Ginkgo biloba mitigates methamphetamine-induced oxidative stress and hepato-ileal toxicity in Wistar rats

Background: Methamphetamine is an active central nervous system stimulant known for its great ability to cause addiction as well neurotoxicity, often used illicitly for its euphoric effects. On the other hand, Ginkgo biloba is a traditional herbal remedy with many therapeutic benefits. It has been reputed for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects, cognitive-enhancing, and antioxidant properties. It has been reported as one of the most sold plants because of its rich content in various bioactive chemicals. Objective: The present study investigated the attenuating ability of Ginkgo biloba extract on methamphetamine-induced mucosal oxidative stress and hepato-ileal toxicity in male Wistar rats. Methodology: Sixty [60] male Wistar rats were distributed into five [5] groups. First group received normal rat chow; Group 2 received Ginkgo biloba; Third group received Methamphetamine; Fourth group received Ginkgo biloba + Methamphetamine; Group 5 received Ginkgo biloba + Methamphetamine. Each animal was allowed unhindered access to clean drinking water and normal rat chow ad libitum within 28 days. After this, animals were euthanized, and tissues and blood samples were obtained for histological and biochemical examinations. Result: The outcomes suggested increased levels of oxidative stress markers and liver enzymes, with cytoarchitecture distortion of intestinal and liver tissues in the methamphetamine-treated groups. On the other hand, the Ginkgo biloba supplementation group showed noticeable improvement with the recovering of the intestinal tissues and liver tissues and notable modulation in liver enzyme activities/levels, as well as up-regulation of in vivo antioxidant armories. Conclusion: From our investigation, it may be assumed that the presence of rich bioactive chemicals in Ginkgo biloba may be responsible for the modulatory effects on liver enzyme activities/levels that may possibly confer protective effects on the liver and ileal epithelium and may also possibly up-regulate antioxidant defenses in the liver, stomach, and ileum, as found in the animal model used in the study.