Abstract

BACKGROUND
In the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, metabolic derangement and ischemic damage have been considered as the major possible mechanisms. Ginkgo biloba extract was known to improve microcirculation by its vasodilator and antiplatelet effects, and used for peripheral and cerebral circulatory disorder. It also acts as free radical scavenger and inhibits oxidative damage. Thus, in this study we evaluate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on symptoms and nerve conduction study in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: In this study, over 3 months period, we recruited a total of 33 type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Nineteen patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo, and fourteen patients to receive Ginkgo biloba extract (40 mg tid) for a duration of 12 weeks. We measured fasting blood glucose, postprandial 2 hour blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin and the lipid profiles. Clinical evaluation included neuropathy symptom score and nerve conduction study, and it was performed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: During the treatment, fasting blood glucose, postprandial 2 hour blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and the lipid profiles were not significantly changed. Furthermore, no significant changes of neuropathy symptom score were observed during the treatment period. However, in Ginkgo biloba extract treatment group, motor nerve conduction velocities of median and ulnar nerve were improved significantly when compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSION: With the 12 weeks Ginkgo biloba extract treatment, we observed some improvement of nerve conduction velocity without any serious side effect.

• Keywords: Ginkgo biloba extract;Diabetic neuropathy;Nerve conduction velocity;Neuropathy symptom score;