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Despite the weight of the GEM, Cochrane and GuidAge results, recent NCCAM and
National Institute on Aging results point to neuro-protective effects with long-term
with regular use of ginkgo. Mischoulon and Rosenbaum conclude that EGb 761: “seems
to enhance complex attention, speed of information processing, and the rate of working
memory.”^29
This is an encouraging suggestion for those using or considering ginkgo
supplementation, and consistent with the suggestion that supplementation at the onset
of cognitive impairment may be significant in ginkgo’s efficacy. But the efficacy of ginkgo
in combating cognitive impairment is definitely controverted.
- SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: PROTECTION AGAINST THE NEURAL DAMAGE CAUSED
BY ANTIPSYCHOTICS, DEPRESSION, ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
(ADHD), SCHIZOPHRENIA, AND SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS: Brown, et al.
recommend the use of ginkgo for protection against the neural damage caused by
antipsychotics. In addition, the WHO and Germany list EGb 761 for the treatment of
depression. This use is not supported by Lake and Spiegel. Weil, whose focus is mood
disorders, does not mention ginkgo at all. The Natural Standard states that “good”
evidence demonstrates ginkgo's efficacy in the treatment of "cerebral insufficiency" (a
syndrome secondary to atherosclerotic disease, characterized by impaired concentration,
confusion, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and
anxiety, and commonly diagnosed in Europe). This is the “B” category.
- ADJUNCTIVE USE
Brown, et al. recommend the use of ginkgo as an adjuctive treatment for attention
deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Brown et al. and Mischoulon and
Rosenbaum recommend use of ginkgo as adjunctive therapy (with antipsychotics) for
schizophrenia, citing the 2006 Zhang study.^30 Lake and Spiegel discuss use of ginkgo
with antidepressants to counteract sexual side effects. The studies are split on this use.
