Summary
Results of a placebo-controlled, 12-week clinical trial conducted
by researchers from Louisiana State University, New Orleans
showed that Ginkgo biloba failed to improve cognitive function in
people with MS. Extract from the Ginkgo biloba tree has been used
for a variety of medicinal purposes, and small pilot studies,
including one by the authors of this study, hinted that it might
be beneficial for cognitive impairment in MS. Preliminary results
of this study were previously reported in 2011 at the American
Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting. [Lovera JF, Kim E,
Heriza E, Fitzpatrick M, Hunziker J, Turner AP, Adams J, Stover
T, Sangeorzan A, Sloan A, Howieson D, Wild K, Haselkorn J,
Bourdette D. Neurology. 2012 Sep 18;79(12):1278-84. Epub 2012 Sep
5.]
The Study
The study involved 121 people with all types of MS in the
Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon areas whose cognitive
tests showed some thinking impairment. Study participants took
one 120 mg tablet of Ginkgo or inactive placebo twice a day for
12 weeks, and then underwent cognitive tests. The investigators
also had participants and family members fill out questionnaires
to record their perceptions of participants’ cognitive function.
No differences were seen between those who took Ginkgo and those
who took placebo in any of the outcome measures. The authors note
that this study was not designed to determine the long-term
impact of Ginkgo, and that the participants had had MS for a long
duration (a median of 20 years), which may have influenced
outcomes.
What do these findings mean?
People who are currently taking Gingko biloba to improve
cognitive impairment should discuss the results from this study
with their physician or healthcare team. Other symptom management
options for improved cognitive function should be
discussed.
Source: National MS Society (USA)