gingko biloba
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Based on the evidence for Gingko biloba, this treatment is possibly effective for the treatment of PMS symptoms. No combination products have been studied and two different extracts were studied as different formulations can have difference effects. Both RCTs showed benefit in a French and Iran population but the external validity of these trails is limited. Both either improved overall symptoms or were effective in reducing breast pain or mood symptoms. However each trial had either poor or moderate methodology or the internal validity can potentially be in doubt. There are many potential mechanisms for Gingko biloba and the mechanism for the effectiveness in PMS is not quite well understood. Gingko has yet to be studied in women whom are pregnant and breastfeeding and hence may not be safe in this population. Gingko can potentiate bleeding and concomitant use with NSAIDs or anticoagulants is not recommended. Overall, Gingko is fairly well tolerated with the most common side effects being headache and GI upset.
Therefore Gingko biloba should be considered second line therapy for the treatment of PMS as the effects were only against placebo. Further studies are needed to call Gingko effective. Gingko is a reasonable alternative in patients seeing a natural health product to treat their PMS.
References:
1. Saper, RB. Clinical use of Ginkgo biloba. Accessed July 14, 2013. From: <http://uptodate.com>
Based on the evidence for Gingko biloba, this treatment is possibly effective for the treatment of PMS symptoms. No combination products have been studied and two different extracts were studied as different formulations can have difference effects. Both RCTs showed benefit in a French and Iran population but the external validity of these trails is limited. Both either improved overall symptoms or were effective in reducing breast pain or mood symptoms. However each trial had either poor or moderate methodology or the internal validity can potentially be in doubt. There are many potential mechanisms for Gingko biloba and the mechanism for the effectiveness in PMS is not quite well understood. Gingko has yet to be studied in women whom are pregnant and breastfeeding and hence may not be safe in this population. Gingko can potentiate bleeding and concomitant use with NSAIDs or anticoagulants is not recommended. Overall, Gingko is fairly well tolerated with the most common side effects being headache and GI upset.
Therefore Gingko biloba should be considered second line therapy for the treatment of PMS as the effects were only against placebo. Further studies are needed to call Gingko effective. Gingko is a reasonable alternative in patients seeing a natural health product to treat their PMS.
References:
1. Saper, RB. Clinical use of Ginkgo biloba. Accessed July 14, 2013. From: <http://uptodate.com>