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GINKGO BILOBA AS A POTENTIAL NEUROPROTECTANT
SUMMARY
WHAT WE KNOW
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient Chinese herbal remedy that has been shown to have significant
neuroprotective effects, confirmed by all sources. However, two recent major studies and a
Cochrane review cast doubt on the validity of the prior, smaller and shorter studies, and
determined that in the aggregate the data do not support the use of ginkgo in the prevention of
Alzheimer’s disease. The recent evidence is mostly negative, though the studies are still
inconsistent. Although ginkgo has a mild effect in protecting against mild cognitive
impairment/dementia, it probably does not prevent it. But all sources except one remain
optimistic for some ongoing neuroprotective role for Ginkgo.
The risk is minimal.
MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Neuroprotection: Despite the evidence from these studies and review, all sources except
Berkeley Wellness remain optimistic for some ongoing neuroprotective role for ginkgo. Pending
subsequent studies, the jury is still out on ginkgo and memory/dementia.
Until a scientific and popular consensus emerges, ginkgo will continue to be used as one of the
few known neuroprotective CAM treatments for dementia, preventing and treating memory
impairment, lack of concentration, and cerebral-vascular insufficiency, as well as age-related
and dementia-related cognitive weaknesses.
Alternatives: Rhodiola, SAM-e, folate, omega-3s, and CDP-choline (see those chapters of this
outline) may provide alternatives now that ginkgo has been shown to be less effective a remedy
than it had long been supposed to be.