Ginkgo biloba for dementia - A systematic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

Objective: To systematically review the clinical evidence of Ginkgo biloba preparations as a symptomatic treatment for dementia. Methods: Computerised literature searches were performed to identify all do uble-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials assessing clinical end-po ints of Ginkgo biloba extract as a treatment for dementia. Databases includ ed Medline, Embase, Biosis and the Cochrane Library. There were no restrict ions regarding the language of publication. Data were extracted in a standa rdised, predefined fashion, independently by both authors. Results: Nine double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials met the i nclusion criteria and were reviewed. These studies are of varying methodolo gical quality. They collectively suggest that Ginkgo biloba extract is more effective for dementia than placebo. However, a number of caveats pertain. Few, generally mild, adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: These findings are encouraging and warrant independent, large s cale confirmatory and comparative trials.