The effect of intravenous infusion of Tebonin (Ginkgo biloba) on pial arteries in cats.

The dilatory effect of intravenously infused Tebonin (extract of Ginkgo biloba) on pial arterial vessels (less than 100 micron diameter), has been measured using a multichannel videoangiometer through a closed cranial window in cats. After 20 minutes there was a significant dilatation of 7% which increased to 21% by one hour. Results from 6 cats treated with 0.3 mg/kg/min. Tebonin were compared with a group of 6 control cats; the same blood gas "steady state" situation applying to both groups. Results imply a cerebral metabolic effect of Ginkgo biloba that induced a slow rise in cerebral blood flow.