Antimutagenicity protection of Ginkgo biloba extract (Egb 761) against mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide in mouse bone marrow

Ginkgo biloba (Egb 761) extract, the most prescribed phytomedicine in Europe for the treatment of cerebral insufficiency and vascular diseases, was tested for its possible protective effects against mitomycin C (MMC)- and cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced mutagenicity using the micronucleus test in mouse bone marrow. The extract was co-administered to mice at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg (po) with 4 mg/kg (ip) MMC or 24 mg/kg (ip) CP. All doses of Egb 761 were significantly (P < 0.05) effective in reducing the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, when compared with MMC or CP alone. Based on these results, we suggest that Egb 761 possesses both direct and indirect antimutagenic potential.