The protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on CCl4-induced hepatic damage.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats. Hepatic malondialdehyde, glutathione and hydroxyproline levels and histopathologic alterations in liver specimens were assessed. 200 mg/kg/day Ginkgo biloba extract were given orally to the animals for 10 days, then a single dose of 2 ml/kg b.w. carbon tetrachloride was, administered intraperitoneally. Ginkgo biloba extract treatment reduced hepatic malondialdehyde levels significantly (p < 0.05), but did not alter glutathione (p > 0.05) and hydroxyproline levels (p > 0.05). The light and electron microscopic findings showed that Ginkgo biloba extract limited the CCl4-induced hepatocyte necrosis and atrophy. These results suggest that this extract may protect the hepatocytes from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.