Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on the Proliferation of Cultured Human Tenon Capsule Fibroblasts

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on the proliferation of cultured human Tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTCF). METHODS: Free radical scavenging activity of GBE was assessed with a DPPH assay. Primarily cultured HTCF were exposed to 10 and 100 microgram/ml of GBE, and the effect of this extract on HTCF survival was assessed. Following 48 hr exposure to the media with or without serum, cellular survival and nitrite production were assessed by MTT and Griess assays. To evaluate whether GBE had a cytoproptective effect, HTCF were cultured in a combination of GBE and either sodium cyanide or hydrogen peroxide. RESULTS: GBE showed free radical scavenging activity. GBE increased the cellular survival of HTCF significantly in a dose-dependent manner and provided a cytoprotective effect when cells were exposed to sodium cyanide or were deprived of serum, but not when hydrogen peroxide was added to the medium. GBE decreased nitric oxide production but not to a statistically degree. CONCLUSIONS: GBE promotes proliferation of HTCF and has a cytoprotective effect in serum-deprived or hypoxic conditions. This suggests that GBE may be involved in the regulation of conjunctival wound healing by increasing the survival of HTCF.