Ameliorative Effects of Ginkgo biloba on Lead Acetate-Induced Oxidative Stress and Histopathological Damages in Rat Liver, Kidney, and Testis.

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba is a nutritional supplement known for its antioxidant properties and beneficial effects on different organs. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba supplementation against acute lead toxicity in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated daily for 7 days. The control group received normal saline (1 mL/day, orally). The model group received lead acetate (50 mg/kg/day, ip) without any treatment, and the model with either ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (50 mg/kg/day, ip) or Ginkgo biloba (200 mg/kg/day, oral gavage). After 7 days, blood samples were collected, and livers, kidneys, and testes were excised and stored for evaluation of oxidative stress markers and histological assessment. Acute lead acetate administration resulted in significant weight loss, an increase in kidney index, elevated serum creatinine and liver enzyme levels, including serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (AlkP), and extensive histological damage in the liver, kidney, and testicular tissues. Administration of the Ginkgo biloba significantly improved serum creatinine and AlkP, showing greater efficacy than EDTA, and reduced histopathological changes, similar to EDTA, including hepatic vascular congestion and fibrosis, renal dilation of Bowman spaces, and glomerular degeneration. Furthermore, Ginkgo biloba treatment improved Leydig and spermatogonia cell counts. Both Ginkgo biloba and EDTA reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in these organs. Ginkgo biloba exhibited protective effects against lead-induced hepatic, renal and testicular damage through its ability to reduce oxidative stress damage. These results indicate that Ginkgo biloba may serve as a valuable adjunct therapy for mitigating lead-associated organ damage.