Effects of Ginkgo biloba on experimental rapid maxillary expansion model: a histomorphometric study.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of systemic Ginkgo biloba in rapid maxillary expansion (RME).

Study Design: We randomly divided 24 rats into 3 groups: expansion only (EO), expansion plus Ginkgo biloba (GB), and no expansion (NE). Expansion appliances were affixed to the maxillary incisors. After a 5-day expansion period, there was a consolidation period of 15 days, following which the rats were killed. Histomorphometric examination was performed to determine the number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and capillaries, the number and intensity of inflammatory cells, and new bone formation.

Results: New bone formation, number of capillaries, and the ratio of inflammatory cells in maxillary sutures were higher in the GB group than in the other groups. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the GB group had more osteoblasts and osteoclasts than the other groups.

Conclusions: GB may hasten new bone regeneration in RME and prevent relapse after RME.