Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgo biloba
For the health condition: Schizophrenia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginkgo biloba is used as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia based on some scientific evidence, although the quality and magnitude of the evidence are limited. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have investigated the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract, particularly EGb 761, in patients with schizophrenia who are already taking antipsychotic medications. The rationale is that Ginkgo’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce some of the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, which are not always well managed by standard antipsychotics.
A 2011 meta-analysis (Zhang et al., J Clin Psychiatry) found that adjunctive Ginkgo biloba extract resulted in modest improvements in total and negative symptom scores compared to placebo. The effect sizes, however, were small, and not all studies have found significant benefits. The possible mechanisms by which Ginkgo may help include modulation of neurotransmitter systems (such as dopamine and glutamate), reduction of oxidative stress, and improvement of cerebral blood flow. Ginkgo also appears to be well tolerated when combined with antipsychotic medications, with few additional side effects reported.
Despite these findings, mainstream treatment guidelines do not recommend Ginkgo biloba as a first-line or standalone therapy for schizophrenia. Its use remains adjunctive and experimental, and more large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to fully establish efficacy and safety. Therefore, while there is some scientific validation, the strength of evidence is currently limited (rated 2 out of 5).
Other ingredients used for Schizophrenia
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)ginkgo biloba
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
Zinc
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
docosahexaenoic Acid
folinic acid
Rauvolfia
Sarcosine
Other health conditions supported by ginkgo biloba
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arteriosclerosis
Asthma
Attention Deficit Disorder
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Dementia
Depression
Hearing Loss
Ménière’s Disease
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Raynaud's Disease
Schizophrenia
Senility
Strokes
Tinnitus
Products containing ginkgo biloba
Pure Encapsulations
Brain Reset
Vitabase
Brain Support
Designs For Health
Brain Vitale™
Designs For Health
Brain Vitale™
Vitabase
Ginkgo Biloba
Pure Encapsulations
Ginkgo 50 160 mg
Douglas Laboratories
Ginkgo Biloba Max-V
Designs For Health
LibidoStim-F™
Designs For Health
LibidoStim-M™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Thorne
Memoractiv NSF
Pure Encapsulations
Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations
Memory Pro
Designs For Health
OcuForce™
Designs For Health
OcuForce™ Blue 60 Capsules
Designs For Health
Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum