Ginkgo boosts memory and mental function

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), a preeminent herb from traditional Chinese medicine, ranks among the most the most thoroughly researched, and best-selling, herbal remedies. Of the more than 250 clinical and experimental trials that have been conducted to date, involving gingko extracts, the majority demonstrate that gingko provides a wide range of health benefits, including acting as an antioxidant, enhancing mental acuity and memory, preventing blood clumping improving blood circulation (especial to the brain and exrtemities), and treating some types of hearing loss. A recent study, continuing in this spirit of research, demonstrates that ginkgo goes beyond preserving mental function and may actually suppress, or reverse, some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Solid scientific background: Alzheimer's and demetia

"The scientific background of this plant extract is extensive; it goes back at least 20 years in Europe. Of course, many of these prior studies did not address dementia, but there are several that address memory disturbance of the elderly, a condition known as cerebral insufficiency. Our study is the first to look specifically at dementia and Alzheimer's disease," Pierre LeBars, M.D., Ph.D., explained in an interview. LeBars is director of the New York Institute for Medical Research and the lead author of the new study detailing the potential role of ginkgo for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

What LeBars' study found was certainly impressive: nearly one-third of Alzheimer's patients taking ginkgo supplements showed improvements in cognitive function. The study tracked the mental function of 327 patients with dementia (caused by either Alzheimer's disease or stroke) and randomly assigned them to take either ginkgo supplements or look-alike placebo pills every day for one year. The ginkgo supplements provided 120 mg of a standardized concentrated extract known as EGb.

The patients were evaluated with three assessment tools commonly used for Alzheimer's patients. First, cognitive impairment was assessed with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog). Second, daily living and social behavior was assessed with the Geriatric Evaluation by Relative's Rating Instrument (GERRI). And third, general psychopathology was measured by the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC).

Taking the test results separately, the first test -- the ADAS assessment -- showed that almost one out of three of the patients in the ginkgo group improved in this cognitive scoring. Meanwhile, the placebo group showed a worsening of symptoms according to the ADAS scale, which was to be expected with Alzheimer's patients.

In the second test, the GERRI score, which is based on the family perception of the patient's health status, the family members were able to detect appreciable changes in patient behavior, ability, and cognition for those in the gingko group.

Finally, in the CGIC, which is based on the physician's impressions of the patient, the gingko group did not show a relevant change compared to the placebo group. Overall, it was found that patients in the placebo group showed cognitive deterioration. However, in the group treated with the ginkgo extract, this deterioration was arrested after six months of supplementation. Furthermore, and this is the impressive part, in approximately one-third of those in the ginkgo-treated group, there appeared to have been some improvement of the cognitive process.

"I am completely amazed with the results of this study," confided LeBars, "because the patients treated with ginkgo not only had the progression of their disease arrested, but they actually showed improvements in 29 percent of the people. This is absolutely incredible to see an improvement in Alzheimer's patients."

Antioxidative properties are a link to health

Ongoing scientific research continues to investigate the mechanism by which ginkgo provides health benefits. The current consensus is that ginkgo's main effects are related to its antioxidative properties. This is consistent with the benefits seen in Alzheimer's patients, since free-radical damage is known to be present in Alzheimer's disease.

When asked whether he would recommend ginkgo supplements as part of a treatment protocol for Alzheimer's disease, LeBars commented: "After the diagnosis is confirmed as Alzheimer's, and keeping in mind that future research may provide some clarification, it does make sense to supplement with ginkgo. Of course, this is in addition to the treatments already available and used in standard practice."

REFERENCE

LeBars, P.L., Katz, M.M., Berman, N., et al. "A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of ginkgo biloba for dementia," J Am Med Assoc 278(:16):1327-1332, 1997.

Victoria Dolby, M.P.H., is a health and nutrition writer who lives in Oregon. She takes a comprehensive look at the history and health benefits of green tea in The Green Tea Book (Aver),, 1998). Ask your retailer to call: (800) 548-5757.

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