Effects of Ginkgolide B and Ginkgo biloba extract on local cerebral glucose utilization in the awake adult rat

Abstract

The effects of the extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba and of one of its major components, Ginkgolide B, on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) have been studied in the awake adult rat. Ginkgolide B (10 mg/kg i.p.) had no significant effect on LCGU in 38 brain regions studied. In contrast, the Ginkgo biloba extract (150 mg/kg i.p. in 3 divided doses) produced significant and widespread decreases in LCGU in 21 brain regions (range 3–26% reduction). These results demonstrate that Ginkgo biloba is able to reduce brain glucose utilization, but that the substance responsible for this effect may not be Ginkgolide B.