Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in MS: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is a common and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Ginkgo biloba extract (ginkgo) is a popular herbal supplement often marketed for cognitive enhancement.
• Evidence supporting ginkgo's efficacy for cognitive deficits in neurological conditions remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba extract in improving cognitive function in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To assess the impact of ginkgo supplementation on specific cognitive domains affected in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with participants diagnosed with MS.
• Participants with cognitive deficits (1 SD below the mean on specific neuropsychological tests) received either 120 mg of ginkgo or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks.
• Cognitive performance was assessed using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT), Stroop Test, California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT-II), and Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT).

Main Results:

• A total of 122 participants (61 ginkgo, 59 placebo) completed the study, with minimal loss to follow-up.
• No statistically significant differences in cognitive test performance were observed between the ginkgo and placebo groups at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
• Adverse events were comparable between groups, with no significant safety concerns attributed to ginkgo supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Treatment with ginkgo biloba extract at a dosage of 120 mg twice daily for 12 weeks does not yield significant improvements in cognitive function for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• This study provides Class I evidence indicating that ginkgo is not an effective treatment for cognitive impairment associated with MS.