Ginkgo biloba Extract (GbE) Restores Serotonin and Leptin Receptor Levels and Plays an Antioxidative Role in the Hippocampus of Ovariectomized Rats

Since Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) was reported to improve the hypothalamic serotonergic system of ovariectomized (OVX) rats, the present study aimed to verify the GbE effects on hippocampal oxidative stress, inflammation, and levels of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), and both the serotonin (5-HT 1A , 5-HT 1B ) and leptin receptors of OVX rats. Two-month-old female Wistar rats had their ovaries surgically removed (OVX) or not (SHAM). After 60 days, OVX rats were gavaged daily with GbE 500 mg kg −1 (OVX+GbE), while SHAM and OVX groups received saline 0.9% (vehicle) for 14 days. Rats were then euthanized, and hippocampi were collected. Both 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 1B levels were significantly reduced in OVX rats compared to SHAM rats, while 5-HT 1A was higher in OVX+GbE rats in comparison to OVX rats. Similarly, LepR levels were increased in OVX+GbE rats compared to OVX rats, reaching similar levels to SHAM rats. Superoxide dismutase activity increased in OVX rats in relation to SHAM rats, which was restored to SHAM levels by GbE treatment. Additionally, GbE significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase activity in comparison to the SHAM group. No differences were observed either in catalase activity or in the levels of 5-HTT, PKCα, TLR-4, NF-κBp50, ERK, and CREB. In summary, our results show a potential effect of GbE on hippocampal pathways involved in feeding behavior, and thus, they suggest that GbE activity might improve menopausal-related hippocampal disorders, offering an alternative therapeutic tool particularly for women to whom hormone replacement therapy may be contraindicated. Graphical abstract