Experimental evidence of Ginkgo biloba extract EGB as a neuroprotective agent in ischemia stroke rats

EGb761 is a standard extract of Ginkgo biloba, which is a kind of traditional Chinese herbs that has widely used in clinic treatment of stroke in China. However, its effects against ischemic stroke have not been evaluated comprehensively and its neuroprotective mechanism has not really been explored. In the present study, magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), neurological behavior and TTC staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EGb761 in rat ischemic models. Additionally, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed to measure the phosphorylations of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and Akt as well as the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rat brains. The results showed that Ginkgo biloba extract injection significantly increased the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and average diffusion coefficient (DCavg) value both in the peripheral zone and central zone, improved behavior scores, as well as enhanced the phosphorylations of AKT, CREB and the expression of BDNF in the brains. All these data demonstrate that EGb761 had significant therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke and it perhaps worked through activating the Akt–CREB–BDNF pathway.

► EGB761 could improve the cerebral image of rat ischemic models evaluated by the method of DWI-MRI.
► TTC staining examination showed that the infarction area of model rat was reduced by EGB761.
► The above results were also confirmed by neurological behavior grade.
► The protective effects of EGB761 were perhaps worked by activating the Akt–CREB–BDNF pathway.