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

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.