Studies of treatment with estrogen, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E and vitamin B supplementation have been done.

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Gingko biloba is a popular botanical supplement that comes from one of the oldest living tree species.

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"I don't think there is a role for ginkgo biloba in human health at this point, " says Gary J.

CNN: Study: Ginkgo doesn't cut dementia risk

The herbal supplement ginkgo biloba might be able to prevent some of the damage caused by a stroke, scientists report.

BBC: Ginkgo could reduce stroke damage

And since no patent can be issued on Ginko Biloba or St John's Wort, there is no advantage to any company which pays to test natural drugs.

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DeKosky says that there were two important conclusions to take away from the study: Ginkgo biloba is ineffective in battling dementia, but also that the herb is relatively safe.

CNN: Study: Ginkgo doesn't cut dementia risk

In the new government-funded study, volunteers ages 75 and older with either normal mental function or mild cognitive impairment took a twice-daily placebo or ginkgo biloba extract (for a total of 240 milligrams per day).

CNN: Study: Ginkgo doesn't cut dementia risk