ginkgo extract

Previous animal studies have indicated that an extract from leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree may protect against stroke-related brain injury.

However, the mechanism involved has not been fully understood. In a recent NCCAM-funded study, researchers at Johns Hopkins University investigated whether and how the ginkgo extract Egb761 alters outcomes in mice with brain injury from stroke.

Overall, in a pilot study of a ginkgo biloba extract for delaying the onset of dementia in the elderly, researchers did not find a reduction in progression to dementia in those using ginkgo versus those using placebo.

However, when the researchers took into account participants' adherence to taking the compound, the group that took ginkgo did appear to have a reduced risk of progression and a smaller decline in memory.