A systematic review 1 including 8 studies with a total of 385 subjects was abstracted in DARE. Only 4 studies showed a statistically-significant difference in the increase in pain-free walking distance. Seven of the 8 studies showed WMDs in favour of Ginkgo biloba.
The pooled WMD for all 8 trials was 34 m (95% CI: 26 to 43) in favour of Ginkgo biloba. In studies using similar methodological features (ergometer speed 3 km/hour and inclination 12%) this difference was 33 m in favour of Ginkgo biloba (95% CI: 22 to 43).
Adverse events were rare, mild and transient. Five trials reported adverse effects from Ginkgo biloba, namely abdominal complaints, nausea and dyspepsia.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (inadequate or unclear allocation concealment), queries relating to the adequacy of the randomisation procedures used, and a lack of washout period in the two crossover studies.
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