Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in MS: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Lovera JF, et al

Published in Neurology

Methodology

Multicentre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba EGb 761 120 mg twice daily for 12 weeks in people with MS, with a battery of neuropsychological tests as primary outcomes.

Key Findings

In 120 people with multiple sclerosis, Ginkgo biloba 120 mg twice daily for 12 weeks produced no improvement over placebo on any cognitive measure, including processing speed, attention, executive function or memory.

Conclusions

Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in multiple sclerosis and should not be recommended for MS-related cognitive impairment.

Limitations

Twelve-week duration may be short for cognitive change, participants had relatively mild cognitive impairment producing possible floor/ceiling effects, and results may not extend to other ginkgo doses or to fatigue outcomes.