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| Ginkgo biloba | |||
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| Name | |||
| Ginkgo Biloba | |||
| Biological Name | |||
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Ginkgo biloba |
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| Other Names | |||
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Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo Biloba |
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| Parts Used | |||
| Leaves | |||
| Active Compounds | |||
| The medical benefits of ginkgo biloba extract
(GBE) rely on the proper balance of two groups of active components:
the ginkgo flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones. The 24% ginkgo
flavone glycoside designation on GBE labels indicates the carefully
measured balance of bioflavonoids. These bioflavonoids are primarily
responsible for GBE's antioxidant activity and ability to inhibit
platelet aggregation (stickiness). These two actions may help GBE
prevent circulatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, and support
the brain and central nervous system.
The unique terpene lactone components found in GBE, known as ginkgolides and bilobalide, increase circulation to the brain and other parts of the body as well as exert a protective effect on nerve cells. Ginkgolides may improve circulation and inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF). Bilobalide protects the cells of the nervous system. Recent animal studies indicate that bilobalide may help regenerate damaged nerve cells. |
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| History | |||
| Ginkgo is the oldest living tree species
in the world, having survived unchanged in China for over three hundred
million years. Charles Darwin called the gingko tree a living fossil.
Ginkgo trees, also known as maidenhair trees, are very resistant to
viruses, fungi, insects, pollution, and even radiation. In fact, a
ginkgo tree was the only plant to survive the atomic bomb dropped
on Hiroshima. The great longevity of the ginkgo has made it a popular
ornamental tree in parks and along the streets of U.S. cities. Individual
trees can live for more than a thousand years.
Medicinal use of ginkgo can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. It was recommended for respiratory tract ailments as well as memory loss in the elderly. Today, Ginkgo biloba extract is recognized as an invaluable aid in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. |
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| Remedies For | |||
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Symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction It is useful for disturbed brain functions, which result in dizziness, tinnitus, and headache with emotional lability and anxiety. Ginkgo has also been demonstrated to improve concentration and memory deficits as a result of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Other Applications: Alzheimer's disease GBE and Circulation: Antioxidant Properties: Nerve Protection and PAF Inhibition: Anti-Aging Properties Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and has excellent restorative effects on the nervous system. Hundreds of scientific studies, involving tens of thousands of patients, attest to the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba extract for the many problems associated with cerebral vascular insufficiency and impaired mental performance in elderly patients. The active components of Ginkgo biloba have a profound tonic effect on the mind and body. GBE has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, important neurotransmitters in the brain. The extract acts as an antioxidant and a nerve cell membrane stabilizer. It also enhances oxygen and glucose utilization and increases blood flow in arteries, veins, and capillaries. Experiments involving learned helplessness and behavioral despair in laboratory animals demonstrated that GBE exhibited some antianxiety and antidepressant activities. Ginkgo is of benefit for many of the presumed symptoms of aging such as: Anxiety and depression |
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| Description | |||
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Ginkgo Biloba is the world's oldest living species of tree; individual trees live as long as 1,000 years. The leaves of the tree are used. Ginkgo grows most prominently in the southern and eastern United States and in China. |
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| Dosage | |||
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Many people take 120-160 mg of GBE, standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone glycosides, two to three times per day. Amounts up to 240 mg per day are used by some people with cerebrovascular insufficiency, confusion and memory loss, and resistant depression. GBE may need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired effects are noticed. Ginkgo may also be taken as a tincture of 0.5 ml three times daily. |
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| Safety | |||
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Ginkgo extract is considered relatively safe and remarkably free of side effects when taken as directed. Some people who take extremely large doses may have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and restlessness. If this should occur, reduce the dosage. If side effects are severe, discontinue it. Ginkgo biloba extract acts as a blood thinner by inhibiting platelets from clumping together, so it could be unsafe for patients who are taking aspirin or other blood thinners. In Europe, ginkgo extract is prescribed in lower doses ( 40 mg daily) for patients who are taking aspirin or anticoagulants for circulatory problems. There are no known contraindications to the use of GBE by pregnant and lactating women. It is important to remember that circulatory conditions in the elderly can involve serious disease. Individuals should seek proper medical care and accurate medical diagnosis prior to self-prescribing GBE. |
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