Notes from the journals

Safety and efficacy of a Ginkgo biloba-containing dietary supplement on cognitive function, quality of life, and platelet function in healthy, cognitively intact older adults Carlson JJ, Farquhar JW, Dinucci E, et al. J Am Diet Assoc 2007;107:422–32 Objective. To see if a supplement containing extracts of Ginkgo biloba improves cognitive function and quality of life. Does it alter primary haemostasis, and is it safe in healthy, cognitively intact older adults? Methods. Ninety subjects (aged 65–84 years) were randomly assigned to placebo or a supplement containing 160 mg Ginkgo biloba, 68 mg gotu kola and 180 mg decosahexaenoic acid per day for four months. Results and conclusions. This study does not support the use of a supplement containing Ginkgo biloba for improving cognitive function or quality of life in cognitively intact, older, healthy adults. The preparations seem safe and did not alter platelet function. ST AR P AP ER Menopause International 2007; 13: 90