Role of Ginkgo biloba Extract, Against Isoproterenol Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Rats

Objective: Ginkgo biloba is a potent antioxidant dietary source for human health. Oxidative stress through generation of free radicals damages the myocardium in different experimental condition. The present research was designed to evaluate the cardio protective role of chronic oral administration of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract against Isoproterenol induced myocardial injury. Material and methods: Male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6) and treated as per treatment protocol with three different dose of Ginkgo biloba extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.w.) orally for thirty days. At the end of the treatment all the rats (except control rats) were administered with Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) two consecutive days and subjected to biochemical and histopathological estimation. Results: Isoproterenol (group II) induced the oxidative myocardial damage via alteration in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes and myocardial marker enzymes. Ginkgo biloba extract in all three dose (group III, IV and V) shows protective mechanism via decreasing thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and enhancing the endogenous antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase). The extract effect was compared with the reference standard α‑tocopherol which also offered similar protection in biochemical and histopathological changes. Conclusion: Thus, the study shows that Ginkgo biloba extract exhibits significant antioxidant activity and protect the heart from free radical mediated toxicity of Isoproterenol.