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Gingko biloba is popular for its alleged ability to improve mental sharpness, concentration, memory and cognitive ability but according to a study conducted by researchers from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) gingko failed to reduce or slow cognitive decline in older adults.

Almost half the subjects from the study, who ranged from 72 to 96 years old, took 120 milligram gingko tablets twice a day for an average of more than six years. The rest took an identical-looking placebo. All participants had normal mental function when the study began.

Apparently, both groups of participant have the same rate of annual decline in cognitive function. Researchers did not even find any differences when looking at specific functions like memory, attention, language, etc.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.