Another herbal medication bites the dust.

The largest randomized trial thus far declared the drug ineffective for the prevention of mild dementia. In fact, in those who had a history of baseline cardiovascular disease, Ginkgo actually raised the incidence of dementia.

With bleeding is a potential adverse effect, the lead author cautions “why it is untenable to recommend a drug or nutraceutical in the absence of efficacy evidence simply because it could possibly help and initially appears harmless.”

Gingko-related products have annual sales of over $249 million in the United States. Expect those numbers to take a hit.

Gingko joins Echinacea and Black Cohosh as herbal remedies that have failed rigorous testing as reported in reputable medical journals.

topics: herbal, jama