NOOTROPICS - EFFICACY AND TOLERABILITY OF PRODUCTS FROM 3 ACTIVE-SUBSTANCE CLASSES

This paper reviews and evaluates all the currently available clinical trials on the efficacy of three nootropics. Only randomised, double-bl ind, placebo-controlled clinical trials were taken into account which produced 44 studies allowing comparison of the patient populations, ef ficacy and tolerability of Ginkgo biloba special extracts, nimodipine and tacrine. Taking all the studies together, statistically significan t results were obtained at three relevant levels of efficacy (psychopa thological, psychometric behavioural) for all three substances. Nine s tudies produced significant results at all three efficacy levels. One study on Ginkgo biloba and one on tacrine also Produced significant re sults according to the latest measures now demanded (operationalised d iagnosis of dementia, inclusion of mild-to-moderate cases, statistical proof at all three levels of efficacy and global clinical evaluation) . The clinical efficacy of all three substances has thus been demonstr ated.