Role of Ginkgo biloba extract as an adjunctive treatment of elderly patients with depression and on the expression of serum S100B

Abstract

Objective:To explore the effect of ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) as an adjunctive treatment of elderly patients with depression and the effect on the expression of serum S100B.Methods:136 elderly patients with depression were divided into EGb + citalopram (Cit) group and Cit group equally. Efficacy was evaluated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). Wisconsin Card Classification Test (WCST) was used to evaluate cognitive function. Serum S100B expression was measured with ELISA. The relationship of S100B with HAMD, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score, and WCST results was evaluated subsequently.Results:The time of onset of efficacy was significantly shorter in EGb + Cit group. There were significant differences in HAMD and HAMA scores after treatment than before treatment between groups (all P < .05). After treatment, total number of WCST test, the number of continuous errors and non-persistent errors in both groups were less than those before treatment. The correct number and classifications number were increased than before treatment. In EGb + Cit group, correct numbers and classifications were increased, and the number of persistent errors was decreased. After treatment, S100B level was decreased, and S100B levels change in EGb + Cit group was greater than in Cit group. Serum S100B level was positively correlated with HAMD and HAMA scores before treatment and positively correlated with persistent errors number in WCST.Conclusion:EGb, as an adjunctive treatment, can effectively improve depressive symptoms and reduce expression of serum S100B, which is a marker of brain injury, suggesting that EGb restores neurologic function during the treatment of depression in elderly patients and S100B participates in the therapeutic mechanism. EGb combined with depressive drugs plays synergistic role, and the time of onset of efficacy is faster than single antidepressants.

Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

“…Some show no difference during treatment 35 – 38 while others report a decrease in S100B concentration. Ginko biloba extract in conjunction with escitalopram as well as with escitalopram alone lowered S100B in elderly patients with depression 39 . Furthermore, study by Schroeter et al (2002) shows that antidepressant treatment reduces S100B levels in mania and depression 40 .…”

Standardized Ginkgo Biloba Extract in the Treatment of Vertigo and/or Tinnitus: A Review of the Literature

“…In contrast to other Ginkgo biloba leaf preparations, the standardized EGb 761 and LI 1370 are considered pharmaceutically equivalent, are well-defined, and have documented efficacy in improving neurologic functions for a wide array of disorders, including cerebrovascular insufficiency [79], memory impairment in the elderly [80], Alzheimer's disease [81], multi-infarct dementia [82], depression [83], peripheral artery insufficiency/improved microcirculation [84] [85], venous insufficiency [86], and asthma [87] [88]. Other studies suggest GBE has potential efficacy in conditions such as tinnitus [76] and vertigo of undetermined etiology [68].…”

<p><em>Ginkgo biloba</em> Extract Reduces Hippocampus Inflammatory Responses, Improves Cardiac Functions And Depressive Behaviors In A Heart Failure Mouse Model</p>

“…GBE is a widely used natural product in clinical practice in several countries, including Germany, the USA and Japan. It has been shown to be effective in treating multiple diseases 13–16. However, inconsistent results were generated by research groups as a result of different manufacturing standards adopted by pharmaceutical companies 34,35.…”

“…Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is a natural product which has been widely used in treating multiple diseases, including angina pectoris,13 glaucoma,14 brain injury15 and depression 16. Its anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties are well acknowledged 17.…”