Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens via reshaping gut microbiota

Background Ginkgo biloba extract(GBE)is evidenced to be effective in the prevention and alleviation of metabolic disorders,including obesity,diabetes and fatty liver disease.However,the role of GBE in alleviating fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome(FLHS)in laying hens and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.Here,we investigated the effects of GBE on relieving FLHS with an emphasis on the modulatory role of GBE in chicken gut microbiota.Results The results showed that GBE treatment ameliorated biochemical blood indicators in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced FLHS laying hen model by decreasing the levels of TG,TC,ALT and ALP.The lipid accumulation and pathological score of liver were also relieved after GBE treatment.Moreover,GBE treatment enhanced the antioxidant activity of liver and serum by increasing GSH,SOD,T-AOC,GSH-PX and reducing MDA,and downregulated the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis(FAS,LXRα,GPAT1,PPARγand Ch REBP1)and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,TLR4 and NF-κB)in the liver.Microbial profiling analysis revealed that GBE treatment reshaped the HFD-perturbed gut microbiota,particularly elevated the abundance of Megasphaera in the cecum.Meanwhile,targeted metabolomic analysis of SCFAs revealed that GBE treatment significantly promoted the production of total SCFAs,acetate and propionate,which were positively correlated with the GBE-enriched gut microbiota.Finally,we confirmed that the GBE-altered gut microbiota was sufficient to alleviate FLHS by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Conclusions We provided evidence that GBE alleviated FLHS in HFD-induced laying hens through reshaping the composition of gut microbiota.Our findings shed light on mechanism underlying the anti-FLHS efficacy of GBE and lay foundations for future use of GBE as additive to prevent and control FLHS in laying hen industry.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on neural differentiation of stem cells offer new hope for neurological disease treatment

Stem cell transplantation has brought new hope for the treatment of neurological diseases.The key to stem cell therapy lies in inducing the specific differentiation of stem cells into nerve cells.Because the differentiation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo is affected by multiple factors,the final differentiation outcome is strongly associated with the microenvironment in which the stem cells are located.Accordingly,the optimal microenvironment for inducing stem cell differentiation is a hot topic.EGb761 is extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree.It is used worldwide and is becoming one of the focuses of stem cell research.Studies have shown that EGb761 can antagonize oxygen free radicals,stabilize cell membranes,promote neurogenesis and synaptogenesis,increase the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors,and replicate the environment required during the differentiation of stem cells into nerve cells.This offers the possibility of using EGb761 to induce the differentiation of stem cells,facilitating stem cell transplantation.To provide a comprehensive reference for the future application of EGb761 in stem cell therapy,we reviewed studies investigating the influence of EGb761 on stem cells.These started with the composition and neuropharmacology of EGb761,and eventually led to the finding that EGb761 and some of its important components play important roles in the differentiation of stem cells and the protection of a beneficial microenvironment for stem cell transplantation.

Ginkgo biloba extract(EGb 761) attenuates lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in rats:Roles of oxidative stress and nitric oxide

AIM: To investigate the effect of ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/ reperfusion (Ⅱ/R). METHODS: The rat model of Ⅱ/R injury was produced by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 180 min. The rats were randomly allocated into sham, Ⅱ/R, and EGb +Ⅱ/R groups. In EGb +Ⅱ/R group, EGb 761 (100 mg/kg per day) was given via a gastric tube for 7 consecutive days prior to surgery. Rats in Ⅱ/R and sham groups were treated with equal volumes of the vehicle of EGb 761. Lung injury was assessed by light microscopy, wet-to- dry lung weight ratio (W/D) and pulmonary permeability index (PPI). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite/nitrate (NO2-/NO3-), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were examined. Western blot was used to determine the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). RESULTS: EGb 761 markedly improved mean arterial pressure and attenuated lung injury, manifested by the improvement of histological changes and significant decreases of pulmonary W/D and PPI (P < 0.05 or 0.01).Moreover, EGb 761 markedly increased SOD activity, reduced MDA levels and MPO activity, and suppressed NO generation accompanied by down-regulation of iNOS expression (P < 0.05 or 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that EGb 761 has a protective effect on lung injury induced by Ⅱ /R, which may be related to its antioxidant property and suppressions of neutrophil accumulation and iNOS- induced NO generation. EGb 761 seems to be an effective therapeutic agent for critically ill patients with respiratory failure related to Ⅱ/R.

The Effects of Standardized Ginkgo Biloba Extracts (GBE) on Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) in Middle-Aged Adults: A Review

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is defined as the presence of self-reported cognitive complaints with unimpaired performance in neuropsychological cognitive tests. SCD has been identified as a precursor of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and potentially represents the earliest clinical sign of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Standardized extracts of Ginkgo biloba (GBE) are widely used as a treatment for cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, most of the available review articles focus on the effects of GBE in MCI and dementia but not in SCD and its specific cognitive effects. Thus, this review collects and discusses the available published clinical data for the effects of standardized GBE on the early stages of cognitive decline among an age group where SCD becomes a topic—the middle-aged adults. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses of standardized GBEs in cognitive decline subjects were searched using PubMed/MEDLINE, Science direct, Cochrane, and Google Scholar until January 2019. Data from relevant RCT were critically evaluated to determine the potential effects of GBE on SCD. The results showed that the number of available GBE studies on SCD is small. Eight studies were selected in which subjects reported memory impairment, in some cases with concerns (worries), and with an average age at onset SCD of 60 years. Six studies gave a proof of efficacy for GBE for the treatment of SCD in at least one cognitive parameter. One study is inconclusive, however, a post-hoc analysis demonstrates efficacy in preventing AD with intake >4 years. The most common GBE dosage used was 240 mg GBE/day over a minimum period of 8 weeks. Hence, there might be beneficial effects of GBE to prevent, improve or delay SCD in the generation of 50 years or older. However, larger, well-defined RCTs using SCD criteria are necessary to further substantiate this effect in SCD subjects.

Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Special Extract EGb 761^(█) in Very Mild Cognitive Impairment(vMCI)

Objective: To assess effects of EGb 761? on cognition and quality of life in subjects with very mild cognitive impair-ment. Methods: We randomized 300 subjects aged 45 to 65 with cognitive complaints and low functioning (more than one standard deviation below appropriate norm) in at least one cognitive test to double-blind treatment with once daily 240 mg EGb 761? or placebo for 12 weeks. Results: The exploratory intention-to-treat analysis showed significant im-provement (p < 0.025, one-sided) beyond practice effects for EGb 761? in a measure of attention (Vienna Test System - Work Performance Series) and trends in favour of EGb 761? in measures of memory (Wechsler Memory Scale III - Faces I, Appointments Test – delayed recall), and perceived physical health (SF36 - factor score Physical Health). Cognitive effects were more pronounced and more consistent (p < 0.025 in 4 of 5 tests) in subjects with lower memory function at baseline. Specifically, practice effects in the more demanding tests were attenuated or absent in these sub-jects. Conclusion: Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761? improved cognitive functioning and aspects of quality of life in sub-jects with very mild cognitive impairment.

Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761® Improves Central Vestibular Vertigo in Patients Undergoing Vestibular Exercises: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® is widely used to treat various types of vertigo. Aims: An exploratory trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of EGb 761® in addition to vestibular exercises in central vestibular vertigo caused by vertebro-basilar ischaemia. Subjects and Methods: In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 40 patients were enrolled in the vertigo clinic of a neurological university hospital and treated with daily doses of 240 mg EGb 761® or placebo for a period of 180 days. All patients regularly performed vestibular exercises in addition. Efficacy was assessed using: a visual analogue scale for the patients to rate the overall intensity of vertigo;a numeric scale for physician-rated change;a vertigo score based on intensity, duration, and frequency of vertigo;and electronystagmography. Results: Until day 180, the mean patient-rated intensity of vertigo decreased by 46% during EGb 761® treatment and by 19% with placebo (p ® group compared to the placebo group. Nystagmus or other eye movement disorders were present only in small subgroups of patients without sufficient statistical power to detect differences between treatment groups. Conclusions: EGb 761® alleviated vertigo caused by ischaemic lesions in the brainstem or cerebellum in patients undergoing vestibular exercises.

静脉溶栓后应用EGB-761联合替罗非班治疗急性脑梗死的效果及其机制

目的:观察静脉溶栓后应用银杏叶提取物(Ginkgo biloba extract,EGB)-761联合盐酸替罗非班注射液治疗急性脑梗死的疗效及对血清同型半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)、血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)水平和活化凝血因子VII/凝血因子VII抗原(activated coagulation factor VII/coagulation factor VII antigen,FVIIa/FVIIAg)比值的影响。方法:选取河南大学第一附属医院2022年1月至12月收治的368例急性脑梗死患者为研究对象,根据患者入院顺序采用奇偶数分组法分为观察组(n=188)和对照组(n=180)。2组均给予静脉溶栓,对照组给予盐酸替罗非班注射液治疗,观察组在对照组基础上联合EGB-761治疗。比较2组Hcy、FVIIa/FVIIAg比值、VEGF、趋化因子CXC配体(chemokine CXC ligand,CXCL-12)、大脑中动脉血流指标的差异,评估2组斑块数量、面积及巴塞尔指数(Barthel index,BI)、弥散加权成像和Alberta卒中项目早期CT评分(diffusion-weighted imaging and early CT in the Alberta Stroke Program Score,DWI-ASPECTS)水平,统计2组疗效。结果:治疗前,2组Hcy、FVIIa/FVIIAg比值、VEGF、CXCL-12比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。与本组治疗前比较,治疗后2组Hcy、CXCL-12水平和FVIIa/FVIIAg比值均下降,且与对照组比较,观察组更低(均P<0.01);2组VEGF均升高,且与对照组比较,观察组更高(均P<0.01)。治疗前,2组斑块数量、面积、大脑中动脉血流指标比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。与本组治疗前比较,治疗后2组斑块数量、面积及大脑中动脉搏动指数(pulsatility index,PI)均下降,且与对照组比较,观察组更低(均P<0.01)。2组大脑中动脉平均血流速度(mean blood flow velocity,Vm)、舒张末期血流速度(enddiastolic blood flow velocity,Vd)均升高,且与对照组比较,观察组更高(均P<0.01)。观察组总有效率为95.21%(179/188),高于对照组的89.44%(161/180),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,2组BI、DWI-ASPECTS比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。与本组治疗前比较,治疗后2组BI、DWI-ASPECTS均升高,且与对照组比较,观察组更高(均P<0.01)。结论:静脉溶栓后应用EGB-761联合盐酸替罗非班注射液治疗可通过调节患者的血清Hcy和VEGF表达及FVIIa/FVIIAg比值,增加脑血流量,减少颈动脉斑块,从而改善急性脑梗死患者的预后。

A ginkgo biloba extract promotes proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells in vascular dementia rats

The ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 improves memory loss and cognitive impairments in patients with senile dementia. It also promotes proliferation of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone in Parkinson＇s disease model mice and in the hippocampal zone of young epileptic rats. However, it remains unclear whether EGb761 enhances proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells in the brain of rats with vascular dementia. In this study, a vascular dementia model was established by repeatedly clipping and reperfusing the bilateral common carotid arteries of rats in combination with an intraperitoneal injection of a sodium nitroprusside solution. Seven days after establishing the model, rats were intragastrically given EGb761 at 50 mg/kg per day. Learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze and proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus were labeled by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine immunofluorescence in all rats at 15 days, and 1, 2, and 4 months after model establishment. The escape latencies in Morris water maze tests of rats with vascular dementia after EGb761 treatment were significantly shorter than the model group. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the number and proliferation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-positive cells in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus of the EGb761-treated group were significantly higher than in the model group. These experimental findings suggest that EGb761 enhances proliferation of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus, and significantly improves learning and memory in rats with vascular dementia.

Experimental Study on Inhibition of Neuronal Toxical Effect of Levodopa by Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Parkinson Disease in Rats

In order to observe neuronal toxical effect of Levodopa and investigate if using Levodopa together with Ginkgo Bilobar Extract (EGb) would be an workable method to treat Parkinson disease, rat models of Parkinson disease (PD) were made by injecting 6-OHDA stereotaxically to right side of the mesencephic ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Rotational behavioral observation, TUNEL, immunocytochemistry, Nissl's body staining were performed to measure the difference between group treated by Levodopa (50 mg/kg every day for 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, L-dopa group) and group treated by Levodopa combined with EGb (100 mg/ kg every day, E-D group). The results showed that in the L-dopa group, the numbers of apoptosis of substantial nigra, rings of rotational behavior were more than those in the E-D group (P<0. 05). The numbers of Nissl's cells in L-dopa group were fewer than in E-D group (P<0. 05). The results suggested that Levodopa had neur toxic effect and EGb may decrease the toxicity of levodopa. The combined use of EGb with Levodopa may be a workable method to treat PD and may be better than using Levodopa alone.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract improves the cognitive abilities of rats with D-galactose induced dementia

Standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been used in clinical trials for its beneficial effects on brain func- tions, particularly in dementia. Substantial experimental evidences indicated that Ginkgo biloba leaf extract （EGB） protected neuronal cells from a variety of insults. We investigated the effect of EGB on cognitive ability and protein kinase B （PKB） activity in hippocampal neuronal cells of dementia model rats. Rats received an intra- peritoneal injection of D-galactose to induce dementia. Forty-eight Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, including the control group, D-galactose group （Gal）, low-dose EGB group （EGB-L）, mid-dose EGB group （EGB-M）, high-dose EGB group （EGB-H） and treatment group. The EGB-L, EGB-M and EGB-H groups were administered with EGB and D-galactose simultaneously. Y-maze, cresyl violet staining, TUNEL assays and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to detect learning and memory abilities, morpho- logical changes in the hippocampus, neuronal apoptosis and the expressing level of phospho-PKB, respectively. Rats in the Gal group showed decreased abilities of learning and memory, and hippocampal pyramidal cell layer was damaged, while EGB administration improved learning and memory abilities. The Gal group exhibited many stained, condensed nuclei and micronuclei, either isolated or within the cytoplasm of cells （39.5 ± 1.4）. Apoptotic cells decreased in the groups of EGB-L （35.9±0.9）, EGB-M （16.8± 1.0） and EGB-H （10.1±0.8）, and there were statistical significances compared with the Gal group. Immunoreactivity of phospho-PKB was localized diffusely throughout the cytosol of cells in all groups, while the immunoreactivity of the Gal group was weak. EGB signifi- cantly attenuated learning and memory impairment in a dose-dependent manner, while it could decrease the nmber of TUNEL-positive cells, and increase the activity of PKB. Our results demonstrated that EGB attenuated memory impairment and cell apoptosis in galactose-induced dementia model rats by activating PKB.

CTAB-silica Method for DNA Extraction and Purification from Castanea mollissima and Ginkgo biloba

A new method CTAB-silica for DNA extraction and purification from the leaves and buds of Castanea mollissima and Ginkgo biloba was tested. The method is based on the silica-based purification protocol developed by Boom et al. (1990). By modifying the protocol, plant genome DNA could be extracted easily from dormant buds, mature leaves, and other parts of plant. Our results showed that the purified DNA was of high purity and could be analyzed by PCR. Furthermore, this CTAB-silica method took much less time for a successful DNA purification process compared to the traditional methods (CTAB and SDS). By our method, the suitable DNA can be extracted and purified from over 10 plant samples by one person in an hour.

The Effect of 2,5-hexanedione on Myelin Protein Zero Expression,and Its Mitigation Using Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Objective To investigate the role of myelin protein zero （P 0） in 2,5-hexanedione （2,5-HD）-induced peripheral nerve injury,and the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract （Egb761） on 2,5-HD-induced toxic peripheral neuropathy.Methods After 4 weeks of treatment with 2,5-HD at different doses （50,100,200,400 mg/kg） in rats,changes in the levels of P 0 in rat sciatic nerves was investigated,and the effect of Egb761 on 2,5-HD-induced toxic peripheral neuropathy was studied.Results The blood-nerve barrier （BNB） permeability of the sciatic nerve increased,and the expression of P 0 mRNA and P 0 protein decreased in a dose-dependent manner after treatment with 2,5-HD for 4 weeks.Pretreatment with Egb761 protected against BNB interruption,and inhibited P 0 mRNA and protein reduction during 2,5-HD treatment.Pretreatment with Egb761 significantly reduced loss of body weight （P0.01） and mitigated gait abnormalities （2.85±0.22） induced by 400 mg/kg 2,5-HD （P0.01）.It also reduced the signs of neurotoxicity induced by 2,5-HD.Conclusion 2,5-HD inhibited the expression of P 0 in a dose-dependent manner,and this may be an important mechanism by which toxic peripheral neuropathy is induced by 2,5-HD.Egb761 has a protective effect against 2,5-HD-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in rats.

Protective Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract on Learning and Memory Deficit Induced by Aluminum in Model Rats

Objective： To examine the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract （GbE） on learning and memory deficit induced by aluminum chloride （AlCl3）, and explore its mechanisms. Methods： The rat models with learning and memory deficit were induced by administering via gastrogavage and drinking of AlCl3 solution. And the model rats were treated with GbE at the dose of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg every day for 2 months accompanied with drinking of AlCl3 solution, respectively. Their abilities of spatial learning and memory were tested by Morris water maze, and the acetylcholinesterase （ACHE） activity in serum was assayed with chemical method, the AChE expression in hippocampus was observed by immunohistochemistry assay, and then quantitative analysis was done by BI 2000 image analysis system. Results： Learning and memory deficit of rats could be induced by AlCl3 solution （P〈0.01）, and AChE expressions in rats hippocampus were increased （P〈0.01）; GbE ameliorated learning and memory deficit and reduced AChE expression in rats hippocampus in a dose-dependent manner, while GbE significantly increased serum AChE activity at the dose of 200 mg/kg each day （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： GbE can ameliorate learning and memory deficit induced by AlCl3, which may be due to its inhibition of the AChE expression in hippocampus.

Protective effects of ginkgo biloba leaves extract on peroxide-induced oxidative stress damage in PC12 cells

BACKGROUND： Extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves （EGB） and its metabolites have been reported to enhance brain function and nerve behavior. It has also been hypothesized that they can protect neurons from oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE： To investigate protective effects of EGB on peroxide （H2O2）-induced oxidative stress damage in PC12 cells. DESIGN： Observational contrast study. SETTING： Department ofPathophysiology, Guangdong Pharmacological College. MATERIALS： EGB was provided by Xi＇an Fujie Biotechnological Development Company; 1640 culture medium, methylthiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT）, trypsin and dimathyl sulfoxide （DMSO） by Sigma Company; PC12 cell strain by Cell Center of Medical College of Zhongshan University; calf serum by Hangzhou Sijiqing Bioengineering Company; lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） kit by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Research Institute. METHODS： The experiment was carried out in Department of Cell Biology of Guangdong Pharmacological College from June to December 2005. ①Cell culture： PC12 cells were cultured in 1640 medium containing 200 g/L fetal calf serum. The cells were diluted to 1 × 10^7 L^-1 and washed every two days. Those cells were used to experiment until they grew in logarithm on solid wall. ② Grouping and intervention： PC12 cells （1 × 10^8L^-1） were plated in 96-well plates with the density of 200 μ L/hole and divided into three groups： normal control group （routinely adding media）, H2O2 group （treating with media and H2O2 for 20 hours） and EGB group （adding media, 100μmol/L EGB and 100 μmol/L H2O2）. ③ MTT assay： PC12 cells （1 × 10^8L^-1） were plated in 96-well plates and divided into three groups with 8 holes for each group. Under sterile condition, cells were added with 5 g/L MTT （100μL） and cultured for 4 hours. And then, 200 μ L DMSO fluid was added and shaken for 30 minutes until blue crystal products formed were dissolved soundly ④ Experimental evaluation： Absorbance （A） at 630 nm was measured and LDH activity was measured at the same time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Results of MTT assay and LDH activity. RESULTS： ① Results of MTT assay： A value was lower in the H2O2 group than that in the normal control group （P 〈 0.01）, while A value was higher in the EGB group than that in the H2O2 group （P 〈 0.01）. ② LDH activity： LDH activity was higher in the H2O2 group than that in the normal control group （P 〈 0.01 ）, while LDH activity was lower in the EGB group than that in the H2O2 group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： EGB can inhibit H2O2-induced oxidative stress damage in PC12 cells possibly by preventing damage to the cell membrane.

Determination of the Flavonoids from Ginkgo Biloba Extract by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

HPLC method for analysis of the flavonoids from ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) was studied. By suitable selection of columns. symmetrical chromatographic peaks were obtained without using acidic modifier in the mobile phase, which can eliminate the time for cleaning the chromatographic system and simplify the analystic method for GBE Experimental conditions: column: Hypersil BDS C-18, 5mumx4x250 mm: column temperature: 35degreesC; mobile phase: 46% methanol-54% water; flow rate: 0.7 mL/min; detection wavelength: 360nm.

Activity of Ginkgo biloba Extract and Quercetin on Thrombomodulin Expression and Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator Secretion by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Objective In order to investigate the pharmacological properties of Ginkgo biloba extract （GBE） on improving blood circulation, the regulating action of GBE and quercetin （a main flavonoid ingredient in GBE） on thrombomodulin （TM） expression and tissue-type plasminogen activator （t-PA） secretion was studied. Methods Using flow cytometer and gel image system respectively, we evaluated the TM expression and the t-PA secretion by human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） in vitro. Results The increase of TM expression on HUVECs surface was induced by GBE rather than quercetin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Both GBE and quercetin increased the t-PA release significantly. Conclusion The effect of GBE on improving blood circulation may be partly attributed to its promoting TM expression and t-PA secretion by endothelial ceils, and quercetin participated in the effect of GBE on t-PA secretion. However, the action of GBE on increasing TM expression needs further study.

The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on the Expression of PKCα in the Inflammatory Cells and the Level of IL-5 in Induced Sputum of Asthmatic Patients

To investigate the effect of the Ginkgo Biloba Extract （GBE） on the asthma and examine its possible mechanisms, 75 asthma patients were divided into 4 groups and the patients were respectively treated with fluticasone propionate for 2 weeks or 4 weeks, or treated with fluticasone propionate plus GBE for 2 weeks or 4 weeks. Fifteen healthy volunteers served as healthy controls. Sputum inhalation with inhaling hypertonic saline （4%-5%） was performed. Lung ventilatory function and forced expiratory volume in one second （FEVI） were measured. The numbers of different cells in induced sputum were calculated. The expression of PKCα in the cells was immunocytochemically detected and the percentages of positive cells in different cells were counted. Interleukin-5 （IL-5） in sputum supernatants was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The percentage of eosinophils, lymphocytes, PKCα positive inflammatory cells and the concentration of IL-5 in asthmatic patients were higher than those in the controls （P〈0.05）, and the eosinophils, lymphocytes, positive expression of PKCα and the level of IL-5 were significantly decreased in asthmatic patients after they were treated with fluticasone propionate or fluticasone propionate plus GBE. However, they were still significantly higher than those of the controls. Compared to the group treated with glucocorticosteroid for 2 weeks, no significant decrease was found in the percentage of eosinophils, lymphocytes, PKCα positive inflammatory cells and the IL-5 in the supernatant of induced sputum. Compared with the group treated with glucocorticosteroid for 2 or 4 weeks, significant decrease in the same parameters was observed in the group treated with fluticasone propionate and GBE for 4 weeks. The IL-5 level in the supernatant of induced sputum was positively correlated with the percentage of PKCα-positive inflammatory cells and the percentage of eosinophils in the induced sputum in asthma patient groups respectively （n=150, r=0.83, P〈0.01; n=150, r=0.76, P〈0.01）. The FEVI was negatively correlated with the percentage of PKCα-positive inflammatory cells and the IL-5 levels in supernatant of induced sputum in asthma patients respectively （n=150, r=-0.77, P〈0.01; n=150, r=- 0.64, P〈0.01）. It is concluded that GBE could significantly decrease the infiltration of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and lymphocytes in the asthmatic airway and relieve the airway inflammation. GBE may decrease the activation of the PKCα in the inflammatory cells and thereby decrease the IL-5 level in induced sputum. GBE may be used as a complement to the glucocorticosteroid therapy for asthma.

Meta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE：To evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on Alzheimer＇s disease using meta-analysis.DATA SOURCES：The following sources were used for articles concerning Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of Alzheimer＇s disease：Western biomedical journal literature databases,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,Chinese Journal Full-text Database,Chinese Science and Technology Journal Full-text database.DATA SELECTION：Randomized controlled trials addressing Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of Alzheimer＇s disease were selected.The pathway and method of information collection were identical between treatment and control groups.Mild and moderate Alzheimer＇s disease patients scoring ≤ 26 points on the mini-mental state examination were included.Subjects met the diagnostic criteria for dementia by the American Psychiatric Association＇s ＂Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders＂ Fourth revised edition.The quality of included literature was assessed by two authors.Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan4.2 software which was provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.Heterogeneity,sensitivity analysis,and bias evaluation were conducted.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Scores of mini-mental state examination,ADAS-cog,and Syndrom-Kurztest.RESULTS：The five included randomized controlled trials contained 819 patients.Meta-analysis showed that the Syndrom-Kurztest score was significantly decreased（weighted mean difference =-2.32; 95%CI =-3.12,-1.52; P 〈 0.01） compared with the control group.No significant difference was found in the mini-mental state examination and ADAS-cog score（P 〉 0.05）.However,there was a tendency to elevate mini-mental state examination score and to reduce the ADAS-cog score.CONCLUSION：Ginkgo biloba extract shows good therapeutic effects for mild and moderate Alzheimer＇s disease.However,high-quality,randomized,double-blind,and controlled trials are needed to further confirm its therapeutic effects.

Extraction Process and Content Determination of Total Flavonoids in Ginkgo( Ginkgo biloba L. ) Leaves

[Objectives]This study was conducted to study the extraction process and the content determination of flavonoids in ginkgo( Ginkgo biloba L.) leaves.[Methods]Ethanol extraction and methanol extraction of total flavonoids in ginkgo leaves were studied,and the optimal extraction conditions for flavonoids were determined by orthogonal test; and with quercetin as reference substance,total flavonoid content in ginkgo leaves was determined by UV spectrophotometry.[Results]The optimal extraction process was 4 h of Soxhlet extraction with methanol; and the total flavonoid contents had a good linear relation in the range of 0. 006 5-0. 039 mg/ml( R^2= 0. 999 9),the average content was stabilized at 1. 135%,and the average recovery of the method was 102. 0%. [Conclusions]This study selected the optimal extraction process for total flavonoids in ginkgo leaves. The test method is simple with high accuracy and precision,and is suitable for the extraction and determination of total flavonoids in ginkgo leaves.

Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

AIM: To evaluate the preventive effect of Ginkgo bilobaextract (GbE) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in rats.METHODS: Female Wistar albino rats were used for the studies. We randomly divided the rats for each study into five subgroups: normal control, experimental control, and three experimental groups. The gastric ulcers were induced by instilling 1 mL 50% ethanol into the stomach. We gaveGbE 8.75, 17.5, 26.25 mg/kg intravenously to the experimental groups respectively 30 min prior to the ulcerative challenge. We removed the stomachs 45 min later. The gastric ulcers,gastric mucus and the content of non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH), malondialdehyde (MDA), c-Jun kinase (JNK) activity in gastric mucosa were evaluated. The amount of gastric juice and its acidity were also measured. RESULTS: The findings of our study are as follows: (1)GbE pretreatment was found to provide a dose-dependent protection against the ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats; (2) the GbE pretreatment afforded a dose-dependent inhibition of ethanol-induced depletion of stomach wall mucus, NP-SH oontents and increase in the lipid peroxidation (increase MDA) in gastric tissue; (3) gastric ulcer induced by ethanolproduced an increase in JNK activity in gastric mucosawhich also significantly inhibited by pretreatment with GbE;and (4) GbE alone had no inhibitory effect on gastric secretionin pylorus-ligated rats.CONCLUSION: The finding of this study showed that GbE significantly inhibited the ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. We suggest that the preventive effect of GbE may be mediated through: (1) inhibition of lipid peroxidation;(2) preservation of gastric mucus and NP-SH; and (3)blockade of cell apoptosis.