The association between self-reported glaucoma and ginkgo biloba use.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) use and glaucoma.


METHODS
Self-reported data on the past 12 months of GBE use and the presence of glaucoma were obtained from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally-representative population-based sample. Crude and adjusted associations between GBE use and glaucoma were estimated.


RESULTS
Those who reported having glaucoma were 26% less likely to report GBE use; however, this was not statistically significant. After adjustment for potentially confounding demographic and medical characteristics, there was no difference in GBE use among those who did and did not report having glaucoma.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study fail to support a significant relationship between GBE use over the past 12 months and having glaucoma, though this finding requires replication in a prospective study. Moreover, whether GBE is efficacious in treating glaucoma patients remains an issue for future research.
Khoury
Rita
R
Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 700 S. 18th Street, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Cross
Jennifer Moren
JM
Girkin
Christopher A
CA
Owsley
Cynthia
C
McGwin
Gerald
G
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D010936:Plant Extracts