The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves on Rats with Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract

eading cause of renal failure. It is characterized by proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy and progressive renal insufficiency. Ginkgo biloba is a medicinal tree native to China that has been grown. Ginkgo biloba leaves, fan shape leaves, possess an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and suggested as a treatment for diabetic nephropathy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba leaves on diabetic nephropathy in rats. Fifty male albino rats were distributed into five groups: group 1 Normal control rats, group 2 diabetic control rats and the remaining rats with the diabetic nephropathy. Treatment with Ginkgo biloba leaves continued for six weeks. At the end of experiment, blood samples were withdrawn to separate serum after centrifugation Serum samples were used for estimation of glucose, insulin, urea nitrogen (UN), uric acid (UA) and creatinine (Cr), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results revealed that rats fed on supplemented diet with Ginkgo biloba leaves at all different concentrations had significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases in serum levels of glucose, Cr, UN, UA and MDA. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in levels of GSH, GPx and serum insulin as well as histological improvement in kidney tissues following histopathological examination. It could be concluded that Ginkgo biloba leaves protect against type 2 diabetes in rats with nephrotoxicity by reducing the uremia, oxidative stress, and renal dysfunction.