[Treatment of senile macular degeneration with Ginkgo biloba extract. A preliminary double-blind drug vs. placebo study]. [Effect of Ginkgo-biloba extract on mental performance. Double-blind study using computerized measurement conditions in patients with cerebral insufficiency].
Senile macular degeneration is a frequent cause of blindness for which there is no satisfactory medical treatment. A double-blind trial comparing Ginkgo biloba extract with a placebo was conducted in 10 out-patients at the Hôpital Foch. Drug effectiveness was assessed on the results of fundoscopy and of measurements of visual acuity and visual field. In spite of the small population sample, a statistically significant improvement in long distance visual acuity was observed after treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract. The assumed pathogenesis of senile macular degeneration is discussed with emphasis on free oxygenated radicals. Problem: The effect of ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on basic parameters of mental performance. Patients: Seventy-two outpatients with cerebral insufficiency at three test centers. Study design: Double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study of 24 weeks duration. Test parameters: Psychometric computer-aided examination of the short-term memory and basic learning rate. Results: Statistically significant improvement in the shortterm memory after 6 weeks and of the learning rate after 24 weeks in the test substance group, but not in the placebo group (longitudinal analysis). The difference between the test substance and placebo groups (horizontal analysis) reached statistical significance in the 24th week. Conclusions: Treatment with ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 improves mental/mnestic performance.
The question as to whether people with AMD should take Ginkgo biloba extract to prevent progression of the disease has not been answered by research to date. Two small trials have suggested possible benefit of Gingko biloba on vision and further trials are warranted. Ginkgo biloba is widely used in China, Germany, and France. Future trials should be larger, and last longer, in order to provide a more robust measure of the effect of Gingko biloba extract on AMD.