Immunostimulatory Effect of Ginkgolides Enhances Resistance of Neutropenic Mice against Hematogenously Disseminated Candidiasis

We investigated immunoactivity of ginkgolides (GLS), the primary active constituent of Ginkgo biloba leaves, against disseminated candidiasis due to Candida albicans. This fungus is a polymorphic opportunistic pathogen. BALB/c mice were induced neutropenia by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide (CP) 24 hours before an i.p administration of GLS (2 mg/mouse) to the mice. Control mice received diluent (Dulbecco's phosphate saline solution; DPBS) instead of GLS. (omitted)