Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#alzheimer-disease #dementia #double-blind-method #ginkgo-biloba #humans

Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Charemboon et al., 2015 | J Med Assoc Thai | Meta Analysis

Citation

Charemboon Thammanard, Jaisin Kankamol. Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Med Assoc Thai. 2015-May;98(5):508-13

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba for the prevention of dementia in individuals without dementia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: English databases including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO, were searched, and randomized double-blind controlled studies comparing Ginkgo biloba with placebo in prevention of dementia were considered. Two trials met inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad criteria. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of the two trials involving 5,889 participants indicated no significant difference in dementia rate between Ginkgo biloba and the placebo (347/2,951 vs. 330/2,938, odds ratio = 1.05, 95% CI 0.89-1.23) and there was no considerable heterogeneity between the trials. The two studies revealed no statistically significant differences in the rate of serious adverse effect between Ginko biloba and the placebo. CONCLUSION: There is no convincing evidence from this review that demonstrated Ginkgo biloba in late-life can prevent the development of dementia. Using it for this indication is not suggested at present.

Key Findings

Meta-analysis of the two trials involving 5,889 participants indicated no significant difference in dementia rate between Ginkgo biloba and the placebo (347/2,951 vs. 330/2,938, odds ratio = 1.05, 95% CI 0.89-1.23) and there was no considerable heterogeneity between the trials. The two studies revealed no statistically significant differences in the rate of serious adverse effect between Ginko biloba and the placebo.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 5889
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Dementia
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

  • PMID: 26058281
  • 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