A brief history of EGb 761® and its therapeutic uses

Dr. Willmar Schwabe III, a German physician-pharmacist, introduced Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts into medical practice in 1965. The earliest publications concerning the therapeutic use of these extracts dealt with their actions on cerebral and peripheral disturbances of blood flow. These extracts led to the development of the extract named EGb 761(R) (definition see editorial). Clinical studies conducted during the past 25 years have revealed that EGb 761(R) is useful in treating a wide range of symptoms associated with both early cognitive decline and more severe types of senile dementia of primary degenerative, vascular and mixed origin, as well as peripheral arterial occlusive diseases and various neurosensory disturbances. Laboratory experiments conducted during the past two decades have revealed that several effects of EGb 761(R) - vasoregulatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-stress effects, as well as effects on learning and memory and on gene-regulation - caused by various active constituents of the extract (or their metabolites) act in a complementary manner in producing health-related benefits.