Ginkgo Biloba for the Treatment of Vitiligo Vulgaris in Adolescents

Inclusion criteria

• • males and females

• 12 to 18 years old
• self selected candidates identifying themselves to suffer with vitiligo vulgaris of any duration
• minimum VASI score of 4, no maximum score (corresponding to a 3cm2 completely (100%) depigmented lesion, or a 6cm2 50% depigmented lesion)
• stable or progressing vitiligo
• mentally competent subjects able to adhere to the given protocol and treatments administered as interventions
• normal on physical examination at the pre-study intake, and in the case of abnormalities the health care practitioner considers them to be clinically insignificant
• written and informed consent
• the potential candidate must have a family doctor that they have seen in the last 12 months
• negative pregnancy test for menstruating women and if sexually active, a willingness to practice adequate birth control for the duration of the trial
• diagnosis of vitiligo confirmed by supervising medical doctor

Exclusion criteria

• • use of medications contraindicated with Ginkgo biloba:

• daily use of acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, fish oils, vitamin E
• any prescription or use of blood thinners, anticoagulants, anti-platelet drugs, pentoxifylline, clotting factor replacements, antihypertensive medications, Thiazide diuretics, Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, anticonvulsants, hypoglycemic agents, MAOI, SSRI, Nifedipine, Papaverine, Yohimgine, Sildenafil
• history of diabetes, seizures, haemophilia
• allergy or sensitivity to Ginkgo biloba or other constituents in the capsule
• any treatment for vitiligo within the last 2 months
• current use of Ginkgo biloba or within the last 2 months
• mentally or physically incapacitated such that assent or informed consent cannot be obtained.
• any history or other condition which the study physician regards as clinically significant to the study
• a major illness considered to be clinically significant by the study physician within 2 months of the study start date
• current participation in another intervention trial.
• pregnancy or intent to become pregnant in the next 4 months
• current alcoholism or substance abuse.
• current history of tumors, any history of skin cancer
• any current serious disorders determined to be clinically significant to the study.
• breast feeding women
• no prior skin grafts or surgeries, or scheduled surgeries of any kind.
• any abnormalities on the INR, PTT, or CBC tests at baseline