Effects of Methanolic Extract of Ginkgo biloba Leaf against Hypoxia-Induced Lethality in Mice

Introduction: Hypoxia defines as a condition in which body tissues do not take sufficient oxygen supply. Chronic hypoxia has various medical consequences. Recently, the role of hypoxia in the progression of COVID-۱۹ disease has been proven. Ginkgo biloba is a valuable plant from more than ۲۰۰۰ years ago. Ginkgo has antioxidant activity and exhibits good scavenging activity on the free radicals therefore, it is considered helpful in treating diseases associated with the generation of free radicals, including chronic inflammation, cerebral infarction, ischemic heart disease, and aging. Material and Methods: In this study, anti-hypoxic activities of G. biloba methanolic leaf extract have been determined against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice to understand its usefulness in treating ischemia. Results: The extract showed weak activity in asphyctic model. At ۱۲۵ mg/kg, it significantly delayed the time of death compared to the control group (p<۰.۰۵) but did not show any activities in haemic or circulatory hypoxia tests even at a higher tested dose, ۲۵۰ mg/kg. Although, at this dose, extract prolonged the survival time more than ۱ minute in circulatory model, but this increase was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, results from this study showed that extract has weak anti-hypoxic effects in the treatment of hypoxia.