05.01.07
Indication: Memory (older adults)
Source: J Am Diet Assoc, March 2007;107(3):422-432.
Research: In this trial, investigators set out to determine whether a ginkgo biloba-containing supplement could improve cognitive function and quality of life or alter primary hemostasis. They also wanted to make sure it was safe in healthy, cognitively intact older adults. Researchers conducted a 4-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study in 90 men and women (age range 65 to 84 years) recruited to a university clinic. Eligibility included those without dementia or depression, not taking psychoactive medications or medications or supplements that alter hemostasis. Subjects were randomly assigned to placebo or a ginkgo biloba-based supplement containing 160 mg ginkgo biloba, 68 mg gotu kola and 180 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day for 4 months. Subjects were assessed using six standardized cognitive function tests, the SF-36 Quality of Life questionnaire, the Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (Dade Behring, Eschbom, Germany).
Results: Seventy-eight subjects (87%) completed both baseline and 4-month testing (n=36 in placebo group, n=42 in ginkgo biloba group). At baseline, participants’ cognitive function was above average. One of six cognitive tests indicated significant protocol differences at 4 months, favoring the placebo. But there were no significant differences in quality of life, platelet function, or adverse events. Researchers think these findings do not support the use of this ginkgo biloba-containing supplement for improving cognitive function or quality of life in cognitively intact, older, healthy adults. However, they also say high baseline scores may have contributed to the null findings. The ginkgo biloba product seems safe and did not alter platelet function, although the researcher believe additional studies are needed to evaluate the interaction of varying doses of ginkgo biloba and ginkgo biloba-containing supplements with medications and supplements that alter hemostasis.
Source: J Am Diet Assoc, March 2007;107(3):422-432.
Research: In this trial, investigators set out to determine whether a ginkgo biloba-containing supplement could improve cognitive function and quality of life or alter primary hemostasis. They also wanted to make sure it was safe in healthy, cognitively intact older adults. Researchers conducted a 4-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study in 90 men and women (age range 65 to 84 years) recruited to a university clinic. Eligibility included those without dementia or depression, not taking psychoactive medications or medications or supplements that alter hemostasis. Subjects were randomly assigned to placebo or a ginkgo biloba-based supplement containing 160 mg ginkgo biloba, 68 mg gotu kola and 180 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day for 4 months. Subjects were assessed using six standardized cognitive function tests, the SF-36 Quality of Life questionnaire, the Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (Dade Behring, Eschbom, Germany).
Results: Seventy-eight subjects (87%) completed both baseline and 4-month testing (n=36 in placebo group, n=42 in ginkgo biloba group). At baseline, participants’ cognitive function was above average. One of six cognitive tests indicated significant protocol differences at 4 months, favoring the placebo. But there were no significant differences in quality of life, platelet function, or adverse events. Researchers think these findings do not support the use of this ginkgo biloba-containing supplement for improving cognitive function or quality of life in cognitively intact, older, healthy adults. However, they also say high baseline scores may have contributed to the null findings. The ginkgo biloba product seems safe and did not alter platelet function, although the researcher believe additional studies are needed to evaluate the interaction of varying doses of ginkgo biloba and ginkgo biloba-containing supplements with medications and supplements that alter hemostasis.