Ginkgo biloba for improvement of memory and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: an open trial

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is a chronic demyelinating disease that can affect cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba [GB] on improvement of memory impairment and quality of life in patients with MS. This study was an 8-week, open study of patients with MS. Thirty patients was recruited from a variety of outpatient settings. All participants met McDonald's diagnostic criteria for MS and had Wechsler score of<80. All subjects received Ginkgo 240 mg/day, TDS except one that received 120 mg/day, TDS due to history of gastritis Participants were assessed by Wechsler memory scale, MSIS-29 test and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] which measure memory, quality of life and depression respectively at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Administration of Ginkgo significantly improved Wechsler and MSIS-29 scores. Subjects who were less impaired at baseline on the Wechsler test experienced more improvement with GB. The present study indicates Ginkgo biloba as a very well tolerated medication for improvement of cognitive impairments in people suffering from MS