Effectiveness and Safety Profile of Ginkgo biloba Standardized Extract (EGb761®) in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Background: Ginkgo biloba is a commonsymptomatic treatment for cognitive impairment, although data on its efficacy are controversial. Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761® (Tanakan®) on the improvements in cognitive functions over 24 months in a local cohort of patients diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods: This multicentre non-interventional study included 500 eligible patients with aMCI treated with 120 mg/day standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761® (Tanakan®). Patients were evaluated using several scales for assessment of cognition, memory, activities of daily living and depression (MMSE, FAQ, CGI, HAM-D) at baseline and every 6 months thereafter for a 24-month period. The median change in MMSE at the 24-month follow-up was the primary outcome of the study. Results: A statistically significant increase of 2 points in the median MMSE score was obtained. In patients with other concomitant cognitive disorders, the improvement in MMSE was less significant. Tanakan® improved memory impairment (using the delayed recall test) and the ability to accomplish activities of daily living (mean FAQ score, 1.7); it also decreased the severity of depression (mean HAM-D score, 2.4) at the end of the study. More than 80% of the patients showed at least minimal improvement of their condition as assessed by the CGI-Improvement Scale. Conclusions: The administration of EGb761® (Tanakan®) led to a significant improvement of cognitive decline, memory, activities of daily living and depression in subjects with aMCI over 24 months.

Combined treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 plus acetylcholinesterase inhibitors improved cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment

“…Indeed, previous studies have shown convincing results on the efficacy of using EGb 761 to improve cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with MCI and mild to moderate dementia, all together with a good safety profile. 22 , 23 , 38 A review on the neuroprotective and antioxidant effect of EGb 761 on AD and other neurological disorders concluded that EGb 761 may be effective in the treatment and prevention of AD and other age‐related, neurodegenerative disorders. 39 In the same line, a trial aimed to compare the treatment effects and tolerability of EGb 761, donepezil, and combined treatment in patients with AD and neuropsychiatric features showed that a combination therapy was superior to monotherapy with one of both substances.…”

“…The positive response seen in the EGb 761 group alone is consistent with previous results. Indeed, previous studies have shown convincing results on the efficacy of using EGb 761 to improve cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with MCI and mild to moderate dementia, all together with a good safety profile 22,23,38 . A review on the neuroprotective and antioxidant effect of EGb 761 on AD and other neurological disorders concluded that EGb 761 may be effective in the treatment and prevention of AD and other age‐related, neurodegenerative disorders 39 .…”

Patienten mit ersten Anzeichen nachlassender geistiger Leistungsfähigkeit: Was der Hausarzt nicht vergessen sollte

“…Die Einnahme von EGb 761 über 24 Monate verbesserte im Rahmen einer nicht interventionellen, prospektiven, multizentrischen Studie bei 500 Patienten über 50 Jahre die leichte kognitive Beeinträchtigung, die Gedächtnisleistung, die Alltagsaktivitäten und die depressive Symptomatik [20]. Mehr als 80 % der Patienten zeigten zumindest eine minimale Verbesserung des klinischen Gesamteindrucks.…”