Supplement boosts memory in stroke survivors

An over-the-counter supplement found on the High Street boosts memory, muscle strength and speech in stroke survivors, new research reveals.  

The herbal supplement ginkgo biloba, which is thought to relieve depression and headaches, prevents cell death in the brain by improving its blood flow, previous studies suggest.

When taken with aspirin, which prevents further clots by thinning the blood, ginkgo biloba also improves stroke sufferers’ attention, reflexes and language skills in as little as 12 weeks, the new research adds.

Ginkgo biloba, which is sold for as little as £4.99 for 30 tablets from Holland & Barrett, also causes few side effects, the study found.

In the US, the supplements are available in Walgreens, Walmart and CVS for as little as $8.99 for 500mg. 

Dr Yun Xu from Nanjing University in China, said: ‘In the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA, Ginkgo biloba extract is a commercially available food supplement available without prescription.

‘The study demonstrated patients with stroke who received ginkgo biloba extract manifested better memory function, executive functions, neurological function and daily life.’ 

Every year more than 795,000 people in the US suffer a stroke, of which 87 per cent are caused by obstructed blood flow to the brain, known as an ischaemic stroke. This affects around 46,000 people in the UK annually. 

Ginkgo biloba (pictured) improves stroke sufferers’ attention, reflexes and language skills

WHAT IS GINKGO BILOBA? 

Ginkgo biloba is thought to improve blood flow to the brain and act as an antioxidant.

It is made from the leaves of the tree with the same name and has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine.  

The supplement is generally considered to be safe but side effects can include headaches, dizziness and nausea.

In the UK, ginkgo biloba is sold for as little as £4.99 for 30 tablets from Holland & Barrett.

Ginkgo biloba supplements are available in Walgreens, Walmart and CVS in the US for as little as $8.99 for 500mg.

How the research was carried out 

The researchers analysed 330 people who had suffered an ischaemic stroke.

The study’s participants were randomly assigned to receive either 450mg of ginkgo biloba extract, given in three doses, alongside 100mg of aspirin, or 100mg of aspirin alone every day for six months.

All of the participants started their treatment within seven days of being admitted to hospital due to their stroke.

At the beginning of the investigation and 12, 30, 90 and 180 days in, the participants completed a test that assessed their memory, attention and language skills. 

‘Ginkgo biloba extract manifested better memory function’

Results reveal those given ginkgo biloba alongside aspirin score better in the memory, attention and language skills test than those taking the painkiller alone.

They also show greater improvement to their muscle strength, reflexes and speech. 

Few side effects occur in those taking ginkgo biloba. 

Dr Xu said: ‘In the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA, Ginkgo biloba extract is a commercially available food supplement available without prescription.

‘The study demonstrated patients with stroke who received ginkgo biloba extract manifested better memory function, executive functions, neurological function and daily life.’ 

The findings were published in the journal Stroke & Vascular Neurology. 

The supplements also boost stroke patients' memories and muscle strength (stock)

The supplements also boost stroke patients’ memories and muscle strength (stock)

Could ginkgo biloba help dementia sufferers?

The researchers believe their findings suggest ginkgo biloba could help to preserve or restore memory in dementia sufferers, despite previous studies showing the supplement has no effect in such patients.

Dr James Pickett, head of research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Though the study found that the combination of gingko biloba tree extract and aspirin did improve results in cognitive and memory tests without increasing the risk of stroke, it did not investigate this treatment for people with dementia. 

‘The researchers suggest gingko biloba might be a useful treatment for Alzheimer’s but this contradicts large studies of the supplement, which show it doesn’t work to either slow, or prevent, the disease. 

‘Previous Alzheimer’s Society funded research has conclusively found that gingko biloba has no positive affect on the treatment of dementia. 

‘We would caution anyone looking to use this remedy as a treatment for dementia.’ 

Dr David Reynolds, chief scientific officer of Alzheimer’s Research, added: ‘This study didn’t show ginkgo biloba having any effect on whether people experienced subsequent strokes or whether or not people went on to develop vascular dementia.

‘The best current evidence suggests that when it comes to reducing your risk of dementia, what is good for your heart is also good for your head. 

‘Eating a healthy balanced diet, keeping physically and mentally active, not smoking, drinking only in moderation, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping cholesterol and blood pressure in check are all good ways to support healthy brain ageing.’

WHAT ELSE IS GINKGO BILOBA USED FOR? 

Aside from the supplement’s recent success in a stroke study, the herb has also be shown to ease dementia in Alzheimer’s sufferers, however, results have been varied.

Evidence also suggests it reduces pain in patients with blood clots in the legs.

The supplement is being studied in everything from depression to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, multiple sclerosis and tinnitus. 

Some also take ginkgo biloba for altitude sickness, however, it has not been proven to be effective for this condition yet.   



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