Multiple sclerosis: Gingko biloba may offer relief to multiple sclerosis sufferers

Ive never met her, but Im inclined to like Janice Winfield.

In a press release issued last month by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the US, Ms. Winfield is described as a stay-at-home mom who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) about four years ago. After doing some research she started taking ginkgo biloba to address MS-related memory problems as well as muscle pain and fatigue.

The result? Shes sold, telling OHSU that ginkgo is good for someone with MS and adding, Theres benefit to anyone taking it.

Janices comments are featured in the press release to highlight new research from the OHSU School of Medicine and the OHSU MS Centre of Oregon. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, the study demonstrates the benefits that ginkgo biloba may have on MS patients.

Colours and words
Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species - possibly as much as 200 million years old - and has been cultivated in Asia for almost 5,000 years. Although the ginkgo leaf has been used for many centuries to enhance memory and cognitive function, modern research on the pharmacological value of ginkgo biloba didnt begin until the late 1950s when it was first concentrated into a standardised extract by German scientists.

In 1965 ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) as we know it today was introduced to the European market where it has been widely used for more than 30 years to treat circulation problems, sexual dysfunction, and cerebral disorders, including Alzheimers disease.

In this most recent GBE study, researchers recruited 39 adult subjects with MS; 20 received a GBE supplement and 19 received a placebo. The subjects were then assessed with a Stroop test, which is a timed colour and word test that evaluates attention, decision-making and execution of actions.

Subjects in the GBE group were 13 percent faster at completing the test compared to the placebo group. And although that percentage only represents a four second difference in testing speed, Dr Jesus Lovera,  the lead author of the study, explained that this represented the cognitive difference between someone in their 30s and someone in their 50s.

Dr. Lovera hopes to produce a larger GBE study using the Stroop test to evaluate MS patients who are specifically diagnosed with attention dysfunction and impairment in the ability to sort conflicting information.

Brain change
The OHSU study hasnt been published yet so right now the details of the study are only available through the university press release. And although the release is informative its missing some key information, such as the dosage of GBE and how long the dosage was used.

Until we see the publication of the OHSU study we can get a better idea about GBE dosage from a 2003 study that was presented at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

The standard recommended dosage of GBE is 120 mg per day. US researchers at the University of California (UCLA) doubled that dosage in a six-month trial that used 10 subjects; four received 240 mg of GBE daily and six received a placebo. None of the subjects suffered from dementia, but prior to the study all reported mild memory loss associated with ageing. The average age of the participants was around 60.

The UCLA team tracked the effects of the ginkgo supplements in two ways. Before and after the trial period, subjects were given cognitive tests. Each subject also underwent magnetic resonance imaging as well as positron emission tomography to track metabolic changes in the brain.

At the conclusion of the trial, the ginkgo subjects showed a significant improvement in verbal recall tests compared to the placebo group. The two groups didnt differ significantly in brain metabolism changes, although those who showed an improvement in verbal recall tests also experienced an increase in glucose metabolism in the part of the brain that processes visual perceptions related to memory.

Go easy 
In their report, the UCLA researchers noted that they used the highest grade of GBE available. They didnt reveal a brand name, but they made the point that the quality of ginkgo supplements has been shown to vary widely.

This isnt the only concern when youre doing research to decide on a GBE supplement. Ginkgo biloba contains a toxic compound called ginkgolic acid which may cause gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and skin irritations for some users. Its generally accepted that 5 ppm is a safe maximum level for this acid. But some manufacturers dont list ginkgolic acid on their labels, so be sure to read content labels carefully.
In a letter about ginkgo biloba, an HSI member named Jeanette offers this insight: As a herbalist, I support the therapeutic use of herbs, but I also emphasise to anyone who will listen that it is important to get competent guidance in the taking of herbs for serious, complicated disorders, and when taking them for a long time.

I completely agree with Jeanette. The effects of herbal supplements and botanicals should be treated with the same caution you would give to any pharmaceutical. Ginkgo biloba extract is widely available in good health food shops.