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held its own, with no cognitive deterioration. In contrast, the placebo group worsened appreciably.
The magnitude of the effect was small (2 to 3 percent advantage for ginkgo over placebo on a
cognitive test), which is probably why the clinicians' global impression showed no difference
between the ginkgo and placebo groups. These findings are consistent with an earlier, less rigorous,
study of 222 outpatients with dementia that showed 23 percent of patients improving on ginkgo
biloba compared to 10 percent on placebo.

Side Effects of Ginkgo

In the EGb 761 study, other than a slight increase in stomach complaints, ginkgo's side-effect profile
was essentially identical to placebo. But as with every medication, alternative or otherwise, ginkgo is
not totally devoid of side effects. It has anticoagulant (anticlotting) properties that increase the risk of
bleeding in the presence of other anticoagulant medications, particularly warfarin (Coumadin), which
is commonly prescribed for people at high risk for heart attack or stroke. A few such cases of
complications due to excessive bleeding have been reported in the medical literature.

Promemory Actions of Ginkgo

Leaf extracts improve the ability of mice to remember newly learned behavior.
In animal studies, enhances recovery from injury to the frontal lobes.
In animal studies, acts against the memory deficits associated with aging.
In a few clinical studies, slows memory decline in dementia.
In healthy young adults, speeds up reaction time in stimulus-response tests, improving alertness.
Anticoagulant properties may protect against stroke (and hence indirectly against memory loss).
Antioxidant effects may protect directly against memory loss.

Ginkgo Improves Attention and Alertness

I have discovered that a surprisingly large number of people with mild memory deficits are taking
ginkgo biloba. I have not yet seen a dramatic turnaround in any single individual, but some people do
seem to become a little more alert. This may partly explain the results in clinical trials with ginkgo
biloba, where the caregiver tends to report