The effect of "Ginkgo Biloba extract on the neurologic and neurophychologic changes following cardiopulmonary bypass was investigated.

20 cases which would go under elective coronary bypass were separated into two groups randomly. Preoperative, postoperative examination and transcranial doppler randomly. Preoperative, postoperative examination and transcranial doppler ultrasound to assess the cerebral blood flow were done and scored.

In group one (working group) ten patients were given Ginkgo Biloba extract for 5 days preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively 120 mgs/day. In group two (control group) ten patients did not receive any medication.

In the preoperative and postoperative neurologic examination of both groups there was no neurologic defisit.

In working group short cognitive examination scores preoperatively did not show a statistically significant difference, where as in control group it did.

Cardiopulmonary bypass causes a global rather than a focal effect on the brain which in return causes cognitive disfunctions, Gingko Biloba extracts may be an alternative agent in protection from general cognitive impairment.