Efeito do extrato de Ginkgo Biloba (EGb) sobre o sistema reprodutor masculino de ratos Wistar adultos

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba Extract (GBE) is one of the most consumed herbal medicines in the world and it has been used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and as an aphrodisiac. The present study had as objective to evaluate the GBE systemic toxicity and its effect on male reproductive system of Wistar rats. Eighty animals of threemonth- old age were treated with distilled water (Control Group) and aqueous extract of Ginkgo biloba in the following doses: 3.5 (GBE 3.5); 7.0 (GBE 7.0) and 14.0 mg/kg (GBE 14.0) once per day, for 56 consecutive days. Body weight, daily food consumption estimation, toxicity clinical signs evidences, male reproductive system organs and accessory glands weights and testis histometric analysis data were evaluated. Spermatozoa were collected from the cauda epididymis and were subjected to counting and evaluations of vitality and morphology. Complete blood count test, serum biochemistry test of urea, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total serum testosterone levels were realized. Clinical signs of systemic toxicity and deaths were not seen. In spite of it had had significant statistical differences on daily food consumption estimation, hemoglobinometry, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and Leydig cell volume, it was concluded that GBE in the present study and with the doses used, did not cause systemic toxicity nor promoted alterations on testicular morphometry and spermatic quality of Wistar rats.