The use of Ginkgo biloba in Raynaud's disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a common and painful condition characterized by episodic digital ischaemia produced by emotion and cold. Treatment of RP is notoriously difficult because of the high incidence of side effects. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (Seredrin) in the treatment of RP in patients with no apparent, associated condition such as systemic sclerosis. A two-week assessment period was done during which patients were asked to record frequency, severity and duration of attacks in diaries. Subjects were then randomized independently of the study centre to receive either active or placebo treatment for 10 weeks, during which time the same data were recorded in their diaries. Patients were seen after two and four weeks of treatment and at the end of the 10-week treatment phase. Blood samples pre- and post-treatment were taken for haemorrheology. Only in the number of attacks per day was there a significant effect of treatment over placebo. The number of attacks per week prior to treatment with Seredrin was 13.2 +/- 16.5 reducing to 5.8 +/- 8.3, a reduction of 56%, whereas placebo reduced the number by only 27% (p less than or equal to0.00001). There were no significant differences in haemorrheology between the two groups. Ginkgo biloba phytosome may be effective in reducing the number of Raynaud's attacks per week in patients suffering from Raynaud's disease.