Studies on the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract (Tanamin®) in the dizziness of central origin

Abstract

Background: Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) is composed of flavonoid glycosides and characteristic terpenes. It is said that EGb761 has the efficacy of improving dizziness, tinnitus and other symptoms from cerebral and peripheral vascular impairments by inhibiting platelet activating factor (PAF) and scavenging free radicals. Methods: The effect and safety of EGb761 was investigated in the patients with dizziness of central origin. The patients were randomized to the drug or the placebo group, which did not showed any significant difference in the clinical characteristics. Clinical assessment were performed by using the check-list before the trial and 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th month after initiating the drug or the placebo. Results: After 6 months of trial, they showed moderate improvement of dizziness in 28 out of 31 of the drug group (87.5%), and in 16 out of 26 of the placebo group (61.5%). The drug group showed significant statistical difference in improving dizziness and general subjective symptoms compared with those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). 10 our of 61 (16.49%) experienced trivial side effects, 5 in the drug group (15.2%) and 5 in the placebo group (17.9%), respectively. The most common side effect was abdominal discomfort associated with nausea and vomiting. The skin rash or nonspecific headache occurred in one of the drug group and in one of the placebo group. There were no significant abnormalities or changes in the physical and laboratory findings during and after the EGb761 medication. Conclusion: The authors thought that EGb761 can be used safely in the patients with dizziness of central origin, as the drug revealed significant improvement of dizziness and showed trivial side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, headache, and skin rash.