Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Cognition as Modulated by Cardiovascular Reactivity

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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There is some evidence to suggest that ginseng and Ginkgo biloba can improve cognitive performance, however, very little is known about the mechanisms associated with such improvement. Here, we tested whether cardiovascular reactivity to a task is associated with cognitive improvement.

Official Title
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Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Cognition as Modulated by Cardiovascular Reactivity

Conditions
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Blood Pressure, Cognition

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Placebo
* Drug: Ginseng
* Drug: Ginkgo Biloba


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers ranging in age between 18 and 30. Exclusion Criteria: Ginseng group: exclude those that regularly consume caffeine or Panax Ginseng, or those that are diabetic, have hormone sensitive conditions, autoimmune diseases, bleeding conditions, heart conditions or take medications that are known to interact with Panax Ginseng. These include anticoagulants, Warfarin, Ibuprofen, MAOIs, medications that are changed by the liver, and stimulant drugs (e.g. pseudoephedrine, epinephrine). Ginkgo Biloba group: exclude those that regularly consume caffeine or Ginkgo Biloba, or those that are diabetic, have experienced seizures in the past, have bleeding disorders, or take medications that are known to interact with Ginkgo Biloba. These include Ibuprofen, anticoagulants, Warfarin, Buspirone, Fluoxetine, Trazodone

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Placebo<br>Study subjects received, in a double blind fashion, placebo pills identical to the drug (ginseng: group 1; ginkgo biloba: group 2). | Drug: Placebo<br>* Study subjects received, in a double blind fashion, placebo pills identical to the drug (drug 1-ginseng, group 1; drug 2-ginkgo biloba-group 2)<br>Drug: Ginseng<br>* The ginseng group received two capsules containing either 1000 mg or 500 mg of Panax Ginseng extract standardized to 3% of ginsenosides (GNC, USA) or similarly looking placebo capsules over a period of three days of testing.<br>Drug: Ginkgo Biloba<br>* The ginkgo group received two capsules containing either 240 mg or 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract standardized to 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones (GBE24/6) or similarly looking placebo capsules over a period of three testing days.<br>|
| Experimental: Ginseng<br>Participants in the ginseng group received a medium, and higher dose of ginseng in addition to placebo capsules. | Drug: Placebo<br>* Study subjects received, in a double blind fashion, placebo pills identical to the drug (drug 1-ginseng, group 1; drug 2-ginkgo biloba-group 2)<br>Drug: Ginseng<br>* The ginseng group received two capsules containing either 1000 mg or 500 mg of Panax Ginseng extract standardized to 3% of ginsenosides (GNC, USA) or similarly looking placebo capsules over a period of three days of testing.<br>|
| Experimental: Ginkgo Biloba<br>Participants in the ginkgo biloba group received a medium, and higher dose of ginkgo in addition to placebo capsules. | Drug: Placebo<br>* Study subjects received, in a double blind fashion, placebo pills identical to the drug (drug 1-ginseng, group 1; drug 2-ginkgo biloba-group 2)<br>Drug: Ginkgo Biloba<br>* The ginkgo group received two capsules containing either 240 mg or 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract standardized to 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones (GBE24/6) or similarly looking placebo capsules over a period of three testing days.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cognitive performance as modulated by either ginseng or ginkgo biloba | Cognitive effects on tests of vigilance/attention, behavioural flexibility and executive functioning | Acute effects (3 days of testing) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cardiovascular reactivity as a result of ginseng or ginkgo biloba intake | Changes in systolic, diastolic and heart rate reading as a result of ginseng or ginkgo biloba intake and dependent upon the type of cognitive domain assessed (i.e. vigilance, behavioural flexibility or executive functioning. | Acute effects (3 days of testing) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, cardiovascular reactivity, cognition