Gingko Biloba
- Evidence that gingko biloba can improve memory has been decidedly mixed.
- It seems likely that benefits, if they accrue, require some time to eventuate.
- The quality of the supplements is also probably a factor in determining whether it will be of value.
- The most promising results have occurred with multiple sclerosis patients; there is also some reason to think those with cardiovascular problems may benefit.
- Gingko biloba is not without side-effects.
What is the story with gingko biloba? One study found no effect on cognitive performance in healthy seniors after six weeks. However, a number of earlier studies have supported the use of gingko. Most recently, a study of seniors with age-associated memory impairment found significant improvement in verbal recall among those who took gingko biloba for six months. It's been suggested that both length of time (most studies have looked at the effect over 3 months or less) and quality of supplement, may be important.
Most studies supporting the use of gingko have been looking at its use in people suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis etc. That is, not in healthy seniors. There is some evidence that gingko may be helpful with cardiovascular problems and, given recent research that suggests "what's good for the heart is good for the brain", perhaps this is the source of any effects gingko may have on memory and cognitive function.
Devanand cites a study that found that patients with dementia who were given gingko maintained their performance on a cognitive test over a year, while those given a placebo worsened. The size of the difference however was small, which probably accounts for why the clinicians' impression was that it made no difference. Perhaps this explains the failure of the recent study - in older adults who are not cognitively impaired, the effect is simply too small to be measurable (particularly over a few weeks).
Gingko can have serious side-effects - those taking other medications, or about to undergo surgery, are advised to tell their doctor if they are taking gingko. There is also some evidence that it may be a danger to unborn children. Nor is it yet clear what the correct dose might be (one study found a beneficial effect at a low dose, but no effect when a higher dose was used!) The quality of the various gingko preparations for sale is also quite variable.
Given these caveats however, some individuals may find gingko helpful - chiefly, it would appear, in terms of a slightly increased alertness. I would speculate that those who do find it helpful are those people whose memory problems are caused by certain cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol.
I would remind you that my background is in cognitive psychology, I am not a medical doctor. This is my understanding of the situation from the various reports I have read.
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