Ginkgo biloba in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review
Ginkgo biloba in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review
Janssen et al., 2010 | Wien Med Wochenschr | Systematic Review
Citation
Janssen Inger M, Sturtz Sibylle, ... Busse Reinhard. Ginkgo biloba in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2010-Dec;160(21-22):539-46. doi:10.1007/s10354-010-0844-8
Abstract
This systematic review determines the benefit of treatment with Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) concerning patient-relevant outcomes. Bibliographic databases, clinical trial and study result registries were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with AD (follow-up ≥16 weeks) comparing Ginkgo to placebo or a different treatment option. Manufacturers were asked to provide unpublished data. If feasible, data were pooled by meta-analysis. Six studies were eligible; overall, high heterogeneity was shown for most outcomes, except safety aspects. Among studies administering high-dose Ginkgo (240 mg), all studies favour treatment though effects remain heterogeneous. In this subgroup, a benefit of Ginkgo exists for activities of daily living. Cognition and accompanying psychopathological symptoms show an indication of a benefit. A harm of Ginkgo is not evident. An estimation of the effect size was not possible for any outcome. Further evidence is needed which focuses especially on subgroups of AD patients.
Key Findings
Further evidence is needed which focuses especially on subgroups of AD patients.
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ad |
| Sample Size | See abstract |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Alzheimer Disease
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Ginkgo biloba
- Humans
- Nootropic Agents
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Extracts
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Treatment Outcome
- Ginkgo Extract
Evidence Classification
- Level: Systematic Review
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
- Vertical: ginkgo
Provenance
- PMID: 21170694
- DOI: 10.1007/s10354-010-0844-8
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09