Ginkgo Aids MS Patients

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Extract of Ginkgo biloba may improve functionality among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, according to a clinical trial published in EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing (2,1:19-24, 2006).

In the double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study, 22 MS patients matched for age, intelligence quotient (IQ) and education level were randomized to receive 240 mg/d of an extract of ginkgo (as EGb 761, from Nature's Way) for four weeks. Researchers monitored trial participants for changes in scores on tests designed to assess depression, anxiety, fatigue, symptom severity and functional performance. Substantially more individuals given ginkgo than those given placebo showed significant improvement on four or more measures of fatigue, symptom severity and functional performance. The researchers concluded this exploratory pilot study showed ginkgo exerted modestly beneficial effects on select functional measures among some individuals with MS.