Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the health benefits of Gingko biloba L. leave extract EGb 761 in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP).Method: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo trial, patients (n = 156) received Gingko biloba (120 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months. Efficacy of Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 was assessed on the reduction in the scores of “Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire” (SF-MPQ) and improvements in latency, amplitude and conduction velocity of four sensory (ulnar, median, peroneal and sural) and four motor (ulnar, median, peroneal and tibial) nerves.Results: Gingko biloba significantly improved the mean scores of sensory, affective, visual analogue score (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) of SF-MPQ on 3 and 6 month post-treatment. At the start of experiment in the Gingko biloba-treated group, scores for sensory, affective, VAS and PPI domains were 12.90 ± 7.21, 4.40 ± 1.79, 4.38 ± 1.69 and 3.24 ± 0.78 respectively. After 6-months treatment with Gingko biloba, scores for sensory, affective, VAS and PPI domains were reduced (p < 0.01) to 7.24 ± 4.91, 3.11 ± 1.81, 3.37 ± 1.35 and 2.45 ± 0.65 respectively. Contrarily, in the placebo-administered group, sensory domain was (p < 0.01) deteriorated after 6 month (4.70 ± 1.87) compared to the baseline (4.04 ± 1.67). Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 failed to influence the electrophysiological measures when compared with the placebo group. The common adverse effects observed with Gingko biloba were somnolence and dryness of mouth compared with the placebo-treated patientsConclusion: Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 seems to be an effective and safe drug for reducing symptoms of DSP without any apparent effect on the electrophysiological attributes of sensorimotor nerves.Keywords: Diabetic polyneuropathy, Diabetes mellitus, Electrophysiological parameters, Gingko biloba, Sensorimotor nerves, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known worldwide seen in many parts of the world including the developing countries [1]
Diabetic polyneuropathy is a symmetrical, length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy resulting from alterations in metabolic and microvascular factors due to chronic hyperglycaemia [2]
Double-blind, 6-month placebo trial, we demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba significantly improved the subjective outcome measures in the patients of Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) without any apparent effects on electrophysiological attributes of sensorimotor nerves
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known worldwide seen in many parts of the world including the developing countries [1]. A complex form of neuropathy known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DSP) can result due to persistent high glycemic serum level. Diabetic polyneuropathy is a symmetrical, length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy resulting from alterations in metabolic and microvascular factors due to chronic hyperglycaemia [2]. Evaluate the potential use of leave extract of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in reducing the severity of pain and restoration of functional characteristics of peripheral nerves in patient of DSP. Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP), a distal and symmetrical form of neuropathy, is commonly encountered [4]. Persistent hyperglycemia triggers neuropathy by eliciting degenerative changes. These degenerative changes consist of demyelination, axonal atrophy, nerve fiber loss, and distorted repairing of nerve fibers. The DSP often interferes with sleep and results in significant pain characterized by ‘aching, burning, stabbing, and/or include tingling sensations. The DSP often interferes with sleep and results in significant pain characterized by ‘aching, burning, stabbing, and/or include tingling sensations. [5]
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