The psychopharmacological effects of Ginkgo biloba extract in normal healthy volunteers

Abstract

Eight healthy female volunteers received Ginkgo biloba extract (G.B.E.) 120, 240, 600 mg and placebo according to a randomized, double-blind crossover design. One hour following treatment, subjects completed a battery of psychological tests including critical flicker fusion (CFF), choice reaction time (CRT), subjective ratings of drug effects (LARS) and a Sternberg memory scanning test. No statistically significant changes from placebo were observed on CFF, CRT or subjective ratings of drug effects. However, memory as assessed using the Sternberg technique was found to be significantly improved following treatment with G.B.E. 600 mg when compared to placebo and results suggested a localized effect of the drug on the serial comparison stage of the reaction process.