A Study on the Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Cognitive and Psychomotor Performance in Wistar Rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT newline newlineMemory is the faculty of the brain by which information is encoded, stored and retrieved. Once memory failure occurs, the individuals lose their integrity. In memory loss treatments, both allopathy and herbal drugs play an important role. Ginkgo biloba is a tall, slender and beautiful tree. Forty-two animals were selected and divided into 7 groups with 6 animals in each group. Dementia was induced to all the animals (G2 G6) by intra peritoneal injection of scopolamine except Group 1 and 7. For Group 7, animals were treated with the drug for a period of 6 weeks then dementia was induced at the end of the treatment after 6 week to assess the pretreatment effect of the drug. In behavioural study, rotarod maximum improvement found in Group 6 and 4 and the minimum improvement found in Group 2. In radial arm maze, maximum improvement found in Group 3 and 6 and minimal improvement found in Group 4. In active avoidance, maximum improvement found in Group 7 and minimum improvement found in Group 4. There is strong evidence that EGb761 has rich in flavonoid, phenol in phytochemical analysis. It also had shown promising antioxidant properties. Ginkgo biloba extract improves the cognition and psychomotor performance in dementia induced Wistar rats. It also delays the onset of dementia. EGb761 has a potential anti-dementia activity in Wistar rats compared to Donepezil. Administration of EGb761 significantly improved memory and learning performance in Wistar rats. EGb761 improved cognitive functioning and better aspects of quality of life in mild cognitive impairment. EGb761 may someday be accepted as a cost-effective alternative treatment for dementia. newline