Daily Ginkgo Reduces Memory Difficulties

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In a new randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted by Hiroko Dodge, from Oregon State University (USA), and colleagues, 118 men and women, age 85+, with no memory problems, received either a ginkgo biloba extract (240 mg daily) or placebo for 3 years. In those participants who took the supplement every day as stipulated, the team found a 68% lower risk of the development of memory problems during the study period. Ginkgo contains potent antioxidants called flavoglycosides that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects.
A number of previous clinical trials have suggested long-term improvements in cognitive function in older adults with dementia, though several other studies have shown no such benefits. This is the first randomized clinical trial (RCT) to report clear dementia preventive results of ginkgo extract among older study subjects, and as such this study suggests a strong protective benefit for the compound