Herbal extract helps after strokes

A herbal extract could be used to help boost memory and the brain’s “command and control” function after stroke, researchers have said.

Gingko biloba, one of the oldest living tree species, has long been used as a traditional herbal remedy in China and is a popular supplement in the UK.

A clinical trial, published in the online journal Stroke & Vascular Neurology, saw 330 people receive a daily treatment of either 450mg of gingko biloba extract, given in three doses, plus 100mg of aspirin, or 100mg of aspirin alone for six months.

They all started taking it within a week of being admitted to one of five different hospitals after having an ischaemic stroke. Researchers said the test results after 12, 30, 90 and 180 days showed those given the combination treatment had higher scores for cognitive skills, including memory and executive function than those given aspirin alone.

They also had a greater degree of functional capacity 12 and 30 days after the start of treatment, indicating a greater improvement in neurological deficit – for example, muscle weakness, impaired reflexes and speech problems – following their stroke.

They said few side effects were reported, indicating gingko biloba extract (GBE) plus aspirin was safe.

The study was carried out by Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, with patients from five hospitals in the Jiangsu Stroke Research Collaborative Group in China.