The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba to Retinal Microcirculation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the microcircular changes of optic disc, peripapillary and macular area in healthysubjects who had taken Gingko biloba extract. METHODS: 10 healthy subjects (20 eyes) took Gingko biloba extract 40mg three times daily. Confocal scanning laser flowmetry (Heidelberg Retina Flowmetry, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) was used to measure the changes of microcirculation at before and after 2, 4 hours, 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks. RESULTS: After administration of Gingko biloba extract, blood velocity, blood flow and blood volume in optic disc, peripapillary and macular area increased in all periods but statistically significant in 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks except blood volume of macular area in 1 day. No side effects related to Gingko biloba extract were found. CONCLUSIONS: Gingko biloba extract increased microcircular blood velocity, flow, and volume in healthysubjects.