Abstract: Objective To observe the antioxidative effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) on motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Methods 36 healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into EGb group (group A), methylprednisolone (MP) group (group B) and control group (group C) with 12 rats in each group. SCI model was made by Allen's mode (10 g×25 mm) at the level of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9). Group A was given 40 mg/kg EGb daily by intraperitoneal injection, while group B was given 30 mg/kg MP at the first injection and then 5.4 mg/kg every 6 hours for 4 times. Group C received an equal volume of normal saline daily. On the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after SCI, 4 rats were selected randomly from each group. The motor function were assessed by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale (BBB). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were determined. Results At every time point after surgery, the BBB scores were significantly higher in groups A and B than in group C (P<0.05). Compared to group C,the activity of SOD increased and the content of MDA decreased significantly in groups A and B on the 3rd and 7th days after SCI (P<0.05).Conclusion EGb may reduce the level of oxidative stress and promote the recovery of the motor function in rats after SCI.

Key words: spinal cord injury, motor function, Ginkgo biloba extract, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, rats