Ginkgo biloba compared with cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia: a review based on meta-analyses by the cochrane collaboration

Kurz et al., 2004 | Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord | Meta Analysis

Citation

Kurz A, Van Baelen B. Ginkgo biloba compared with cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia: a review based on meta-analyses by the cochrane collaboration. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2004;18(2):217-26

Abstract

Data were derived from the Cochrane Collaboration meta-analyses of the efficacies of ginkgo, donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine on changes in cognitive function in patients with dementia and, where necessary, were transformed to standardized mean differences. The proportion of patients discontinuing trials was used as a proxy measure of tolerability. Outcomes were assessed after 6 months of treatment. Trial data for cholinesterase inhibitors were more consistent than those for ginkgo, particularly regarding patient populations and outcome measures. Significant benefits on cognition vs. placebo were seen with donepezil, 5 and 10 mg, rivastigmine, 6-12 mg, and galantamine, 16 and 24 mg. Significant benefit vs. placebo with ginkgo was seen only when all doses were pooled. Similar proportions of patients discontinued treatment with ginkgo and placebo. Cholinesterase inhibitors were also well tolerated, although a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving active treatment discontinued vs. placebo with some doses. An evidence-based medicine approach, taking into account the quality of clinical trials, is essential when assessing the safety and efficacy of medications.

Key Findings

An evidence-based medicine approach, taking into account the quality of clinical trials, is essential when assessing the safety and efficacy of medications.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	dementia and
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	cognitive

MeSH Terms

Aged
Alzheimer Disease
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Donepezil
Galantamine
Ginkgo biloba
Humans
Indans
Multicenter Studies as Topic
Neuropsychological Tests
Nootropic Agents
Phenylcarbamates
Piperidines
Plant Extracts
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Rivastigmine
Treatment Outcome
Ginkgo Extract

Evidence Classification

Level: Meta Analysis
Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

PMID: 15237280
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09