Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract-761 on motor functions in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion rats

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb-761) has been in use to treat variety of ailments including memory loss and emotional disorders usually experienced after ischemic stroke. However, data regarding its protective role in stroke associated motor dysfunction is scarce.

The present work was designed to investigate the long-term effects of EGb-761 on the motor dysfunctions associated with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in rats.

Focal ischemic stroke was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by pMCAO. These rats were orally administered with EGb-761 (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) and positive control butylphthalide (50 mg/kg) for up to 28 consecutive days. The motor function was evaluated by assessing neurological scores, rotarod performance and gait analysis after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. After 28 days, the histological examination of in frontal cortex and hippocampus was also carried out.

EGb-761 treatment significantly improved motor function with better outcome in coordination and gait impairment rats. EGb-761 (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) treatment for 28 days significantly decreased the neurological scores. After 28 days of treatment EGb-761 (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency in rotarod test, walk speed, and the body rotation, whereas, decreased the stride time and the left posterior swing length in gait were observed. EGb-761 (50, 100 mg/kg). EGb-761 (50, 100 mg/kg) significantly improved the pathological changes related to pMCAO.

EGb 761 could improve motor function especially gait impairments among pMCAO rat model related to the decreased neuronal damage. Therefore, it might be the potential to be explored further as an effective therapeutic drug to treat post stroke motor dysfunctions.