Ginkgo May Assist MS Patients
San
Diego CA, 7 May 2002
Ginkgo
biloba may help cognitive symptoms in patients who have mild multiple
sclerosis (MS). Researchers from the University of California, San
Diego, presented results of their research at the annual meeting
of the American Academy of Neurology (am.aan.com),
held April 13 through 20 in Denver CO. This research was sparked
by other findings that ginkgo may be beneficial for Alzheimer's
patients.
The
researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, six-month
study with 21 patients. One group received placebo for 3 months
and then 240 mg/day of ginkgo biloba for another 3 months. The other
group received ginkgo biloba for six months.
Patients
were given neuropsychological tests at baseline, 3 and 6 months.
They also answered questions about fatigue and their quality of
life. At 3 months, the ginkgo group showed significant differences
from the placebo group.
Researchers
conclude that ginkgo biloba is well tolerated at this dosage level
(240 mg/day), and may be useful for attention, memory and functioning
of patients having mild MS. They caution that further research with
more people over longer periods of time would be valuable.
Source
Natural
Products Insider news, 7 May 2002.
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