FTIR assessment of the effect of Ginkgo biloba leave extract (EGb 761) on mammalian retina

Cell Biochem Biophys. 2011 Sep;61(1):169-77. doi: 10.1007/s12013-011-9173-9.

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba extract has been therapeutically used for several decades to increase peripheral and cerebral blood flow as well as for the treatment of dementia. The extract contains multiple compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids that are thought to contribute to its neuroprotective and vasotropic effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of prolonged administration of EGb 761, up to 10 weeks, on mammalian retina using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Two main groups were involved in this study: the normal group (n = 10); and EGb-administrated group (n = 50) that received-orally-a dose of 40 mg/kg/day EGb 761. The results demonstrated that EGb administration was associated with different beneficial effects on the retinal constituents especially the underlying amide I protein secondary structure components as well as the NH-OH region. It concluded that the optimum daily administration period of EGb (40 mg/kg) for ophthalmic applications that targeting the retina ranges from 5 to 8 weeks.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Agents / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Rabbits
  • Retina / drug effects*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Ginkgo biloba extract