Treatment effects ofGinkgo bilobaextract EGb 761® on the spectrum of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background:In randomized controlled trials, Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 ® has been found to be effective in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment with or without cerebrovascular disease: Expert consensus on the use of Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761®

“…Finally, a new meta‐analysis by Savaskan et al investigated the effects of EGb 761 ® on specific BPSD symptoms in patients with AD, VaD, or AD + CVD. The pooled analysis revealed significant superiority of EGb 761 ® over placebo in total scores and in ten single‐symptom scores.…”

“…Besides the improvement of symptoms present at baseline, the risk of developing new symptoms was decreased with EGb 761 ® . Caregiver distress was also reduced …”

“…The Expert Panel is in agreement that there is a pressing need to take into account the evidence supporting EGb 761 ® from the above key clinical trials and recent meta‐analyses …”

“…The Expert Panel is in agreement that there is a pressing need to take into account the evidence supporting EGb 761 ® from the above key clinical trials 1,27,[29][30][31]42,44,46 and recent meta-analyses. 47,49,50 Notably, there are no specific diagnostic and treatment guidelines for AD + CVD in Asia, 9 representing an unmet need in the region. Respective countries have their own guidelines.…”

Nature’s Derivative(s) as Alternative Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments

“…In a study by Ihl et al, treatment of 404 patients having AD or vascular dementia with standardized extracts of Ginkgo, popularly known as EGb 761, resulted in a considerable enhancement in cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms [83]. Of late a study by Savaskan et al, involving 1,628 patients with dementia, also showed the improvement of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (except psychotic-like features) and caregiver distress caused by such symptoms by the administration of 22-24 weeks' treatment with EGb 761 [84]. Recent studies have also shown the use of EGb761 in providing an appropriate environment to induce differentiation of stem cells into nerve cells, which opens new and fascinating avenues for stem cell treatment of neurodegenerative diseases [85].…”