Systematic Review Shows Ginkgo Biloba May Be Effective in Alzeimer's Dementia (May 2024)

Take Home

In this systematic review, researchers found that Ginkgo biloba (GB) has potential benefit in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by improving memory and cognitive function and reducing neuropsychiatric doses. It was generally well-tolerated with mild side effects in most cases. Doses for administration ranged from 60 - 500 mg daily of whole herb or standardized extract using EGb 761. The review underscores the complexity of treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and suggests that while Ginkgo biloba has potential, it should be approached as a component of a broader therapeutic strategy tailored to individual patient needs.

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD)is a leading cause of dementia, affecting memory and cognitive functions. Traditional treatments mainly address symptoms and often have serious side effects. GB, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, and has been evaluated as an alternative treatment for AD.

Source of Data

The systematic review included studies from databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane. It focused on GB's effects on cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional abilities in AD and dementia patients. The reviewers found 15 clinical trials that met their criteria. The study design for the clinical trials included in the systematic review were primarily randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trials typically employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled methodology.The dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract (commonly EGb 761®) varied, typically ranging from 120 mg to 240 mg per day. Treatment periods also varied, often extending from a few weeks to several months. Primary outcomes included cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional abilities, measured using standardized tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).

Results

The majority of the studies included in the systematic review reported beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba on cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and overall functional abilities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In particular, eleven out of fifteen studies observed significant improvements in these areas among participants who received GB extract, specifically EGb 761®. Four of the studies reported no significant differences between the GB-treated groups and the placebo groups. This indicates that while many patients may benefit from GB treatment, the effects are not universal and could vary depending on individual factors or the specifics of the disease progression in different patients. The dosages of Ginkgo biloba extract used across the trials ranged typically from 120 mg to 240 mg daily, with treatment durations varying from a few weeks to several months. The variation in dosages and treatment lengths might have implications on the effectiveness, suggesting a need to optimize treatment protocols.

In studies that reported positive effects, significant improvements were noted in cognitive scores (e.g., MMSE, SKT) and neuropsychiatric assessments (e.g., NPI). These studies generally found that Ginkgo biloba could enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, as well as reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The review also considered the safety profile of Ginkgo biloba. Most studies reported that GB was well-tolerated, with only mild adverse effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or headaches, which were generally comparable to those observed in placebo groups.

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