[Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on 2 models of experimental myocardial ischemia]

Ginkgo biloba extract, a free radical scavenger containing kaempferol and quercetin esters, which are potent radical scavengers, was studied on various models of cardiac ischaemia, both in vitro and in vivo. On the two in vitro models of ischaemia-reperfusion described (rat and guinea-pig hearts) Ginkgo biloba extract was without effect on cardiac functional parameters. However, it induced a significant decrease in the intensity of ventricular fibrillation during the reperfusion stage. On normal or hypertrophied heart in vivo, Ginkgo biloba extract provided effective protection against the electrocardiographic disorders induced by ischaemia. On the different models of global or localized ischaemia (followed or not by reperfusion), a decrease of arrhythmia without change in cardiovascular parameters was regularly noted.