The preventive and therapeutic effect of Ginkgo extract on atherosclerosis

Objective To observe the effects of Ginkgo extract on atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta from rats fed with cholesterol-enriched diet.Methods 15 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into high lipid group,Ginkgo extract group,control group.After 12 weeks,the aortas were taken for histomorphometry and transmission electron microscope observation .The levels of soluble thrombomodulin(sTM)were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The triglycerides and low-density lipoprtein cholesterol level in Ginkgo extract group were lower than that in high lipids group(P0.05).There were more monocytes under the intima of aortas in high lipids group than that in Ginkgo extract group(P0.05).The necrosis and apoptosis of aorta endothelial cells were obvious in high lipids group,but were mild in Ginkgo extract group.In addition,the sTM level in Ginkgo extract group was higher than that in control group,but lower than that in high lipids group(P0.05).Conclusion Ginkgo extract can prevent and treat atherosclerosis by decreasing serum lipids levels,suppressing inflammatory response and protecting endothelial cells.