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Planta Med 2024; 90(04): 286-297
DOI: 10.1055/a-2245-3624
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers

Memantine versus Ginkgo biloba Extract: A Comparative Study on Cognitive Dysfunction Treatment in a Novel Rat Model

Essmat A. H. Allam
1   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
,
Abdel-Azim Assi
2   Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
,
Dalia M. Badary
3   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
,
Magda M. Y. Farrag
2   Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
,
Mariam A. Nicola
1   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
› Author AffiliationsWe would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) of the Ministry of State for Scientific Research in Egypt for their generous support (Grant # 43 688). This funding was instrumental in the purchase of materials necessary for our research. We are truly appreciative of their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
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Abstract

Extracellular senile plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles are two devastating brain proteinopathies that are indicative of Alzheimerʼs disease, the most prevalent type of dementia. Currently, no effective medications are available to stop or reverse Alzheimerʼs disease. Ginkgo biloba extract, commonly referred to as EGb 761, is a natural product made from the leaves of the G. biloba tree. It has long been demonstrated to have therapeutic benefits in Alzheimerʼs disease. The current study assessed the beneficial effects of EGb 761 against Alzheimerʼs disease in comparison with memantine, a standard treatment for Alzheimerʼs disease. The scopolamine-heavy metals mixture rat Alzheimerʼs disease model is a newly created model to study the effects of EGb 761 oral therapy on cognitive performance and other Alzheimerʼs disease-like changes over a 28-day experimental period. This new Alzheimerʼs disease model provides better criteria for Alzheimerʼs disease hallmarks than the conventional scopolamine model. The EGb 761 reversed memory and learning deficits induced by the scopolamine-heavy metals mixture. These outcomes were linked to a more pronounced inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase, caspase-3, hippocampal amyloid-beta protein (Aβ1 – 42), phosphorylated tau protein counts, and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) compared to the memantine-treated group. Furthermore, EGb 761 treatment considerably reduced lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and improved reduced glutathione levels compared to memantine. Our results suggest EGb 761′s potential in treating central nervous system disorders. Itʼs a promising candidate for future Alzheimerʼs disease therapeutic exploration. This study also highlights the need for future research to focus on the positive benefits of herbal medicines.

Keywords

Alzheimerʼs disease - Ginkgo biloba - EGb 761 - Ginkgoaceae - scopolamine - heavy metals mixture - cytokines - oxidative stress


Publication History

Received: 22 July 2023

Accepted after revision: 03 January 2024

Article published online:
29 January 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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