Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms: A systematic review

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#activities-of-daily-living #alzheimer-disease #cognition #dementia #ginkgo-biloba

Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms: A systematic review

von et al., 2016 | World J Biol Psychiatry | Meta Analysis

Citation

von Gunten Armin, Schlaefke Sandra, Überla Karl. Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms: A systematic review. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2016-Dec;17(8):622-633

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To review current evidence of efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD). METHODS: Randomized, placebo-controlled trials assessing the effects of EGb 761® in dementia patients with BPSD were included if the diagnosis was made in accordance with internationally accepted criteria, the treatment period was at least 22 weeks, outcome measures covered BPSD and at least two of the following domains of assessment, i.e. cognition, activities of daily living and clinical global assessment, and methodological quality was adequate. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model was used to calculate the pooled effect estimates and to compare effects of EGb 761® and placebo; furthermore, combined risk differences of response rates were calculated. RESULTS: Four published trials were identified, involving altogether 1,628 outpatients with mild to moderate dementia. Least-square mean differences for change from baseline in cognition, BPSD (including caregiver distress rating), activities of daily living, clinical global impression, and quality of life favoured EGb 761® (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: The pooled analyses provide evidence of efficacy of EGb 761® at a daily dose of 240 mg in the treatment of out-patients suffering from Alzheimer's, vascular or mixed dementia with BPSD.

Key Findings

Four published trials were identified, involving altogether 1,628 outpatients with mild to moderate dementia. Least-square mean differences for change from baseline in cognition, BPSD (including caregiver distress rating), activities of daily living, clinical global impression, and quality of life favoured EGb 761® (P < 0.001 for all comparisons).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population bpsd were included if
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Cognition
  • Dementia
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ginkgo Extract

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

  • PMID: 26223956
  • 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