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.