Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761^® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: review of recently completed randomised, controlled trials

Abstract

Objective. We review four randomised, controlled trials investigating the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761^® in elderly patients with Alzheimer or vascular dementia with neuropsychiatric features. Methods. Patients with a total score of 9–23 in the Syndrom–Kurz test (SKT) cognitive test battery (cognitive domain) and with a composite score 6 and greater in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI; behavioural domain) were included. Three trials compared 2 × 120 mg/day or 1 × 240 mg/day EGb 761^® to placebo while one used donepezil as an active control. The duration of randomised treatment was 22 or 24 weeks. Results. One thousand, two hundred and ninety-four patients were analysed for efficacy. Patients treated with EGb 761^® showed improvements of cognitive performance and behavioural symptoms that were associated with advances in activities of daily living and a reduced burden to caregivers. Placebo-treated patients, on the other hand, showed only minimal improvements or signs of progression. In each placebo-controlled trial, EGb 761^® was significantly superior in all mentioned domains (p < 0.01). In the actively controlled trial, EGb 761^® and donezepil as well as a combination of both drugs had similar effects. Conclusions. The review supports the efficacy of EGb 761^® in age-related dementia with neuropsychiatric features. The drug was safe and well-tolerated.

Key words::

• Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761^®
• dementia
• review
• clinical trials
• efficacy

Acknowledgements

None.

Statement of interest

Prof. Dr. Ralf Ihl received grants/research support or was involved as consultant, speaker or in advisory boards or received authors honoraria within the last three years from APK, Austroplant, BDI, Beltz Test, BOD, Caritas Siegen, Double Helix Development, Eisai, Friedrichverlag, GE Healthcare, Hogrefe, IFE, Janssen, KDA, Landesinitiative Demenz Service NRW, LVR Düren, Lundbeck, Medical Tribune, Med. Komm., Novartis, Pfizer, Pfrimmer Nutritia, Pierrel, Schwabe, Thieme, Urban & Vogel, Westermayer.

Notes

¹Manufacturer: Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany. EGb 761^® is a registered trademark of Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG.