"PHYTO CARE" products is the health food supplements brand, manufactured under the Thai FDA GMP. The factory adherres to strict QC methods from raw materials to the finished products at the similar degree as for modern drugs,for example,the gamma ray radiation is used in neutralizing any bacteria or fungal materials,analyzing of active compounds in each product to ensure meeting strict requirements,and a hyginic operating site,along with strict rules governing the sterility of the finished products as not seen in other Thai herbal manufa "PHYTO CARE" products is the health food supplements brand, manufactured under the Thai FDA GMP. The factory adherres to strict QC methods from raw materials to the finished products at the similar degree as for modern drugs,for example,the gamma ray radiation is used in neutralizing any bacteria or fungal materials,analyzing of active compounds in each product to ensure meeting strict requirements,and a hyginic operating site,along with strict rules governing the sterility of the finished products as not seen in other Thai herbal manufacturers. PHYTO CARE" products are recognized by ISO9001:2000 accreditation and we are the first Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) herbal product manufacturing in Thailand. As complying with all applicable regulations. |
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Product Name : PHYTOCARE GINKO MEM-O-G Product Type : Tablet Essence : Each tablet contains Ginkgo biloba extract 40 mg. which contains ginkgo-flavone glycosides not less than 24% bilobalide and ginkgolide not less than 6% Effect : Tonic How to use: 1 tablet one or two times a day or as directed by a physician Size : 10 x 10 Tablets/ Box Warn : - Herb Referrence Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo bilobaHowes, M. J. and E. Perry. The role of phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of dementia. Drugs Aging 28, 6: 439-468. Abstract: Dementia pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are reaching epidemic proportions, yet they are not successfully managed by effective symptomatic treatments. Only five drugs have been developed to alleviate cognitive symptoms, and more effective and safe treatments are needed for both the cognitive symptoms and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). As two of these licensed drugs (cholinesterase inhibitors [ChEIs]) are naturally derived (galantamine and rivastigmine), the potential for plants to yield new therapeutic agents has stimulated extensive research to discover new ChEIs together with plant extracts, phytochemicals and their derivatives with other mechanistic effects relevant to dementia treatment. This review presents the potential and actual therapeutic strategies for dementia in relation to the known mechanisms of dementia pathology. Phytochemicals that have shown mechanistic effects relevant to the pathological targets in dementia are discussed, with an emphasis on those showing positive clinical trial evidence. Those phytochemicals discussed include the alkaloid physostigmine, a ChEI from the calabar bean (Physostigma venenosum), which has been used as a template for the development of synthetic derivatives that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, including the drug rivastigmine. Also discussed are other ChEI alkaloids including huperzine A, from Huperzia serrata, and galantamine, originally from the snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii); both alkaloids improve cognitive functions in AD patients. Other phytochemicals discussed include cannabinoids (e.g. cannabidiol) from Cannabis sativa, which are emerging as potential therapeutic agents for BPSD, and resveratrol (occurs in various plants) and curcumin (from turmeric [Curcuma longa]), which have been investigated for their pharmacological activities relevant to dementia and their potential effects on delaying dementia progression. The review also discusses plant extracts, and their known constituents, that have shown relevant mechanistic effects for dementia and promising clinical data, but require more evidence for their clinical efficacy and safety. Such plants include Ginkgo biloba, which has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials, with most outcomes showing positive effects on cognitive functions in dementia patients; however, more reliable and consistent clinical data are needed to confirm efficacy. Other plants and their extracts that have produced promising clinical data in dementia patients, with respect to cognition, include saffron (Crocus sativus), ginseng (Panax species), sage (Salvia species) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), although more extensive and reliable clinical data are required. Other plants that are used in traditional practices of medicine have been suggested to improve cognitive functions (e.g. Polygala tenuifolia) or have been associated with alleviation of BPSD (e.g. the traditional prescription yokukansan); such remedies are often prescribed as complex mixtures of different plants, which complicates interpretation of pharmacological and clinical data and introduces additional challenges for quality control. Evidence for the role of natural products in disease prevention, the primary but considerably challenging aim with respect to dementia, is limited, but the available epidemiological and clinical evidence is discussed, with most studies focused on ChEIs, nicotine (from Nicotiana species), curcumin, wine polyphenols such as resveratrol and G. biloba. Challenges for the development of phytochemicals as drugs and for quality control of standardized plant extracts are also considered. .................................................................................................................. Keheyan, G., L. A. Dunn and W. L. Hall. 2011. Acute Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. [Epub ahead of print]. Abstract: We investigated whether a single dose of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) can improve vascular function. A randomised controlled crossover trial was conducted on 14 young healthy men, who received GBE or placebo. The digital volume pulse was monitored to measure reflection index (DVP-RI) and stiffness index (DVP-SI) and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) was assessed using radial pulse wave analysis at baseline and 2, 4 and 6 h after treatment. DVP-SI was slightly higher 2 h following GBE compared to placebo (P < 0.05); other outcome variables were unaffected by treatment. ....................................................... Szczurko, O., N. Shear, A. Taddio and H. Boon. 2011. Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of vitilgo vulgaris: an open label pilot clinical trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 15, 11: 21. ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentation disorder with significant psychological impact if occurring before adulthood. A pilot clinical trial to determine the feasibility of an RCT was conducted and is reported here. METHODS: 12 participants 12 to 35 years old were recruited to a prospective open-label pilot trial and treated with 60 mg of standardized G. biloba two times per day for 12 weeks. The criteria for feasibility included successful recruitment, 75% or greater retention, effectiveness and lack of serious adverse reactions. Effectiveness was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and the Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF), which are validated outcome measures evaluating the area and intensity of depigmentation of vitiligo lesions. Other outcomes included photographs and adverse reactions. Safety was assessed by serum coagulation factors (platelets, PTT, INR) at baseline and week 12. RESULTS: After 2 months of recruitment, the eligible upper age limit was raised from 18 to 35 years of age in order to facilitate recruitment of the required sample size. Eleven participants completed the trial with 85% or greater adherence to the protocol. The total VASI score improved by 0.5 (P = 0.021) from 5.0 to 4.5, range of scale 0 (no depigmentation) to 100 (completely depigmented). The progression of vitiligo stopped in all participants; the total VASI indicated an average repigmentation of vitiligo lesions of 15%. VETF total vitiligo lesion area decreased 0.4% (P = 0.102) from 5.9 to 5.6 from baseline to week 12. VETF staging score improved by 0.7 (P = 0.101) from 6.6 to 5.8, and the VETF spreading score improved by 3.9 (P < 0.001)) from 2.7 to -1.2. There were no statistically significant changes in platelet count, PTT, or INR. CONCLUSIONS: The criteria for feasibility were met after increasing the maximum age limit of the successful recruitment criterion; participant retention, safety and effectiveness criteria were also met. Ingestion of 60 mg of Ginkgo biloba BID was associated with a significant improvement in total VASI vitiligo measures and VETF spread, and a trend towards improvement on VETF measures of vitiligo lesion area and staging. Larger, randomized double-blind clinical studies are warranted and appear feasible. ............................................................... Gorby, H. E., A. M. Brownawell and M. C. Falk. 2010. Do specific dietary constituents and supplements affect mental energy? Review of the evidence. Nutr Rev. 68, 12: 697-718. Abstract: The numbers of marketing claims and food, beverage, and drug products claiming to increase mental energy have risen rapidly, thus increasing the need for scientific specificity in marketing and food label claims. Mental energy is a three-dimensional construct consisting of mood (transient feelings about the presence of fatigue or energy), motivation (determination and enthusiasm), and cognition (sustained attention and vigilance). The present review focuses on four dietary constituents/supplements (Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, glucose, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) to illustrate the current state of the literature on dietary constituents and mental energy. The strongest evidence suggests effects of Ginkgo biloba on certain aspects of mood and on attention in healthy subjects, as well as associations between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline. Limitations of the current data and challenges for future research are discussed. ...................................................................................... Esposito, M. and M. Carotenuto. 2010. Ginkgolide B complex efficacy for brief prophylaxis of migraine in school-aged children: an open-label study. Neurol Sci. 32, 1: 79-81. Abstract: Primary headaches (migraines and tension-types headaches) are very common in school-aged children. Ginkgolide B, a herbal constituent extract from Ginkgo biloba tree leaves, was considered as a promising pharmacological aid for the treatment of migraine in adult patients because of its modulation of the glutamatergic transmission in the CNS and on antiplatelet activating factor (PAF). The aim of study is to verify the effectiveness and safety of association of Ginkgolide B/Coenzyme Q10/Riboflavin/Magnesium complex for brief prophylaxis in a population of school-aged children with migraine. In our sample after 3 months of treatment with association of Ginkgolide B/CoenzymeQ10/Riboflavin/Magnesium complex, the mean frequency per month of migraine was significantly decreased (9.71 ± 4.33 vs. 4.53 ± 3.96 attacks; p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that in childhood headache management, the use of alternative treatments must be considered not to evoke a placebo effect, but as soft therapy without adverse reactions. ........................................................................................ Campos, H. C., M. D. da Rocha, F. P. Viegas, P. C. Nicastro, P. C. Fossaluzza, C. A. Fraga, E. J. Barreiro and Viegas C Jr. 2010. The Role of Natural Products in the Discovery of New Drug Candidates for the Treatment of Neurodegenative Disorders II: Alzheimer's Disease. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 10, 2: 251-270. Abstract: The present review is part II in a series (part I focuses on Parkinson's Disease) that addresses the value of natural product chemistry in the discovery of medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Data reviewed document that a host of products from plant species and derivatives have neuroprotectant effects in vitro and in vivo. In addition, besides neuroprotection, natural products also demonstrate biological effects that target biochemical pathways underlying associated symptoms of neurdegnerative disorders that include cognitive impairments, energy/fatigue, mood, and anxiety. This part of the review series focuses specifically upon Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD is postulated to result from extracellular formation of amyloid plaques and intracellular deposits of neurofibrilary tangles in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and other areas of the brain essential for cognitive function. Plaques are formed mostly from the deposition -amyloid (A ), a peptide derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Filamentous tangles are formed from paired helical filaments composed of neurofilament and hyperphosphorilated tau protein, a microtubule-associated protein. In addition, environmental factors can engender the production of cytokines that are closely related to the installation of an inflammatory process that contributes to neuronal death and the development and the progression of AD. In this review we focus on the recent main contribuitions of natural products chemistry to the discovery of new chemical entities usefull to the control and prevention of AD installation and progression. More than sixteen plant species, including Ginseng, Celastrus paniculatus, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Ginkgo biloba, Huperzia serrata, Lycoris radiate, Galanthus nivalis, Magnolia officinalis, Polygala tenuifolia, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Coptis chinensis, Crocus sativus, Evodia rutaecarpa, Sanguisorba officinalis, Veratrum grandiflorum and Picrorhiza kurvoa, are discussed as potential sources of active extracts. In addition, more than sixty secondary metabolites are under evaluation for their efficacy on controlling symptoms and to impede the development and progression of AD. .............................................................................. Fransen, H. P., S. M. Pelgrom, B. Stewart-Knox, D. de Kaste and H. Verhagen. 2010. Assessment of health claims, content, and safety of herbal supplements containing Ginkgo biloba. Food Nutr Res. 54. Abstract: BACKGROUND: European Regulation 1924/2006 states that all health claims made on foods need to be substantiated scientifically. OBJECTIVE: To apply the PASSCLAIM criteria for the scientific substantiation of health claims on foods to herbal supplements containing Ginkgo biloba. Evaluation of three selected claimed health effects for G. biloba (improvement of blood circulation, improvement of symptoms of old age, and improvement of memory) was achieved through review of publicly available scientific data. A total of 35 human intervention studies were evaluated. Commercially available products claimed to contain mainly G. biloba (N=29) were randomly sampled in the Netherlands and analyzed for their content on ginkgo extract. Also, a toxicological risk assessment was performed. RESULTS: The three selected health claims investigated could not be substantiated. This was mainly because of a lack of data from studies in healthy volunteers. In most studies results performed with a 24% standardized G. biloba extract were described. However, our chemical analysis showed that 25 of the 29 sampled products did not contain the required minimum 24% standardized extract. Moreover, in most preparations the content of substances typical for G. biloba did not conform to what was declared on the label. Since toxicity data for G. biloba are very limited, a safety limit could not be established. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence is lacking for three health claims of herbal products with G. biloba. Neither safety nor efficacy can be guaranteed at the recommended daily dose. The multidisciplinary approach described in this paper provides good insight into issues that are relevant for the evaluation of health claims for herbal food supplements. ............................................................................................ Haines, D. D., B. Varga, I. Bak, B. Juhasz, F. F. Mahmoud, H. Kalantari, R. Gesztelyi, I. Lekli, A. Czompa and A. Tosaki. 2010. Summative interaction between astaxanthin, Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) and vitamin C in Suppression of respiratory inflammation: a comparison with ibuprofen Phytother Res. 25, 1: 128-136. Abstract: In this study, combinations of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb761) plus the carotenoid antioxidant astaxanthin (ASX) and vitamin C were evaluated for a summative dose effect in the inhibition of asthma-associated inflammation in asthmatic guinea-pigs. Ovalbumin-sensitized Hartley guinea-pigs challenged with ovalbumin aerosol to induce asthma, were administered EGb761, ASX, vitamin C or ibuprofen. Following killing, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was evaluated for inflammatory cell infiltrates and lung tissue cyclic nucleotide content. Each parameter measured was significantly altered to a greater degree by drug combinations, than by each component acting independently. An optimal combination was identified that included astaxanthin (10 mg/kg), vitamin C (200 mg/kg) and EGb761 (10 mg/kg), resulting in counts of eosinophils and neutrophils each 1.6-fold lower; macrophages 1.8-fold lower, cAMP 1.4-fold higher; and cGMP 2.04-fold higher than levels in untreated, asthmatic animals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EGb761, ASX and vitamin C are shown here to interact summatively to suppress inflammation with efficacy equal to or better than ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Such combinations of non-toxic phytochemicals constitute powerful tools for the prevention of onset of acute and chronic inflammatory disease if consumed regularly by healthy individuals; and may also augment the effectiveness of therapy for those with established illness. ................................................................................ Canis, M., B. Olzowy, C. Welz, M. Suckfüll and K. Stelter. 2010. Simvastatin and Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of subacute tinnitus: a retrospective study of 94 patients. Am J Otolaryngol. 32, 1: 19-23. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Studies suggest that hypercholesterolemia promotes the development of inner ear disorders such as tinnitus. However, the underlying pathomechanisms are still not clearly defined. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to assess whether a reduction of serum cholesterol by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors may result in a relief of subacute tinnitus. Remission rates of 58 patients were investigated after 4 months of treatment with simvastatin (40 mg). Results were compared to treatment with Ginkgo biloba (120 mg; n = 36) as control group. Differences between tinnitus score at the day of first treatment and after 4 months were used as main outcome measure. RESULTS: After treatment with simvastatin or G biloba, tinnitus score decreased from 41.3 ± 10.4 to 37.4 ± 17.3 and from 44.7 ± 11.2 to 41.2 ± 8.7, respectively. However, independently of the treatment regimen, differences of tinnitus scores were considered not significant. CONCLUSIONS: After administration of simvastatin over 4 months, this retrospective study has shown no significant efficacy in treatment of subacute tinnitus. For a more conclusive answer, further prospective, double-blind, and placebo-controlled studies with a larger number of patients are needed. ............................................................................ Mashayekh, A., D. L. Pham, D. M. Yousem, M. Dizon, P. B. Barker and D. D. M. Lin. 2010. Effects of Ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative MR perfusion imaging: a pilot study. Neuroradiology. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract INTRODUCTION: Extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb), a dietary supplement used for a number of conditions including dementia, has been suggested to increase cerebral blood flow (CBF). The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in CBF could be detected by dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) in elderly human subjects taking EGb. METHODS: DSC-MRI was performed in nine healthy men (mean age 61 ± 10 years) before and after 4 weeks of 60 mg EGb taken twice daily. One subject underwent six consecutive scans to evaluate intrasubject reproducibility. CBF values were computed before and after EGb, and analyzed at three different levels of spatial resolution, using voxel-based statistical parametric mapping (SPM), and regions of interest in different lobes, and all regions combined. RESULTS: Normalized intrasubject CBF (nCBF) measurements had a standard deviation of 7% and 4% in gray and white matter (WM) regions, respectively. SPM using an uncorrected, voxel-level threshold of P ≤ 0.001 showed a small CBF increase in the left parietal-occipital region. CBF in individual lobar regions did not show any significant change post-EGb, but all regions combined showed a significant increase of non-normalized CBF after EGb (15% in white and 13% in gray matter, respectively, P ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSION: nCBF measured by DSC-MRI has good intrasubject reproducibility. In this small cohort of normal elderly individuals, a mild increase in CBF is found in the left parietal-occipital WM after EGb, as well as a small but statistically significant increase in global CBF. ............................................................................................................... Ihl, R., M. Tribanek and N. Bachinskaya. 2010. Baseline neuropsychiatric symptoms are effect modifiers in Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761®) treatment of dementia with neuropsychiatric features. Retrospective data analyses of a randomized controlled trial. J Neurol Sci. [Epub ahead of print]. AbstractPrevious studies suggested that EGb 761® may be more effective when dementia is associated with neuropsychiatric features. To find out whether treatment effects correlate with neuropsychiatric symptom burden at baseline, retrospective analyses of data from a 24-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of EGb 761® (240mg once daily) were performed. 410 outpatients with mild to moderate AD, VaD or AD with cerebrovascular disease, each associated with neuropsychiatric features, were enrolled. Patients scored 5 or above on the NPI, with at least one item score being ≥3, and between 9 and 23 on the SKT cognitive test battery. Correlations between the NPI composite score at baseline and other efficacy variables were calculated. Regression analyses with the NPI composite score as regressor and efficacy variables as dependent variables were performed. Correlations between changes from baseline and NPI baseline scores were weak to modest, but conspicuously different between active drug and placebo groups. The slopes of the regression lines for the EGb 761® and the placebo groups showed qualitative and statistically significant differences: With increasing NPI baseline scores there was faster deterioration in the placebo group and thus more net benefit from treatment for the EGb 761® group. .............................................................................................. Zhang, W.F., Y. L. Tan, X. Y. Zhang, R. C. Chan, H. R. Wu and D. F. Zhou. 2010. Extract of Ginkgo biloba treatment for tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry. [Epub ahead of print]. AbstractOBJECTIVE: Free radicals may be involved in the pathogenesis of tardive dyskinesia (TD). Extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) is a potent antioxidant possessing free radical-scavenging activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of EGb-761, a standardized extract given in capsule form, in treating TD in schizophrenia patients. METHOD: Inpatients with DSM-IV-diagnosed schizophrenia and TD (n = 157) in a mainland China Veterans Affairs psychiatric hospital were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of treatment with either EGb-761, 240 mg/d (n = 78) or a placebo (n = 79) in a double-blind manner. Primary outcome measures were (1) change from baseline in the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score and (2) proportion of patients with a ≥ 30% reduction in their AIMS total score at week 12. Secondary outcome measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and cognitive performance as measured by the Continuous Performance Test-37 Version and the 3-card Stroop task. Patients were recruited for the study between December 2006 and May 2007. RESULTS: Of the 157 patients who were randomly assigned, 152 (96.8%) completed the study. EGb-761 treatment significantly decreased the AIMS total score in patients with TD compared to those who were given a placebo (2.13 ± 1.75 vs -0.10 ± 1.69; P < .0001), with 40 (51.3%) and 4 (5.1%) patients achieving response in the EGb-761 and placebo treatment groups, respectively. There were no between-group differences in the PANSS total score or cognitive measures from baseline to week 12. CONCLUSIONS: EGb-761 appears to be an effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of TD in schizophrenia patients, and improvement may be mediated through the well-known antioxidant activity of this extract. .......................................................................................... Mazaro-Costa, R., M. L. Andersen, H. Hachul and S. Tufik. 2010. Medicinal Plants as Alternative Treatments for Female Sexual Dysfunction: Utopian Vision or Possible Treatment in Climacteric Women?. J Sex Med. Epub ahead of print. ABSTRACT:Introduction. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex and multifactorial condition. An increased incidence of FSD is especially associated with the decline of estrogen. Thus, menopause is a critical phase for FSD complaints. In this context, medicinal plants may be a therapeutic option.Aim. To identify and describe the popular and clinical uses of medicinal plants for FSD treatment in climacteric women. We highlighted the majority of the plants commonly involved with the female reproductive system including: Angelica sinensis, Cimicifuga racemosa, Ferula hermonis, Ginkgo biloba, Humulus lupulus, Lepidium meyenii, Tribulus terrestris, Trifolium pratense, and Vitex agnus-castus.Methods. This study is a narrative review of studies of plants that are possible alternative treatments for FSD. The species described have clinical and popular uses in different cultures as well as medical indications for female reproductive disturbances, mainly in climacteric women. We have also analyzed the evidence level of clinical studies.Main Outcome Measures. The main outcome assessed is the efficacy of plants in improving the symptoms of FSD.Results. There is little evidence from the literature to recommend the use of medicinal plants when treating FSD. The majority of studies with a strong level of evidence are associated with the treatment of the vasomotor symptoms of menopause. Ferula hermonis, Angelica sinensis, and Gingko biloba may be suggested for arousal disorder studies. Cimicifuga racemosa, Trifolium pratense, and Vitex agnus-castus may be recommended for several FSD. Humulus lupulus and Tribulus terrestris may help with desire disorder studies. Lepidium meyenii should be studied further.Conclusions. Studies of these plants indicate that they may be useful as a possible alternative and/or complementary approach for studies aimed at the treatment of FSD. At this time, however, this review cannot recommend a plant that has a strong enough level of evidence for treatment of FSD. Thus, there is a need for clinical (double-blinded and randomized) studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of several plants that can exert a positive effect on the management of FSD.............................................................. Jerant, A., B. Chapman, P. Duberstein, J. Robbins and P. Franks. 2010. Personality and medication non-adherence among older adults enrolled in a six-year trial. Br J Health Psychol. Epub ahead of print. ABSTRACT: Objectives: Personality factors parsimoniously capture the variation in dispositional characteristics that affect behaviours, but their value in predicting medication non-adherence is unclear. We investigated the relationship between five-factor model personality factors (Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Openness) and medication non-adherence among older participants during a six-year randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT). Design: Observational cohort data from 771 subjects aged >/=72 years enrolled in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study, a RCT of Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia. Methods: Random effects logistic regression analyses examined effects of NEO Five-Factor Inventory scores on medication non-adherence, determined via pill counts every 6 months (median follow-up 6.1 years) and defined as taking <80% of prescribed pills. Analyses adjusted for covariates linked with non-adherence in prior studies. Results: Each 5 year increment in participant age was associated with a 6.7% greater probability of non-adherence (95% confidence interval, CI [2.4, 11.0]). Neuroticism was the only personality factor associated with non-adherence: a 1 SD increase was associated with a 3.8% increase in the probability of non-adherence (95% CI [0.4, 7.2]). Lower cognitive function was also associated with non-adherence: a 1 SD decrease in mental status exam score was associated with a 3.0% increase in the probability of non-adherence (95% CI [0.2, 5.9]). Conclusions: Neuroticism was associated with medication non-adherence over 6 years of follow-up in a large sample of older RCT participants. Personality measurement in clinical and research settings might help to identify and guide interventions for older adults at risk for medication non-adherence. .......................................................................... Usai, S., L. Grazzi, F. Andrasik and G. Bussone. 2010. An innovative approach for migraine prevention in young age: a preliminary study. Neurol Sci. 31: S181–S183 Abstract: Headache is one of the commonest conditions to affect children and adolescents in industrialized countries. Effective pharmacological treatments without side effects are still lacking. Ginkgolide B, an herbal constituent extract from ginkgo biloba tree leaves, is a natural antiplatelet activating factor (PAF). PAF is a potent proinflammatory and nociceptive agent released during the inflammation process. Therefore, Ginkgolide B can be considered a promising non-pharmacological tool for treatment of migraine with and without aura. We propose to determine the efficacy of Ginkgolide B as preventive treatment in a group of young patients suffering from migraine without aura. A small sample of 24 young patients suffering from migraine without aura entered the open-label prospective trial. Migraine without aura was diagnosed according to International Headache Society criteria. The treatment was well tolerated and the compliance was good. These preliminary data show that Ginkgolide B seems to be effective as preventive treatment in reducing migraine attack frequency and in attenuating the use of symptomatic medication in our small series of children with primary headache.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AIM: It has been reported that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an inducer or inhibitor of microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19, and diazepam is a substrate of CYP2C19. Thus, it could be expected that GBE may alter the metabolism of diazepam. METHODS: The pharmacokinetic parameters of diazepam and one of its metabolites, N-demethyldiazepam, were compared after oral administration of diazepam (10 mg) in the absence or presence of oral GBE (120 mg bid, for 28 days) in 12 healthy volunteers. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental method. RESULTS: The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the ratios of mean pharmacokinetic parameters of diazepam presence and absence of GBE were well within the 80-125% bioequivalence range, indicating no pharmacokinetic interaction. The ratio of AUC(0-408) with GBE to AUC(0-408) without GBE was 95.2 (90%CI: 91.6-98.8) and 101.8 (90%CI: 99.4-104.1) for diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam, respectively. The two drugs were well tolerated, and no drug-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: The above data suggest that GBE, when taken in normally recommended doses over a 4-week time period, may not affect the pharmacokinetics of diazepam via CYP2C19 and the excretion of N-desmethyldiazepam in healthy volunteers. No drug-drug interaction was observed between GBE and diazepam. ........................................................................................................................... Woelkart, K., E. Feizlmayr, P. Dittrich, E. Beubler, F. Pinl, A. Suter and R. Bauer. 2010. Pharmacokinetics of bilobalide, ginkgolide A and B after administration of three different Ginkgo biloba L. preparations in humans. Phytother Res. 24, 3: 445-50. Abstract: A sensitive LC-ESI-MS method with a solid-phase extraction was established for the determination of bilobalide, ginkgolide A and ginkgolide B in human plasma; bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of three different Ginkgo biloba L. preparations have been investigated. The preparations used in the present single-dose pharmacokinetic study were different formulations of Ginkgo biloba L. extracts (Geriaforce tincture, new Ginkgo fresh plant extract tablets and EGb 761) with various excipients. The analysis of Ginkgo terpene lactones was performed by LC-MS on a Zorbax((R)) SB-C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of water + 0.1% acetic acid and methanol 68/32 (v/v) to 49/51 (v/v) at a flow rate of 200 muL/min. Bilobalide, ginkgolide A and ginkgolide B were monitored using the selected-ion monitoring (SIM) mode at m/z of 325, 453 and 423, respectively.The amounts of the active compounds (terpene lactones) in the administered products were in the low-mg range per dose. The assay method was successfully applied to the study of the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of bilobalide, gingkolide A and ginkgolide B in humans. The resulting maximum concentrations (median) of bilobalide, ginkgolide A and ginkgolide B in plasma after administration of the maximum daily dose of the different Ginkgo products were 3.53, 3.62, and 1.38 ng/mL respectively after administration of Geriaforce tincture; 11.68, 7.36, and 4.18 ng/mL, respectively after taking Ginkgo fresh plant extract tablets; and 26.85, 16.44, 9.99 ng/mL, respectively after administration of EGb 761 tablets. These data are relevant to demonstrate relative bioavailabilities of different Ginkgo biloba L. preparations (Geriaforce tincture, new Ginkgo fresh plant extract tablets and EGb 761). ................................................................................. Wang, B. S., H. Wang, Y. Y. Song, H. Qi , Z. X. Rong, B. S. Wang, L. Zhang and H. Z. Chen. 2010. Effectiveness of Standardized Ginkgo biloba Extract on Cognitive Symptoms of Dementia with a Six-Month Treatment: A Bivariate Random Effect Meta-Analysis. Pharmacopsychiatry. INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to take into consideration the influence of baseline risk on the treatment effect and evaluate the effectiveness of standardized GINKGO BILOBA extract (GbE) on cognitive symptoms of dementia with the treatment period of approximately 6 months. METHODS: We systematically searched the literature to identify all randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (English language) of GbE in the treatment of dementia. Data were extracted from selected trials and combined with standard meta-analysis methods. A bivariate meta-analysis was carried out to further estimate the effect size of GbE. RESULTS: The random effect estimate of standard mean difference (SMD) between GbE and placebo groups of 6 selected trials was -0.89 (95% CI -1.82 to 0.04) in the assessment of cognitive function. Bivariate random effect estimate of difference of change in ADAS-cog scores was -2.65 (95% CI --4.53 to -0.76), which showed a significant difference in favor of GbE. CONCLUSION: Considering baseline risk in the assessment of treatment effect, GbE was found to be effective for cognitive functions in dementia with the treatment of 6 months. ........................................................................................................... Zuo, X. C., B. K. Zhang, S. J. Jia, S. K. Liu, L. Y. Zhou, J. Li , J. Zhang, L. L. Dai, B. M. Chen, G. P. Yang and H. Yuan. 2010.Effects of Ginkgo biloba extracts on diazepam metabolism: a pharmacokinetic study in healthy Chinese male subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 66, 5: 503-509.Wu, Y., S. Li, W. Cui, X. Zua, J. Dua and F. Wang. 2008. Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary blood flow in healthy elderly adults: Role of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Phytomedicine 15: 164–169. Abstract; Advancing age decreases endothelial function; accordingly, it alters the physiological regulation of coronary blood flow. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has well-documented anti-ageing effects. However, little is yet known about the pharmacological actions of GBE on endothelial dysfunction and coronary blood flow in healthy elderly adults. We designed the study to test the effects of GBE on distal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) blood flow and endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in healthy elderly adults. Sixty healthy elderly adults were randomly assigned to either GBE or control groups. LAD blood flow and brachial artery FMD were measured non-invasively using high-resolution ultrasound before and after intravenous administration of GBE or saline. GBE significantly increased LAD blood flow in maximal diastolic peak velocity (MDPV), maximal systolic peak velocity (MSPV) and diastolic time velocity integral (DTVI) compared with the placebo group (19.167 ± 13.91% vs. 0.30 ± 2.55%, 17.76±14.56% vs. 0.53±2.32%, and 21.73±16.13% vs. 0.81±2.33%, MDPV, MSPV, and DTVI improvement from baseline, respectively, p<0.01). Brachial artery FMD was also increased by 56.03% (from 7.21±2.52% to 11.28±3.95%, p<0.01). A linear correlation was found between the percentage change in MDPV, MSPV, or DTVI of LAD blood flow and the percentage change in brachial artery FMD following treatment with GBE (r = 0.538, 0.366, or 0.573, respectively, p<0.01, p<0.05, or p<0.01). Our data demonstrate that GBE treatment in healthy elderly adults leads to the increase of LAD blood flow in MDPV, MSPV and DTVI, and the increased response might relate to the improved endothelium-dependent vasodilatory capacity. This study implies an important future therapeutic strategy of using GBE to counteract the detrimental effects of ageing. ................................................................................................................................. Galduro, J. C. F., H. K. Antunes and R. F. Santos. 2007. Gender- and age-related variations in blood viscosity in normal volunteers: A study of the effects of extract of Allium sativum and Ginkgo biloba. Phytomedicine 14: 447–451. Abstract; This study sought to compare the effects of age and gender on blood viscosity and to appraise the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba and Allium sativum extracts in reducing blood viscosity. Stage 1: Our sample consisted of 80 male volunteers (40 aged 18–60 and 40 aged 61 and over) and 80 females with the same age profile. Stage 2: We studied 60 male volunteers allocated in groups: placebo, G. biloba, and A. sativum. Stage 3: We studied 25 male volunteers and in the initial, intermediate, and final evaluations, the measures of blood viscosity were repeated. Volunteers were given a clinical evaluation and submitted to laboratory tests. G. biloba led to the highest reduction in blood viscosity compared with placebo and A. sativum. In relation to the use of the two substances, G. biloba and A. sativum, dry extract of G. biloba proved to be more effective in reducing blood viscosity. .................................................................................................................................. Renato Donfrancesco and Laura Ferrante. 2007. Ginkgo biloba in dyslexia: A pilot study. Phytomedicine 14: 367–370. Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary information on the possible efficacy and tolerability of EGb 761 standardized plant extract of Ginkgo biloba as a treatment of dyslexia in school-aged children. Methods: Fifteen children (5–16 year old) with dyslexia participated in an open-label trial of EGb 761 given as a single morning dose of 80 mg. Standardized tests for dyslexia were administered at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: All 15 children completed the trial. The score of the standardized tests for dyslexia decreased. On the list of words the score decreased from mean 4.33 (SD = 2.37) at baseline to 2.66 (SD = 1.58) at the end of the study (p<0.01), on the list of non-words from mean 3.39 (SD = 1.5) at baseline to 2.26 (SD = 0.92) at the end of the study (p<0.02) and on the reading piece from mean 3.52 (SD = 2.11) to 2.13 (SD = 1.25); at the end of the study (p<0.05). At the end of the study 9 children did not perform below the 2 SD on the list of words and 7 on reading text and so they no longer fulfilled the DSM-IV-TR criteria for dyslexia. A brief period of headache was reported by the parents of two children. Conclusion: These data suggest that EGb 761 standardized plant extract of Ginkgo biloba has acceptable acute tolerability at single doses up to 80 mg/day and is possibly efficacious in decreasing dyslexia difficulties. The need for a double-blind trial is discussed by the authors. ............................................................................................................... R. Donfrancesco and A. Dell’uomo. 2004. Ginkgo biloba in Down Syndrome. Phytomedicine 11: 469 Ginkgo biloba (standardized extract Egb 761) has shown the same efficacy as Donepezil and other cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia (Wettstein, 2000). Ginkgo standardized extract also seems to have a direct effect on the cholinergic system (DeFeudis and Drieu, 2000). In individuals with DS, therapy with standardised Ginkgo biloba extract could be an effective aid to cognitive and social skills intervention. .................................................................................................................................. Hartley, D. E. L. Heinze, S. Elsabagh and S. E. File. 2003. Effects on cognition and mood in postmenopausal women of 1-week treatment with Ginkgo biloba. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 75: 711– 720. Abstract; In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, postmenopausal women (53–65 years old) were randomly assigned to 7-day treatment with Ginkgo (120 mg/day, n = 15) or matched placebo (n = 16). They were given a battery of cognitive tests and measurements of mood and menopausal symptoms at baseline (before treatment began) and at the end of 7 days. The group treated with Ginkgo was significantly better than the placebo group in a matching-to-sample test of nonverbal memory, but the groups did not differ in immediate or delayed paragraph <F |