Editorial note (2026-10-03): this 2016 abstract reports a search covering 2005–2015. Research interventions must be distinguished from approved treatments; the 26 individual studies were not reanalysed here. According to NCCIH, evidence for a modest symptomatic benefit of ginkgo is inconsistent, and prevention or slowing of dementia progression has not been demonstrated. This is a historical research abstract, not a treatment recommendation.
Introduction:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined as a progressive neurodegenerative disease and it ischaracterized by astrogliosis, microgliosis, neurofibrillary tangles and deposition of amyloid beta, leading
to cognitive deterioration with behavioral disturbances and declining activities. The historical research context includes investigations of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antioxidants and nootropic agents, alongside established symptomatic therapies such as an NMDA receptor antagonist and cholinesterase inhibitors. However, responses to pharmacological interventions vary, and symptomatic benefits do not establish prevention of disease progression. In
this context, natural products are being investigated as potential therapeutic approaches, without established evidence that they replace approved treatments for AD.
used natural drugs and compounds to treat AD (clinical studies – humans) in the last 10 years (2005-2015).
with treatment using natural products. Studies tested the following plants: Bacopa monnieri, Hippophae
rhamnoides, Dioscorea bulbifera, Ginkgo biloba, curcumin, Panax ginseng, Crocus sativus, apple juice,
Polygonum multiflorum, saffron, Melissa officinalis, Cistanche tubulosa glycoside, Nigella sativa and
chlorella. Ginkgo biloba is the most studied plant with 11 articles in clinical trials with 8 positive results
and 3 negative results. It can be suggested that Ginkgo may help established AD patients with cognitive
symptoms but cannot prevent the neurodegenerative progression of the disease.
Conclusion: Some studies reviewed reported positive responses with natural products, which can be explored in the search for potential new compounds for AD. These findings do not establish that natural products prevent the disease or its progression, and the clinical evidence remains uncertain.
References
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Yang M, Xu DD, Zhang Y, Liu X, Hoeven R, Cho WC. A systematic review on natural medicines for
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The American journal of Chinese medicine. 2014;42(3):505-21.