Ginkgo biloba won't boost your memory
Millions of people take vitamin supplements and among the most popular is ginkgo biloba, with a reputation for boosting concentration, memory and even thwarting dementia.
But the popular herb has been proven to do none of those things, according to a new study appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study is being called the largest clinical trial to date on the plant extract's value in slowing cognitive decline.
In the study of some 3,000 people ages 72 to 96, half received doses of 120-mog ginkgo extract twice a day for about six years. The other half got a placebo. The team of researchers didn't find any difference in memory language or attention and saw no differences in effects by age, race or education.
It isn't surprising. Last year, a comprehensive clinical trial concluded that supplement is not effective in prolonging or staving off Alzheimer's. An accompanying editorial said taking the supplement won't help and could possibly cause harm.
It's not just ginko biloba whose medical benefits have been questioned. The jury's still out on a host of supplements. Yet Americans spend billions every year on them.
Do you? What do you think?
AFP/Getty images
Comments
thats a bunch of bull!!! several people in my family take it and it has defenite helped us. my stepfather was daignosed with alzhiemers 17 years ago:used to get lost at walmart and kmart after ginkgo supplementation never got lost again, is fully functional and driving everywhere today at 78 years old. also have an 85 year old testimonial. thats why people dont trust fda etc. because they dont look for the truth and are bought up.
Posted by: hoshea | December 30, 2009 10:35 AM
Who paid for this study?
Posted by: Eve | December 30, 2009 11:18 AM
Hey Eve. Thanks for your question.
It's a government-sponsored study, paid for by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
Posted by: Kelly Brewington | December 30, 2009 11:28 AM
The AMA and the NIH are not the last word on nutritional supplements, and I believe these organizations are generally anti-supplements anyway. There are many studies which have shown "...Ginkgo biloba can be used to improve blood circulation and reduce oxidative stress, two risk factors associated with the progression of cognitive decline..." As a member of the Life Extension Foundation, at www.lef.org, I would like the Sun to fairly present the other side of the supplements issue. A response to the study is available at http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=9176&Section=Nutrition and at the Council For Responsible Nutrition at www.crnusa.org
The use of supplements is backed up by scientific studies which doctors, the FDA and big pharma companies wish to deny or minimize for some reason.
Posted by: Charles | December 30, 2009 4:04 PM
Actually, I'm gonna go with the NIH and the AMA as the last word on supplements. Believe what you want. But this is apparently a good study. Clearly you are choosing to ignore the science -- or choosing some pseudo-science because you prefer its conclusions. It's your money.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 30, 2009 4:32 PM
Ginkgo has worked for me for years.
Posted by: muzzi2 | December 31, 2009 9:28 AM
If this new research is for real then the first experts who did the first research are wrong? If so how could they give such false information
Posted by: TJ Corruther | February 27, 2010 4:06 AM
any substitute against it which can be used to improve emory scale
Posted by: albert | September 26, 2010 6:28 PM