The potential therapeutic role of Ginkgo biloba extracts on ventral prostate in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes: A histomorphometric study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide endocrine and metabolic disease. Herbal extracts have been applied for a long time in the treatment of several illnesses. Ginkgo biloba extract was a popular herbal treatment for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. Aim of work: assess the potential therapeutic role of Ginkgo biloba extracts against diabetes caused by streptozotocin on the prostate gland in adult male albino rats. Material and methods: 30 male albino rats divided into three groups (10 rats each): Group I (control) divided into two subgroups (five rats each). Subgroup I-a: rats did not undergo any experiments, receiving only food and water. Subgroup I-b: received single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 0.2 ml of 0.1 M sodium citrate. Group II (diabetic group): received a single IP injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin dissolved in sodium citrate buffer just before injection. Group III (ginkgo biloba group): received a single IP injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin as discussed in group II. One week after induction of diabetes the rats received ginkgo biloba (100 mg/kg/day) dissolved in 0.4 ml distilled water orally by gastric tube for 4 weeks. Results: In the diabetic group, acinar cells lost their normal structural architecture and revealed few luminal epithelial folds with pale luminal secretions. In ginkgo biloba group there was restoration to the structure of gland. Dark luminal secretions were observed in some acini Conclusion: Ginkgo biloba have therapeutic effect against the structural damaging of diabetes caused by streptozotocin on the prostate gland in male albino rats.