Quest Vitamins LTD, |
Issue # 66.2 - Ginkgo Biloba for Vitiligo and RaynaudsGinkgo biloba for vitiligo? A recent clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in controlling the activity of the disease process in patients with limited and slow-progressing vitiligo and in inducing repigmentation in affected areas. A total of 47 patients completed the double-blind randomised control trial and each was assigned to one of two treatment groups, receiving either Ginkgo biloba 40mg three times/day (group A) or placebo (group B). A significant cessation of active progression of depigmentation was observed in those treated with the Ginkgo biloba. Marked to complete repigmentation was seen in 10 patients in group A compared with only 2 patients in group B. It was concluded that Ginkgo biloba is a safe and fairly effective treatment for arresting the progression of vitiligo. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2003 May;28(3):285-7. Ginkgo biloba and Raynaud's disease A double-blind placebo-controlled trial Ginkgo biloba is reputed as having an ability to improve circulation and so is often recommended in the treatment of Raynaud's disease - a painful condition that is episodic in its nature and is characterised by inadequate blood flow to the extremities. The efficacy of a standardised Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of Raynaud's disease was investigated in a randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial. After a two-week assessment period, patients received treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract or placebo over a 10-week period. Patients recorded the frequency, duration and severity of their attacks over the 12-week period. It was concluded that Ginkgo biloba may be effective in reducing the number of attacks per week in patients suffering from Raynaud's disease. Vasc Med. 2002; 7(4):265-7. |