Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ginkgolides are terpene lactones derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, which has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. The use of Ginkgo biloba extract, which contains ginkgolides and bilobalide, has been studied for its potential to support cognitive function and treat dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The proposed mechanisms include antioxidant effects, improved cerebral blood flow, and inhibition of platelet-activating factor, which may protect neurons from damage.

Scientific validation for the use of ginkgolides in dementia is moderate but not conclusive. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts (such as EGb 761), which contain ginkgolides. Some studies have shown modest improvements in cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with mild to moderate dementia, especially when compared to placebo. However, other high-quality trials have found little or no clinically meaningful benefit. Systematic reviews, including Cochrane analyses, generally conclude that while there may be small improvements, the evidence is inconsistent, and methodological limitations exist in many studies.

Overall, Ginkgo biloba extract (and by extension ginkgolides) is used with some scientific rationale for dementia, but the strength of evidence is rated as low to moderate (2/5), and major clinical guidelines do not routinely recommend it due to insufficient robust data.

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