Effects of oral ginkgo biloba extract on pregnancy complicated by asymmetrically intrauterine growth restriction: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: to evaluate the effect of oral ginkgo biloba extract (GB)) on asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study Design: A randomized trial conducted at Assiut Women Health on 226 pregnant women with asymmetrical IUGR. The patients randomly received GB extract or placebo for 6 weeks. The main outcome measures were improvement in fetal weight and feto-maternal blood flow. The data were analyzed by Student’s t- test and chisquared tests. Result: There was a significant increase in the estimated fetal weight in the GB group (3047+ 127 gm) when compared to the placebo group (2734+ 127 gm) (p=<0.001). Moreover; there were significant increases in feto-maternal blood flow in GB group compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: GB extract improves placental functions, Doppler indices and fetal weight in pregnancies complicated with IUGR fetuses.