Herbal Extract Could Improve Brain Function of Patients Suffering from Ischemia

A new study suggest that herbal extract of Ginkgo biloba with combination of aspirin might help in improving cognitive functioning after stroke.

Researchers from Department of Neurology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in Suzhou, China have reported on December 20, 2017, that a daily dose of Ginkgo biloba extract and aspirin can improve memory and brain functions in people who experienced ischemic stroke. Results of the study were published in the journal Stroke & Vascular Neurology. According to Botanical Extracts Market report published by Coherent Market Insights, herbal extracts of medicinally important plants can help in lowering symptoms of various severe diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

More than 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer from stroke annually, which is the equivalent to one stroke every 40 seconds. Around 87% of strokes are ischemic. Ischemia is characterized by an inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to body organ due to obstructed blood vessel or blood clot. This blockage deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood causing damage to brain cells. Memory loss, thinking problems, and loss of motor function are some of the side effects of Ischemia. Tissue plasminogen activator is currently the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke. It works by dissolving the blood clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain, thereby limiting brain damage.

Around 330 participants were involved in the study and after 30 days of treatment, participants treated with both ginkgo biloba extract and aspirin was observed to have better functional capacity as compared to those who received aspirin only, indicating fewer neurological impairments such as speech problems and muscle weakness.

No differences was observed in vascular events between subjects treated with Ginkgo biloba extract plus aspirin and those treated with aspirin only and the combination treatment led to few side effects. However, the follow-up period was observed to be short and further research is required to assess the long-term effects of Ginkgo biloba extract among people suffered from stroke.