A large, long-term study funded by the National Institutes of Health revealed that the popular supplement ginkgo biloba doesn’t prevent cognitive decline or improve memory in seniors. The findings of this largest ever randomized controlled trial on ginkgo bilbo were published today in JAMA.
I thought it appropriate to include fallen ginkgo leaves to illustrate this post. I’ve always been fond of the tree, even if its leaves don’t do everything we’d like them to. (Yellow ginkgo leaves remind me of potato chips!)
The ginkgo biloba study involved 3,000 people ages 72 to 96 who were followed for seven years. The authors write, “In sum, we find no evidence that G biloba slows the rate of cognitive decline in older adults.” They add that these findings are consistent with those of smaller studies. Read more about the study at USA Today.
If you’re taking the supplement to prevent memory decline, you may need to save your cash instead. Some people take gingko for other reasons, including treating multiple sclerosis and tinnitus.
On their website, the National Institutes of Health states that side effects of ginkgo biloba can include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. If you’re taking ginkgo or another alternative medicine, you should always tell your doctor and dentist. Gingko may increase bleeding risk.
Other names for the ginkgo tree include maidenhair tree and Japanese silver apricot. No matter what you call it, the ginkgo is still a beautiful tree. I hope that science finds that it cures something one day.
Will this study affect your use of ginkgo supplements?
(Image via stock.xchng)
Post from: Blisstree