Therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on hypercholestrolemia in children with nephrotic syndrome

Objective To explore the therapeutic effects of the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaf on hypercholestrolemia in children with primary nephritic syndrome(NS).Methods Thirty-five children with NS were randomized into 2 groups for treatment with prednisone plus Ginkgo biloba leaf extract(18 cases)or with prednisone plus dipyridamole(17 cases)for 8 weeks.After completion of the treatments,the therapeutic effects were evaluated and the changes in the blood biochemical markers assayed.Results The 8-week treatment with the extract significantly ameliorated the clinical symptoms and blood biochemistry as compared with prednisome plus dipyridamole group(P0.01).The levels of urinic protein and blood lipid in Ginkgo leaf group were significantly lower than those in prednisome plus dipyridamole group(P0.05).Conclusion The extract from Ginkgo biloba leaf can lower blood lipid levels and urinic protein in children with NS and improve their clinical syptoms and the renal function,therefore has much clinical value as an adjuvant treatment of steroid therapy in such children.