The Role of Ginkgo biloba Extract as Monotherapy in Improving the Outcomes of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Pilot Comparative Study with Metformin

The present study evaluates the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract as monotherapy on the glycemic status, insulin resistance (IR), body mass index (BMI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI), in addition to the inflammatory markers, oxidative status and leptin level in patients with metabolic syndrome in comparison with metformin. The study is a randomized, double-blind pilot study conducted during the period May to September, 2020. Fifty patients were recruited in the study and they were allocated into two groups (25 per each group): Ginkgo biloba and Metformin groups, they received (120 mg Ginkgo biloba extract/ capsule) and (500 mg Metformin/ capsule) respectively; orally as a single dose for 90 days. Blood samples were taken at zero time and after 90 days and utilized for analysis of blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin and leptin levels, lipid profile, TAOS, hsCRP, TNF