Ginkgo Biloba extract for angina pectoris: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#angina-pectoris #cardiac-output #clinical-trials-as-topic #ginkgo-biloba #humans

Ginkgo Biloba extract for angina pectoris: a systematic review

Sun et al., 2015 | Chin J Integr Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Sun Tian, Wang Xian, Xu Hao. Ginkgo Biloba extract for angina pectoris: a systematic review. Chin J Integr Med. 2015-Jul;21(7):542-50. doi:10.1007/s11655-015-2070-0

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo Biloba extract for patients with angina pectoris according to the available evidence. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for all of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of angina pectoris treatments with Ginkgo Biloba extract, either alone or combined with routine Western medicine (RWM), and controlled by untreated, placebo, Chinese patent medicine, or RWM treatment. The RCTs were retrieved from the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, Springer, Elsevier, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database, China Biology Medicine (CBM), Chinese Medical Citation Index (CMCI), from the earliest database records to December 2012. No language restriction was applied. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to the Cochrane standards. RevMan 5.1.0 provided by Cochrane Collaboration The data were analysed by using. RESULTS: A total of 23 RCTs (involving 2,529 patients) were included and the methodological quality was evaluated as generally low. Ginkgo Biloba extract with RWM was more effective in angina relief and electrocardiogram improvement than RWM alone. Reported adverse events included epigastric discomfort, nausea, gastrointestinal reaction, and bitter taste. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgo Biloba extract may have beneficial effects on patients with angina pectoris, although the low quality of existing trials makes it difficult to draw a satisfactory conclusion. More rigorous, high quality clinical trials are needed to provide conclusive evidence.

Key Findings

A total of 23 RCTs (involving 2,529 patients) were included and the methodological quality was evaluated as generally low. Ginkgo Biloba extract with RWM was more effective in angina relief and electrocardiogram improvement than RWM alone. Reported adverse events included epigastric discomfort, nausea, gastrointestinal reaction, and bitter taste.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population angina pectoris according to
Sample Size 2529
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Angina Pectoris
  • Cardiac Output
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ultrasonography

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

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