Ginkgo: Greater improvement in peripheral arterial disease with
higher dose
Numerous studies have shown that standardized Ginkgo biloba
extract can help improve symptoms of peripheral arterial occlusive
disease (PAOD), a circulatory disorder associated with narrowing
of the arteries and consequent pain during walking. Based on the
positive outcome of an earlier pilot trial, this clinical study
was designed to compare the effects of two different dosages of
ginkgo extract in order to confirm the therapeutic superiority
of the higher dose. For the study, 38 people with PAOD took a
standard dose of ginkgo extract (120 mg/day), while 36 were assigned
to treatment with a dose twice as high as the standard (240 mg/day).
After 24 weeks, both groups had "clinically relevant"
improvements in pain-free walking distance, but the increase in
pain-free walking distance was statistically significantly higher
among those taking the higher dose. Both dosage regimens were
reported to be safe and well tolerated. The standardized ginkgo
extract used in the trial was EGb 761 (Rokan®), manufactured
by W. Schwabe of Karlsruhe, Germany. Schweizer J, Hautmann
C. Comparison of two dosages of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761
in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease Fontaine's
stage IIb. Arzneim-Forsch/Drug Res 1999; 49(II): 900-904.
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