Ginkgo biloba for acute ischaemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Evidence-based Medicine

Background:

• Ginkgo biloba extract is a common treatment for acute ischemic stroke in China.
• Assessing the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract in stroke recovery is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if Ginkgo biloba extract improves functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke.
• To determine if Ginkgo biloba extract causes harm.
• To assess effects on neurological impairment and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
• Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and CBM-disc.
• Included trials comparing Ginkgo biloba extract with placebo or no placebo in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Main Results:

• Ten trials (792 patients) were included; follow-up ranged from 14 to 35 days.
• Nine low-quality trials suggested improved neurological deficit with Ginkgo biloba extract (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.79 to 3.94).
• One high-quality placebo-controlled trial found no significant improvement in neurological deficit (WMD 0.81; 95% CI -8.9 to 10.52). No major adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• Insufficient high-quality evidence supports routine Ginkgo biloba extract use for stroke recovery.
• Large-scale, high-quality RCTs are necessary to establish efficacy.
• Current evidence does not confirm benefits for functional outcome, neurological impairment, or quality of life.