Effect of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) on treadmill walking time among adults with peripheral artery disease: A randomized clinical trial

Christopher D. Gardner, Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Alexandre Kiazand, Joel Nicholus, Alison J. Rigby, John W. Farquhar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

■ PURPOSE: Medical therapies for treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) are limited. Ginkgo biloba has been reported to increase maximal and pain-free walking distance among patients with PAD; however, the evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 300 mg/d of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) versus placebo on treadmill walking time and related cardiovascular measures among patients with PAD. ■ METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design trial with a 4-month duration was used. Participants were 62 adults, aged 70 ± 8 years (mean ± SD), with claudication symptoms of PAD. The primary study outcomes were maximal and pain-free walking time on a treadmill. Secondary outcomes included flow-mediated vasodilation, a measure of antioxidant status as assessed by determining antibody levels to epitopes of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and questionnaires addressing walking impairment and quality of life. ■ RESULTS: Maximal treadmill walking time increased by 20 ± 80 and 91 ± 242 seconds in the placebo and the EGb 761 groups, respectively (P = .12). Pain-free walking time increased by 15 ± 31 and 21 ± 43 seconds, respectively (P = .28). No significant differences were detected between groups for any of the secondary outcomes. ■ CONCLUSIONS: In older adults with PAD, Ginkgo biloba produced a modest but insignificant increase in maximal treadmill walking time and flow-mediated vasodilation. These data do not support the use of Ginkgo biloba as an effective therapy for PAD, although a longer duration of use should be considered in any future trials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)258-265
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention
Volume28
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2008

Keywords

  • Claudication
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Treadmill time

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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