerable attention in the management of AD [ 26 ].…”

Analyzing Nootropic Effect of <i>Phyllanthus reticulatus</i> Poir. on Cognitive Functions, Brain Antioxidant Enzymes and Acetylcholinesterase Activity against Aluminium-Induced Alzheimer’s Model in Rats: Applicable for Controlling the Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…The greatest origin of natural antioxidant is medicinal plants. The neuroprotective effects of natural antioxidants and nootrpics, such as Ginkgo biloba, [40] Bacopa monnieri [41] and Huperzia serrata has [42] attained considerable attention in the management of AD.…”

Role of Ginkgo biloba extract as an adjunctive treatment of elderly patients with depression and on the expression of serum S100B

“…[ 44 , 45 ] At the same time, it can scavenge free radicals and exert antioxidant properties. [ 18 ] The clinical application of EGb has been found to have significant effects on schizophrenia, depression and Alzheimer's disease. [ 23 , 46 , 47 ]…”

“…[ 17 ] The main pharmacological action of EGb for the central nervous system is to inhibit platelet activating factor (PAF), promote blood circulation, increase blood flow, improve hemorheological changes, resist free radicals, increase tolerance to hypoxia, prevent brain edema induced by trauma and toxin, and protect nerves. [ 18 – 21 ] Recent studies have shown that EGb can improve the cognitive function of attention and memory in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, and its curative effect is similar to that of Donepezil (cholinesterase inhibitor). [ 22 – 24 ]…”