Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the systemic administration of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) would prevent excessive tissue destruction in ligature-induced periodontitis in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were used in the current study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight rats each: (1) non-ligated treatment (NL) group, (2) ligature-only (LO) group, (3) ligature plus GB28 (28 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group and (4) ligature plus GB56 (56 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group.

RESULTS

Measurement of alveolar bone loss in the mandibular molar tooth revealed significantly lower bone loss values in the LO group compared to groups NL, GB28 and GB56 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present results are the first data which suggests that host response in periodontitis can be modified by EGb administration. EGb minimized progression of periodontal disease.