Gingko Biloba - no benefits - increased risks?
February 29th 2008 20:48
Signature Tune
The American Academy of Neurology has found that taking the supplement Ginko Biloba has no
clear-cut benefits on the risks of developing memory problems, according to studies undertaken.
Of those taking part in the trial 7 of the people taking the Gingko had strokes the cause of which was supposedly due to clotting, whereas Gingko reportedly causes bleeding but note none of those taking the placebo experienced any such problems. ( This seems a little unscientific to me, as anyone experiencing bleeding can expect to clot so this appears to me to be an invalid exclusion based on the grounds offered)
All taking part in the study were aged 85 or older and all had no memory problems when the trial was started.
The strokes were not generally severe but who wants to induce even a mild stroke? and not generally severe suggests that some were.
Ginkgo biloba is already widely used, readily available, and relatively inexpensive.
Larger studies are needed, but I think I'd rather rely on exercise and good food and some memory exercises rather than taking a not fully tested product with doubtful benefits and distinguishable risks.
Studies being considered are to further clarify whether the supplement is safe, has any benefits in preventing cognitive decline and what the risks are.
This has been the first such trial in those aged 85 or older, as dementia risks increase with age.
I take no such supplements and nothing induces me to the idea that I should. More likely it is that I shouldn't not that I am seeing 85 years old staring me in the face and it should be remembered that those in the trial were healthy on its commencement.
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