ABSTRACT:
Background: One of the wastes that often pollutes the environment is lead (Pb). Pb intoxication can cause damage to various organs in humans, one of which is in the nervous system. EGb is known to have neuroprotective effects. The study of the clinical benefits of EGb on various diseases has been carried out, but the mechanism of EGb in the repair process of brain cell damage due to Pb exposure is still in doubt, one of which is the effect of EGb on neuron proteins that affect apoptosis and neuronal cell death due to Pb intoxication. Objective: to determine the effect of ginkgo biloba extract on the apoptotic index and the number of neurons in Rattus novergicus with lead exposure. Method: This study is an experimental study by means of randomized experimental post study design. The study uses test animal with several criteria, as follow; male rats, aged 4-5 months, weighing 140-150 grams. The sample of this study was healthy male rats fulfilling the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into 4 groups. The variables in this study are divided into three, namely: (1) Independent variables (2) Dependent variables (3) Controlled variables. After the data is obtained and analyzed, then statistical analysis is carried out, namely (1) Test for normality (2) ANOVA test to prove the difference in mean of the dependent variable in this study. Results: in the examination method and the expression of apoptotic index results showed that administration of EGb can increase BDNF expression in rats with lead exposure. Statistically K2 (Rat with lead exposure (50mg/kgBW), without EGb treatment) and K4 (Pb exposure + EGb) showed that the Apoptosis Index was significantly different (Mann-Whitney = Z = -2,887; p = .004). Furthermore, the results of the examination of the number of neurons showed that administration of EGb can increase the number of neurons in rats with lead exposure. The results of the examination of the number of neurons from the Anova calculation found a value of F = 24,532 and p = .000. Conclusion: Application of EGb can increase BDNF expression and the number of neurons in rats with lead exposure.