What are the effects of ginkgo balboa on cognition?
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Effects of Ginkgo Biloba on Cognition
Introduction to Ginkgo Biloba and Cognitive Function
Ginkgo biloba, derived from the leaves of the maidenhair tree, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various health disorders. Modern research has explored its potential benefits on cognitive functions, particularly in conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, as well as its effects on healthy individuals.
Acute Cognitive Effects in Healthy Individuals
Studies have shown that acute administration of Ginkgo biloba can lead to significant improvements in cognitive performance. A placebo-controlled study with healthy young volunteers demonstrated that doses of 240 mg and 360 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract significantly improved the speed of attention, with effects lasting up to six hours post-administration1. Another study confirmed that a 30-day regimen of Ginkgo biloba led to improvements in information processing speed, working memory, and executive processing in healthy participants10.
Chronic Cognitive Benefits in Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
Ginkgo biloba has been extensively studied for its effects on cognitive impairment and dementia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine trials involving 2,372 patients found that Ginkgo biloba was more effective than placebo in improving cognitive scores in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia3. Another meta-analysis supported these findings, showing that a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb761) at a dose of 240 mg/day could stabilize or slow cognitive decline, particularly in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms5.
Mechanisms of Action
The cognitive benefits of Ginkgo biloba are attributed to its multiple pharmacological actions. These include increasing cerebral blood flow by dilating blood vessels, reducing blood viscosity, and modulating neurotransmitter systems. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress, which is beneficial in neurodegenerative conditions7 8.
Mixed Results and Considerations
Despite the positive findings, some studies have reported inconsistent results. For instance, a review of 36 trials found that while some studies showed significant cognitive benefits, others did not demonstrate a clear advantage over placebo6. This inconsistency may be due to variations in study design, dosage, and duration of treatment.
Safety and Tolerability
Ginkgo biloba is generally well-tolerated with a side-effect profile comparable to placebo. This makes it a viable option for long-term use in managing cognitive symptoms without significant adverse effects2 8.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba shows promise in enhancing cognitive functions both in healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments. While acute doses can improve attention and memory in the short term, chronic administration appears to stabilize or slow cognitive decline in dementia patients. However, the variability in study outcomes suggests that further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and optimal usage.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers
Acute administration of Ginkgo biloba can produce a sustained improvement in attention in healthy young volunteers.
RCT
Highly CitedClinical improvement of memory and other cognitive functions by Ginkgo biloba: review of relevant literature.
Ginkgo biloba extract can improve memory, concentration, alertness, and tinnitus in dementia patients, with a 25% reduction in cognitive symptoms and a tolerable side-effect profile.
Literature ReviewEffects of Ginkgo biloba in dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Ginkgo biloba appears more effective than placebo in improving cognition in Alzheimer's disease, but its clinical relevance remains unclear.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEfficacy of a mixture of Ginkgo biloba, sesame, and turmeric on cognitive function in healthy adults: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
A mixture of Ginkgo biloba, sesame, and turmeric (GBE/MST) may improve cognitive function in healthy adults compared to GBE alone.
RCTEfficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
EGb761 at 240 mg/day effectively stabilizes or slows decline in cognition, function, behavior, and global change in cognitive impairment and dementia patients, especially for those with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGinkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia.
Ginkgo biloba appears to be safe and has no excess side effects compared to placebo for treating cognitive impairment and dementia.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGinkgo biloba in the Aging Process: A Narrative Review
Ginkgo biloba can improve memory, cognition, and quality of life in aging-related conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer, while reducing stress and inflammation.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalGinkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia.
Ginkgo biloba may show benefits for cognitive impairment and dementia, but its safety and effectiveness in daily living tasks remain unclear.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedGinseng and Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Cognition as Modulated by Cardiovascular Reactivity: A Randomised Trial
Ginkgo biloba improves cognitive performance in females by reducing cardiovascular reactivity to cognitive tasks, while ginseng has no effect on cognition.
RCTRigorous JournalNeuropsychological changes after 30-day Ginkgo biloba administration in healthy participants.
Ginkgo biloba extract significantly improves working memory and executive processing speed in healthy individuals after a 30-day treatment.
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