The effects of Ginkgo biloba extracts on the memory and motor functions of rats with chronic cerebral insufficiency.

The main goal of the current study was to investigate the effects of two Ginkgo leaf extracts, EGb 761 and an extract of local Ginkgo leaf (LGb), on the memory and motor functions of rats with chronic cerebral insufficiency (produced by bilateral common carotid artery ligation). After the operation, spatial memory and motor functions were tested for over 80 days. Tests included (1) radial-arm maze test for testing spatial memory and locomotor activity and (2) muscle force and hind limbs for escape. The results indicate that both EGb 761 and LGb improved spatial memory from the second week after operation, but only EGb 761 delayed deterioration of motor functions from the fifth week after operation. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel