[The situation of patients with dementia may be rectified by Ginkgo biloba. Results of a health services research study concerning the ability of patients with dementia, quality of life of the nursing family members and total treatment costs]. / Versorgungssituation von Demenzkranken kann durch Ginkgo biloba verbessert werden. Ergebnisse einer Studie zur Versorgungsforschung hinsichtlich der Leistungsfähigkeit der Demenzkranken, der Lebensqualität der Pflegenden und der Gesamtkosten der Behandlung.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND AND ISSSUES: Ginkgo biloba-extracts are often used in therapy of patients with dementia. In this study, benefit and structure of Ginkgo biloba-extract EGb 761 in treatment of patients with dementia was examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For the assessment of quality of life of care-taking relatives and patients as well as treatment costs were documented. The study was conducted as a non-randomised, two-armed cohort study with an open design for 683 slightly or moderately demented patients, aged between 65 and 80 years. Society's perspective was taken. Barthel-Index and MMST were also documented. Because of significant differences at inclusion of both cohorts, a matched-pairs-analysis and multiple regression analysis conducted. RESULTS: According to PLC a significant improvement in quality-of-life of care-taking relatives (p < 0.001) and patients (positive mood p = 0.018, negative mood p < 0.001) was only observed in the Ginkgo-cohort. Also Barthel-Index indicated an improvement in the Ginkgo-cohort (p < or = 0,001). MMST-scores increased significantly only in the Ginkgo-cohort (p < 0.001). Average total cost per patient amounted to 3.614,75 euro in the standard-cohort, whereas these costs per patient in the Ginkgo-cohort amounted to 3.031,78 euro (p = 0.067). Results were confirmed by matched-pairs-analysis. RESULTS: Ginkgo treatment has a valid place in caretaking structure of health services. Gingko attributes to a higher quality of life for both care-takers and patients, the progression of disease is slowed down and treatment costs are lower.

Treating depression comorbid with anxiety--results of an open, practice-oriented study with St John's wort WS 5572 and valerian extract in high doses.

Depressive disorders in comorbidity with anxiety disorders represent an frequently diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The studies quoted here prove that the symptoms associated with anxiety that severely afflict patients can be clearly improved more quickly with a combination therapy of St John's wort extract and valerian extract than with St John's wort monotherapy. The combination therapy was well tolerated, no significant side-effects occurred. Further studies are necessary to compare the combination treatment with other forms of therapy (serotonin- and noradrenalin re-uptake inhibitors).

[St. John's wort extract WS 5572 in minor to moderately severe depression. Effectiveness and tolerance of 600 and 1200 mg active ingredient daily]. / Johanniskrautextrakt WS 5572 bei leichten bis mittelschweren Depressionen. Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit von 600 und 1200 mg Wirkstoff täglich.

BACKGROUND AND METHOD: In this multi-centre study, the effectiveness and tolerability of an extract of herba hyperici WS 5572 were examined. The total of 2,166 participating patients, all suffering from mild to moderate depression, were prescribed to take 600 mg (one tablet) or 1,200 mg (two tablets) daily. Four-hundred-forty-six general practitioners, psychiatrists and neurologists conducted the survey. Three quarters of the participating patients were female at an average age of 50 years. Most of the patients suffered from a depression which was diagnosed for the first time. Approximately in one third of the patients, a recurrent depression was diagnosed. RESULTS: The average severity of the depression was "moderate" (basing on CGI; Clinical Global Impression Scale) at the beginning of the survey and was reduced to less than "mild" after an average observation time of seven weeks. 83.7% patients (600 mg) and 88.6% (1,200 mg) responded respectively. During this observation period, an improvement in symptoms, measured in 17 items, was of clinical relevance. The treating physicians described the drug tolerance as being good or very good for 99% in all cases. This observation was confirmed by adverse drug reactions, which amounted to 0.41%. The low ratio of adverse drug reactions of 0.41% confirmed the physicians' judgement. CONCLUSION: The results obtained from this observational study were similar to those of an equally designed observation performed in 1998, where St. John's wort was observed in a dosage of 300 mg per tablet (standard dosage 3 x 300 mg/d). This is a good proof of the effectiveness and the tolerability of this drug in patients who are suffering from mild and moderate depressive episodes.