GINKGO

Ginkgo biloba

ORIGIN

China, Japan, now grown worldwide

PART OF PLANT USED

Leaves

DESCRIPTION

Ginkgo biloba is one of the world’s oldest living tree species, believed to have survived for 200 million years. Individual trees have lived 1,000 years. Ginkgo trees are tall and hardy, highly resistant to pollutants and pests, with distinctive fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgo is considered a sacred tree by the Chinese and has been used ancient times for respiratory ailments and for brain function. Hundreds of studies have been performed with Ginkgo biloba extracts confirming many of the ancient uses as well as finding new applications.

Gingko biloba extract has been shown in clinical studies to increase the rate at which information is transmitted at the nerve cell level. In a double blind clinical study, Ginkgo biloba extract was shown to produce restoration of vigilance to approximately normal levels together with improved mental performance, in elderly patients. The conclusion of the study also indicated regular Ginkgo biloba medication has a positive effect in geriatric subjects with deterioration of mental performance.

Ginkgo biloba extract may be of great benefit in many cases of senility, including Alzheimer’s disease. GBE has receptors in the hippocampus of aged animals and to increase cholinergic transmission.

PHARMACOLOGY

The main active compounds in Ginkgo leaves are the flavoglycosides: kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and proanthocyanidins. These compounds have antioxidant and free-radical properties. Also important are the terpenes: ginkgolides and bilobalides. One way these agents decrease inflammation is by inhibiting Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) and reducing the stickiness of platelets which can result in decreased circulatory flow. PAF has been implicated in a wide variety of diseases including asthma, heart arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis.

ACTIVE PROPERTIES

Numerous studies have detailed the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for a wide variety of conditions. GBE has been reported to increase circulation to the brain and thus help with cases of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, concentration problems, vertigo, tinnitus, and dizziness. Peripheral vascular diseases such as Raynaud’s syndrome, intermittent claudication, numbness, tingling have been helped by GBE. Studies have also reported that GBE was helpful in cases of head injuries, macular degeneration, asthma, and impotence.

TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATION

No reported toxicity.

Rare cases of gastric upset or headaches.
The leaf is not recommended for persons currently taking blood thinning medications.

HISTORICAL USES

• Cerebral vascular insufficiency, vertigo, head-aches, tinnitus

• Mental performance, brain function, concentration problems

• Senility, memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, dizziness

• Peripheral arterial insufficiency

• Peripheral vascular diseases, Raynaud’s syn-drome, numbness, tingling

• Ischemia

• Edema

• Hypoxia

• Impotence and erectile dysfunction

• Hemorrhoids

• Inflammation

• Migraine

• Allergies

• Asthma