Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgo biloba
For the health condition: Parkinson's Disease

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ginkgo biloba is sometimes used as an adjunctive supplement in the context of Parkinson's Disease (PD), primarily due to its purported neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. Preclinical studies suggest that extracts from Ginkgo biloba leaves, especially standardized forms like EGb 761, may protect dopaminergic neurons against oxidative stress—a key mechanism in PD pathogenesis. Some animal studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba can attenuate neurodegeneration in models of Parkinson's Disease, possibly by reducing oxidative damage, modulating mitochondrial function, and inhibiting apoptosis. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. A few small-scale clinical trials and case reports have explored the adjunctive use of Ginkgo biloba in PD patients, with mixed results. Some studies report mild improvements in symptoms such as cognitive performance and activities of daily living, but these findings are not consistently replicated in larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials. Additionally, systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while Ginkgo biloba is well-tolerated, there is insufficient evidence to recommend its use as a standard therapy in Parkinson's Disease. Traditional use of Ginkgo biloba in Chinese medicine is more focused on circulatory and cognitive conditions rather than Parkinson's specifically. Therefore, while scientific interest exists, and some preliminary data are available, the quality and quantity of evidence supporting Ginkgo biloba for PD remain modest, meriting a low-to-moderate rating.

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