Meta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba Preparation for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

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#alzheimer-disease #cognition #ginkgo-biloba #humans #phytotherapy

Meta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba Preparation for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Liao et al., 2020 | Clin Neuropharmacol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Liao Ziwei, Cheng Liping, ... Huo Ruimin. Meta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba Preparation for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2020;43(4):93-99. doi:10.1097/WNF.0000000000000394

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba preparation for the treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: Both English (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register) and Chinese (WanFang, Chinese Biomedical, CNKI, and VIP databases) databases were systematically and independently searched by 2 authors from their inception until July 3, 2019. All relevant studies included AD patients who were treated with Ginkgo biloba. The efficacy and safety of the medicine were used as the main measurement index. RESULTS: Seven studies (N = 939) were identified and analyzed. When compared with placebo, Ginkgo biloba showed exact validity in cognitive function and global clinical assessment (cognitive function section: risk ratio = 1.98, 95% confidence interval = 1.52-2.59, Z = 5.12, P < 0.001; according to Clinical Global Impression Change: odds ratio = 3.119, 95% confidence interval = 2.206-4.410, Z = 6.44, P < 0.001). Adverse events were mild. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgo biloba preparation has reliable efficacy of cognitive function and global clinical assessment and safety in the treatment of AD.

Key Findings

Seven studies (N = 939) were identified and analyzed. When compared with placebo, Ginkgo biloba showed exact validity in cognitive function and global clinical assessment (cognitive function section: risk ratio = 1.98, 95% confidence interval = 1.52-2.59, Z = 5.12, P < 0.001; according to Clinical Global Impression Change: odds ratio = 3.119, 95% confidence interval = 2.206-4.410, Z = 6.44, P < 0.001). Adverse events were mild.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 939
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Cognition
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Ginkgo Extract

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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