Gingko Memory Benefit Not Clear in Study

It’s not clear whether gingko biloba can protect against memory loss, a study has concluded. The study included 118 men and women age 85 or older. All had normal memory function. They were randomly assigned to take either gingko biloba or a placebo (fake pill) daily. Within three years, 21 people developed mild memory problems. Of these, 14 took the placebo and 7 took gingko. Researchers said this trend could have been the result of chance. Then they looked at people who actually took their pills regularly. Those who took gingko had a 70% lower risk of memory problems. HealthDay News wrote about the study February 28. It was in the journal Neurology.