Ginkgo biloba extract markedly induces pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity in rats

We examined the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450 (CYP), in rats. Rats were fed a GBE-containing diet or received GBE by intragastric gavage. The concentration of CYP and activity of various CYP enzymes in the liver were increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Significant increases in the concentration and activities of CYP enzymes were detected on day 1 of feeding of a 0.5% GBE diet and after administration of 10 mg GBE/kg body weight for 5 days by intragastric gavage. Among the CYP enzymes, the activity of pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (PROD), a CYP2B enzyme, was especially markedly increased. The induction of CYP2B enzyme by GBE was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Addition of GBE to a CYP assay system in vitro caused concentration-dependent inhibition of various CYP enzyme activities. The inhibition was more marked for the microsomal enzymes from GBE-treated rats than for those from control rats and more marked against PROD activity among the CYP enzymes tested. When the inhibition of various CYP enzymes activities by GBE in vitro was compared, no marked difference was observed between rat and human hepatic microsomal enzymes. These results indicate that excess intake of GBE induces CYP enzymes, particularly PROD, and may modify the efficacy of drugs taken simultaneously.