The effectiveness of ginkgo biloba for improving memory has not been clinically confirmed

A systematic review of more than 80 randomized controlled trials involving 10,000 people showed that the extract was not beneficial for mild cognitive impairment. In patients with subjective memory complaints or cognitive problems associated with multiple sclerosis, taking the supplement did not lead to statistically significant improvements. Indicators of clinical status and daily activity in these groups remained at the placebo level.

For people with already diagnosed dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, there was a slight symptomatic improvement in cognitive functions. This effect is classified as having a low degree of certainty due to the high variability of the results in different groups of subjects. It was found that the supplement is not able to change the course of the disease itself, but only temporarily affects the severity of individual symptoms.

The safety of long-term use of the extract remains a subject of discussion, although no serious side effects have been identified in most short-term tests. In some cases, there was an increase in adverse reactions when taking ginkgo compared with the control groups. At the moment, there is insufficient data on the long-term effect of the drug on the body for more than six months.

The lack of uniform testing standards makes it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion about the benefits of the plant for specific subtypes of neurodegeneration. Experts point to the need for longer studies with clear protocols. This will allow us to accurately determine whether there are groups of patients for whom the supplement can be an effective addition to the main therapy.

Current information does not allow us to recommend ginkgo biloba as a reliable remedy for the prevention of age-related intellectual decline. Herbal medicine should not be considered as a substitute for proven methods of treatment or lifestyle correction. The main focus in maintaining brain health continues to be on timely diagnosis and control of risk factors.