People who have experienced an ischemic stroke may have better early recovery of cognitive function if treated with intravenous injections of a combination of biologically active components of ginkgo biloba during the first two weeks after the stroke, according to a preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024. The study was conducted in China and involved adults who were treated with intravenous injections of ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine (GDLM), a combination of the active components of ginkgo biloba.
The researchers analyzed the cognitive recovery of 3,163 stroke survivors who were treated for mild to moderate ischemic stroke at 100 centers in China. The participants were randomly selected to receive either daily intravenous injections of GDLM or placebo injections for 14 days. Cognitive performance was assessed before treatment, at 14 days, and at 90 days using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA). The results showed that the stroke survivors who received the ginkgo biloba compound injections had improved cognitive scores compared to those who received the placebo.
According to Anxin Wang, Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical epidemiology at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University in Beijing, "If our positive results are confirmed in other trials, GDLM injections may someday be used to improve cognitive function for patients after ischemic stroke."
Ginkgo biloba is an herb extracted from the dried leaves and seeds of the gingko tree, which is native to East Asia. While ginkgo biloba is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and available as a supplement in the U.S., it is not approved for medicinal use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In China, however, compounded therapies of the active ingredients of ginkgo biloba, delivered intravenously, are widely used to treat stroke due to its potential antioxidant properties that may protect nerve cells from damage.
The study's findings suggest that the ginkgo biloba compound injections may have a neuroprotective effect and improve cognitive function in stroke survivors. GDLM has been found to expand brain blood vessels, improve brain cells' tolerance to inadequate oxygen, increase cerebral blood flow, and have antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis properties. Laboratory studies have also indicated that GDLM may promote the secretion of chemicals associated with avoiding neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
However, it is important to note that the study was an exploratory analysis conducted within a larger trial, and the results need to be confirmed in an independent trial. Additionally, the study was conducted in China, and the results may not be generalizable to people in other countries.
Sheryl L. Chow, Pharm.D., FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association's scientific statement writing committee on complementary and alternative medicines, emphasized the need for caution when considering the use of supplements for stroke patients. She stated, "Stroke patients should not take ginkgo biloba or other herbs or supplements without discussing it with their doctor and pharmacist. If this new research proves to be effective in future clinical trials, it may be a valuable tool for after-stroke care; however, efficacy and safety would need to be demonstrated to meet the same standards as all prescription medications and secure FDA approval."
In conclusion, the preliminary study conducted in China suggests that intravenous injections of a combination of biologically active components of ginkgo biloba may improve early cognitive recovery in stroke survivors. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term effects of the treatment. Stroke patients are advised to consult with their healthcare providers before considering any complementary or alternative treatments.
