Influence of extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system

Ginkgo biloba-derived preparations have become widely used in medical practice. Thougt extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves have a wide pharmacological application, little is known about extract effects on mitochondria. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. The tasks of the study were following: 1. To investigate the effects of extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves on the respiration of isolated heart and liver mitochondria and permeabilized heart fibers. 2. To analyze the mechanism(s) of extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. 3. To determine the effect of extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves on perfused rat heart electromechanical activity and to analyze how GBE given to isolated perfused rat hearts readily can penetrate into the heart cells and mitochondria. 4. To test whether perfusion with Ginkgo biloba extract protects heart mitochondria against ischemia/reperfusion damage. 5. To investigate the effect of extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system in vivo