Ginkgo biloba extract reverses CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats

World J Gastroenterol. 2004 Apr 1;10(7):1037-42. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i7.1037.

Abstract

Aim: To study the reversing effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on established liver fibrosis in rats.

Methods: Following confirmation of CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis, GbE or saline was administrated to the rats for 4 weeks. The remaining rats received neither CCl(4) nor GbE as normal control. The four groups were compared in terms of serum enzymes, tissue damage, expression of alphaSMA and tissue inhibitor-1 of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1).

Results: Compared with saline-treated group, liver fibrosis rats treated with GbE had decreased serum total bilirubin (P<0.01) and aminotransferase levels (P<0.01) and increased levels of serum albumin (P<0.01). Microscopic studies revealed that the livers of rats receiving GbE showed alleviation in fibrosis (P<0.05) as well as expression of alphaSMA (P<0.01). The liver collagen and reticulum contents were lower in rats treated with GbE than saline-treated group (P<0.01). RT-PCR revealed that the level of TIMP-1 decreased while the level of MMP-1 increased in GbE group.

Conclusion: Administration of GbE improved CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis. It is possibly attributed to its effect of inhibiting the expression of TIMP-1 and promoting the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carbon Tetrachloride
  • Ginkgo biloba / chemistry*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / chemically induced
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Carbon Tetrachloride