ABSTRACT:
Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the potentials of Ginkgo biloba extract against fluoride toxicity by measuring the hematological and biochemical variables in Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty male adult Wistar rats were randomly separated into 5 Groups (n=6 in each Group). Group 1 (Control) received filtered water, 2 to 5 Groups were treated with 100 ppm of sodium fluoride for 30 days, while the Groups 3, 4, and 5 were Ginkgo biloba extract treated at 50 mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight for 15 days, after sodium fluoride treatment. Results: Administration of fluoride resulted in significant decrease in the red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), platelets count (PLT) in blood and total protein and albumin levels in serum of fluoride group as compared to control group, whereas significant increase in the biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were seen in fluoride group in comparison with control group. Supplementation of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) to fluoride intoxicated rats significantly attenuated hematological and biochemical parameters in a dose dependant manner. Conclusion: Ginkgo biloba extract has dose dependant protective effect on fluoride induced hematological and biochemical toxicity and holds potentials for the treatment of fluoride toxicity.