Minerva Cardioangiol. 1999 Jun; 47(6): 223-30.

[The evaluation by video capillaroscopy of the efficacy of a Ginkgo biloba extract with L-arginine and magnesium in the treatment of trophic lesions in patients with stage-IV chronic obliterating arteriopathy]

Pepe C, Rozza A, Veronesi G.

Servizio di Chirurgia Vascolare, Casa di Cura Privata Polispecialistica, Villa Verde, Reggio Emilia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Ginkgo biloba extract with arginine and magnesium used for the treatment of trophic lesions in the lower limbs caused by both diabetic and non-diabetic microangiopathy. METHODS: A comparative study was carried out in 20 patients who were divided into two groups: 10 were treated with ASA plus Ginkgo biloba extract with arginine and magnesium and 10 with ASA plus conventional hemorheology. The observation time was extended to 6 months, taking into consideration patients with trophic lesions to the lower limbs suffering from diabetic and non-diabetic peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The evaluation was performed by clinical, ultrasonographic and perilesional video capillaroscopy monitoring. Ultrasonographic and video capillaroscopy instrumental methods were used because they provide a full picture of macro and microcirculatory conditions around lesions. RESULTS: The study showed the undoubted efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract with magnesium and arginine in relation to the following points: reduced healing times for the trophic lesion compared to the control group, improved painful symptoms, increased perilesional neoangiogenesis. No significant differences were observed from a Doppler ultrasonographic point of view or with regard to the claudication free interval. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgo biloba extract with arginine and magnesium can improve the dynamics of cutaneous trophism in lesions caused by diabetic and non-diabetic microangiopathy.