# Efficacy of ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

## TL;DR

This study reviews and analyzes the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba extract in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, finding it may improve lung function and reduce inflammation.

## Contribution

The study provides a meta-analysis of randomized trials on ginkgo biloba extract for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting its potential as an adjunct therapy.

## Key findings

- GBE significantly improved respiratory function and oxygen levels in IPF patients.
- GBE reduced markers of inflammation and fibrosis such as interleukin-4 and hyaluronan.
- The study suggests GBE could be a beneficial addition to IPF treatment.

## Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of GBE in the treatment of IPF by evaluating its impact on total effective rate, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, and markers of inflammation and fibrosis.

We conducted a comprehensive search across seven databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang DATA, VIP, and CBM, without restrictions on publication date. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of GBE on IPF patients were eligible for inclusion. Relevant literature was screened, and the data in the included studies were extracted for quality assessment according to the Risk of bias tool.

A total of 14 RCTs involving 1043 patients were included in the analysis. GBE significantly improved the total effective rate, arterial oxygen partial pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, maximum voluntary ventilation, and 6-min walk test compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, interleukin-4, hyaluronan, and laminin levels.

GBE may offer therapeutic benefits in IPF by improving respiratory function, modulating inflammation, and affecting fibrosis markers. These findings support the potential use of GBE as an adjunct therapy in IPF and suggest that further large-scale, multicenter trials are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety.