Ginkgo Doesn't Improve Memory Or Cognitive Skills

JumperCable writes "Ginkgo biloba has failed — again — to live up to its reputation for boosting memory and brain function. Just over a year after a study showed that the herb doesn't prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease, a new study from the same team of researchers has found no evidence that ginkgo reduces the normal cognitive decline that comes with aging. In the new study, the largest of its kind to date, DeKosky and his colleagues followed more than 3,000 people between the ages of 72 and 96 for an average of six years. Half of the participants took two 120-milligram capsules of ginkgo a day during the study period, and the other half took a placebo. The people who took ginkgo showed no differences in attention, memory, and other cognitive measures compared to those who took the placebo, according to the study, which was published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association."

Comments

That's just Western prejudice

[For a Free Internet]

These euro-centric "scientists" can't see pas their narrow-minded blinders to tap into the millenia of cultural experience embodied in Eastern medical and spiritual traditions. The point is, Gingko Baloba has a very potent effect when added to the labels of alternative medical products, causing them to fly off the shelves in exchange for cash. Western medicine is just jealous and probably racist and sexist against peoples like me.

Re:That's just Western prejudice

[Hatta]

Sounds like they should do some tests on this "placebo" stuff to see what makes it as good as ginkgo.

Medical conspiracy!

[vvaduva]

Yes but was it ORGANIC Kinkgo?? That is the question! This test was obviously conducted by real doctors who don't want us to know the truth about the power of eating weeds that grow in exotic jungles.

Re:Medical conspiracy!

[Jason Levine]

No, first you need to grow the Ginko organically. Then you need to increase the potency by diluting it homeopathically. Next, you form it into an ear candle. Once you do that, the the Loch Ness monster and Bigfoot will contact the aliens from Vega 7 who will beam increased memory skills and ESP into you. But if any of this is attempted by "Western medicine", it will all fail.

Actually works to their advantage

[jarocho]

I bet the herbal supplements industry is hoping its customers will forget all about this report eventually... :)

Re:So what exactly then...

[fuzzyfuzzyfungus]

Ginkgo Balboa is clinically proven to improve your boxing skills...

Re:You know what else it's good for though, right?

[BarryJacobsen]

"Our bear makes other people more beautiful to you"

Is that a Care Bear, or what kind of bear, exactly?

Re:Ginko has a different effect on me

[Synn]

I just can't get up the energy to take a pill every day. Do you think they could make a pill that makes me motivated to take pills?

Re:Ginko has a different effect on me

[Aladrin]

I think that your father's boot is used for that. It's an anal suppository.

Re:So what exactly then...

[jollyreaper]

Ginkgo Balboa is clinically proven to improve your boxing skills...

And Ginko Bilboa is clinically proven to get you there and back again.