Herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba ‘doesn’t slow mental decline’

WASHINGTON - Herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba doesn’t appear to lower the rate of cognitive decline in older adults, say researchers.

The study led by University of Pittsburgh showed that older adults who used the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba for several years did not have a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to adults who received placebo.

“Ginkgo biloba is marketed widely and used with the hope of improving, preventing, or delaying cognitive impairment associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease,” the authors write.

During the study, the researchers found no evidence for an effect of G biloba on global cognitive change and no evidence of effect on specific cognitive domains of memory, language, attention, visuospatial abilities and executive functions.

They also found no evidence for differences in treatment effects by age, sex, race, education or baseline cognitive status.

“In sum, we find no evidence that G biloba slows the rate of cognitive decline in older adults,” said the authors.

“These findings are consistent with previous smaller studies examining prevention of decline and facilitation of cognitive performance,” they added. (ANI)