The effect of Ginkgo biloba on the activity of catalase and lipid peroxidation in experimental strangulation ileus.

This study was designed to assess the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in experimental strangulation ileus. Rats were divided into control (n = 7), placebo (n = 11), and EGb-treated (n = 11) groups. No surgical procedure was carried out on the control group. Strangulation ileus was produced in the placebo and EGb groups for 2.5 h. At the end of this period, 100 mg/kg EGb in 1 ml of saline was injected intraperitoneally to the EGb-treated group. In the placebo group, animals received an equivalent amount of saline intraperitoneally; 24 h later, repeat laparotomies were performed to take blood and intestinal tissue samples. The EGb treatment decreased tissue malondialdehyde levels and increased catalase activities compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05 for both). Serum creatine kinase and phosphorus levels were also determined in all groups. In the placebo group these were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the EGb group these were not different from controls and the increase in creatine kinase activity in the EGb group was not as high as in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that EGb could be preventive against the effects of strangulation ileus in a rat model.