Ginkgo Biloba Extract in Stroke Recovery: What the Research Shows
The active components of Ginkgo biloba extract have shown potential to support cognitive recovery after an ischemic stroke. This conclusion came from a study presented at a major conference hosted by the American Stroke Association, a leading body in stroke research and education.
A large group of stroke survivors in China participated in the trial to assess mental function recovery. The study included 3,163 adults who had experienced mild to moderate ischemic strokes. The average participant was 63 years old, and about one third were women. The goal was to determine whether intravenous Ginkgo biloba extract, specifically a preparation known as ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine, could enhance recovery when added to standard care.
Within 48 hours of stroke onset, half of the participants received an injection of 25 milligrams of the active GDLM component every day for two weeks. The other half received a placebo solution that did not contain the active ingredients. Both groups followed the same treatment schedule. The trial design allowed researchers to compare the effects of GDLM directly against a control condition and to observe changes over time in recovery trajectories.
Baseline testing showed that participants had moderate cognitive impairment before beginning treatment, with a MoCA score averaging 17 out of 30. By the end of the two-week treatment period, the GDLM group had a mean MoCA improvement of 3.93 points, while the placebo group improved by 3.62 points. At the 90-day mark, those treated with GDLM averaged a 5.51 point improvement, compared with a 5.04 point gain in the placebo group. Across the entire study population, the proportion of patients exhibiting significant overall improvement was about 20 percent higher among those who received GDLM than among those who did not. These results suggest a potential additive effect of GDLM on cognitive recovery after ischemic stroke, though further validation is needed.
Researchers proposed that GDLM may help protect brain tissue by widening cerebral blood vessels and enhancing cellular resilience to oxygen deprivation. While the findings are encouraging, the researchers emphasized that the data are preliminary until confirmed in a peer reviewed journal. They also noted that the study enrolled participants from China, so it remains unclear whether similar benefits would be observed in other populations or settings. This caveat highlights the importance of conducting broader, multinational trials to determine generalizability and real-world applicability.
In the broader context of stroke rehabilitation, the study contributes to ongoing exploration of how nerve pathways and brain perfusion influence recovery outcomes. It underscores the need for continued inquiry into safe, effective interventions that can complement existing therapies for cognitive restoration after stroke. Although early results are promising, clinicians should interpret them with caution and await confirmation from subsequent research and long-term follow-up data.
Earlier scientific discussions have also linked environmental exposures to stroke risk, including certain radioactive or ambient factors. The evolving landscape of stroke research continues to seek actionable strategies to reduce risk and improve post-stroke quality of life, with patient safety and rigorous evidence at the forefront of this effort.