Ginkgo biloba Mitigates Methamphetamine-Induced Oxidative Stress, Liver and Intestinal Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Umoren EB *
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, P.O. Box 71, Ishaka, Bushenyi, Uganda.
Melford FI
Department of Physiology, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Nyenke CU
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Methamphetamine, a potent central nervous system stimulant, is associated with addiction and neurotoxicity. In contrast, Ginkgo biloba, a widely used traditional herbal remedy, is reputed for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cognitive-enhancing properties. This study investigated the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on methamphetamine-induced oxidative stress and hepato-ileal toxicity in male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=12). Group 1 (normal control) received standard chow; Group 2 received Ginkgo biloba (50 mg/kg); Group 3 received methamphetamine (2.0 mg/kg); Group 4 received Ginkgo biloba (50 mg/kg) + methamphetamine (2.0 mg/kg); and Group 5 received Ginkgo biloba (100 mg/kg) + methamphetamine (2.0 mg/kg). All treatments lasted 28 days, after which animals were euthanized for histological and biochemical analyses. Methamphetamine administration elevated oxidative stress markers and liver enzyme levels, accompanied by cytoarchitectural distortion in intestinal and hepatic tissues. In contrast, Ginkgo biloba co-treatment ameliorated these alterations, restoring tissue integrity, modulating liver enzyme activity, and enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses. In conclusion, the bioactive compounds in Ginkgo biloba may confer hepatoprotective and ileal-protective effects by regulating oxidative stress and enzyme activities, supporting its therapeutic potential against methamphetamine-induced toxicity.
Keywords: Methamphetamine, Gingko biloba, oxidative stress, liver enzymes, hepato-ileal protection, Wistar rats