Efficacy and safety of a Ginkgo biloba extract

This review of the literature documents the efficacy of a standard extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) in managing signs and symptoms associated with memory disorders and dementia. Analysis of the discrepant findings reveals that study outcomes may vary with the type of population studied, the outcome measurements selected, and the dosing tested. Overall, the efficacy of EGb was more frequently reported in trials enrolling dementia patients than healthy volunteers. In contrast to narrow memory tests, broad cognitive assessments were more likely to detect the treatment effect. Although a dose--response relationship is not yet established, 240 mg day(-1) EGb seems to show a higher rate of treatment response than does 120 mg day(-1). Regarding safety, in all trials reviewed the adverse event profile of EGb was not different from that of the placebo.