Can ginkgo biloba cure Alzheimer’s disease?
Ginkgo biloba, an extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, has been touted by many as a memory enhancer. Although a 1997 study in the United States suggested that a ginkgo extract may be of some value in treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, there is no evidence that ginkgo biloba will cure or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies, however, imply that daily use of ginkgo biloba may cause side effects, such as excessive bleeding (especially when combined with daily use of aspirin). The National Institute on Aging and the Office of Alternative Medicine, both part of the National Institutes of Health, currently are funding a study to test the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba in treating Alzheimer’s disease. To date, there simply is not enough information available for doctors to recommend the broad use of ginkgo biloba for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
