Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2001 Oct;44(10):1028-1031.

Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Experimentally Induced Hearing Loss by Noise

• Lee SH
• Kim TH
• Nam BH
• Park CI

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) has been known to have actions of increasing blood flow, free radicals scavenger and platelet activating factor antagonism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of the EGb in an experimentally induced hearing loss by noise.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten guinea pigs (EGb treated group and control group) were exposed to a narrow band noise (3,760-4,280 Hz), 6 hours daily for 6 days. An auditory evoked brainstem response (ABR) threshold was measured daily before and after a noise exposure. Two animals in each groups were sacrificed for a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) screening.
RESULTS
The EGb treated group showed less changes in ABR threshold and SEM findings compared the control group.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that the EGb may have a protective effect in noise induced hearing loss.

Keyword

Ginkgo biloba; Hearing Loss; Noise-Induced; Guinea pigs

MeSH Terms

Animals
Brain Stem
Free Radicals
Ginkgo biloba*
Guinea Pigs
Hearing Loss*
Hearing*
Mass Screening
Noise*
Platelet Activating Factor
Free Radicals
Platelet Activating Factor