Despite the general belief, a new study voices doubt over the efficacy of herbal Ginkgo biloba supplements in slowing down the pace of cognitive impairments.
Previous studies had reported that Ginkgo biloba improves memory, protecting individuals against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
"Ginkgo biloba is marketed widely and used with the hope of improving, preventing, or delaying cognitive impairment associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease," said lead researcher Steven DeKosky.
According to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, ginkgo extract does not slow the rate of cognitive decline in healthy individuals nor those with mild cognitive impairment.
The study found the herb had no effect on global cognitive function or on specific cognitive domains of memory, language, attention, visuospatial abilities and executive functions.
Scientists concluded that the herb is ineffective in preventing early symptoms of dementia or normal aging.
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