 |
 |
 |
|
Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species. The Chinese have been using it medicinally for millennia. In recent years, the use of ginkgo (sometimes misspelled gingko) biloba has experienced growing popularity.
History; Source
The herb itself is from the gingko tree, which is one of the oldest trees still in existence today, going back 280 million years. This has been used a millennium in Chinese medicine and for centuries in Europe, particularly Germany. It has recently been approved in that country for the treatment of dementia.
This ornamental tree, native to the orient, is now cultivated around the world for its beauty, disease and pollution resistance, as well as for its medicinal value. The two major constituents are the flavonoids (called flavoglycosides or sometimes Ginkgo Heterosides), and the terpene lactones. All of the reliable studies have been performed with a 50:1 extract of the leaves, which have been further standardized to contain 24% flavoglycosides (flavone glycosides) and 6% terpene lactones. The various flavonoids are responsible for the tremendous anti-oxidant and free-radical scavenging activities associated with Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBE).
A 2002 examination of US marketed ginkgo products found that some products failed to meet the standards that were claimed on the bottle and therefore caution is advised in product selection. Ginkgo products are sold over-the-counter throughout the world and by prescription in Germany and France.
Function; Reasons For Use
The ginkgolide class of chemicals has not been found in any other living species to date. The overall physiologic results of ginkgo use are increased perfusion to the brain and peripheral circulation, enhanced free radical scavenging, improved cerebral tolerance to hypoxia, and strengthened microvasculature.
Ginkgo biloba has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues. It has been shown to promote mental clarity and concentration, increase alertness and short-term memory and has been used preventatively in regenerative compounds for loss of memory and senility, in cardiac protection formulas against stroke and atherosclerosis and for hearing disorders and vertigo (dizziness) where blood flow is poor in the ears. It also offers significant protective action against the development of Alzheimer's disease, hearing loss and strokes, and it protects arterial walls.
The most studied active ingredient is Ginkgolide-B one of the terpene lactone constituents. Ginkgolide-B is a known inhibitor of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), which is responsible for platelet aggregation, PAF-induced asthma and various inflammatory and pro-oxidative processes. By blocking PAF, GBE has an effect on the overall peripheral circulation, which is especially noticed in increased cerebral circulation. This increased brain circulation, when combined with PAF's ability to "recharge" nerve cells (via increased Na+-K+ ATPase activity) and the flavonoids blocking the lipid peroxidation along the nerve myelin sheath, have given GBE a well-deserved focus in brain function research.
Ginkgo extracts are used for almost any type of vascular disorder associated with spasms, hypoxia and free radical damage. Ginkgo is a mild antioxidant and may be useful in asthma, coughs, and allergies.
Ginkgo has been used successfully against Raynaud's disease, varicose conditions, dementia syndromes, vertigo and tinnitus of vascular origin, peripheral arterial occlusion, platelet aggregation and intermittent claudication. Ginkgo is also being investigated for its use immediately after stroke, in asthma, in sexual dysfunction, and in depressive disorders.
According to the Journal of American Medical Association, October 22/29, 1997, Volume 278, November 16, a double blind study was performed at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, which revealed that Ginkgo Biloba was safe and capable of stabilizing as well as improving the thinking and social functioning of patients with "mild memory loss". Even in people who do not have a dementing disease, it seems to increase the memory and actually improve the IQ. It may take several months for the herb to show an effect and most of the time the effect is a subtle improvement.
Positive clinical effects have been seen with short-term memory, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), vertigo, concentration, slowing the onset of Alzheimer symptoms, intermittant claudication, impotence, migraines, allergies and asthma. Most of these studies were performed using 120-mg daily of the 24%-6% standardized extract. GBE has been reported in at least 10 different scientific articles, protecting eyes from the damage leading to macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Many of these studies have been compiled into several volumes that are available through the American Botanical Council. The German Commission E has "Approved" the standardized extract of ginkgo leaves for brain functions (memory etc), intermittant claudication, and vertigo/tinnitis; although unextract leaf preparations are "Unapproved" for the same.
Directions
The typical daily dose of ginkgo biloba for dementia syndromes is 120 to 240mg of a standardized extract. The higher doses are generally required for cerebral disorders. A suggested titration for Alzheimer's dementia would be 60mg bid for 6 weeks, then increasing the total daily dose by 40 to 60mg every 8 weeks if improvements are not visible.
The daily dose for intermittent claudication, Raynaud's disease, varicose conditions, and all other previously mentioned disorders is 120 to 180mg. The daily dose should be 60mg bid or tid, because flavones and terpenes have a short half-life. Patients should allow at least 6 to 8 weeks of therapy before maximal benefits are observed.
The active flavinoid compound is flavoglycoside. It is supplied in encapsulated extracts that should be standardized to 24% of the flavoglycoside. The capsules come in 40 to 60mg size and four to six a day are recommended for improving mental function.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Adverse effects related to ginkgo are relatively mild and infrequent and include nausea, headache, diarrhea, dizziness and occasional allergic dermatologic reactions. However, rare cases of hematomas and bleeding have been reported. Ginkgo biloba does not interact with any drug, so it can be taken regularly.
Ginkgo's antiplatelet effect should be considered if the patient is taking other agents with similar blood-thinning actions. Tell your physician if you are taking Ginkgo, and do not vary the dose without telling him.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Ginkgo Biloba can help with the following: | | | | | Aging |  Premature/Signs of Aging
Alzheimer's Disease | Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's-type dementia have shown statistically significant improvement with Ginkgo use. One effect of Ginkgo extract is that of promoting vasodilation and blood flow, thus providing a therapeutic effect on cognitive disorders and high blood pressure. In Germany, doctors are enthusiastic about the benefits of ginkgo. A combination of ginkgo and ginseng called Gincosan is claimed to produce very good results in elderly patients. |
|
Autoimmune |
Multiple Sclerosis| | Three months of treatment with a Ginkgo biloba product (240mg per day) maintained attention, memory and functioning - without adverse effects - in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 23 patients with mild multiple sclerosis. Deterioration of function was observed in patients who had received a placebo. [American Academy of Neurology 54th Annual Meeting, April 13-20, 2002, Denver, Colorado, USA; P06.081] |
|
Circulation |
 Intermittent Claudication| | In a double-blind German study, ginkgo biloba was significantly superior to a placebo in improving symptoms of intermittent claudication [Peters, 1998]. After six months of treatment, pain-free walking distance in the ginkgo group improved by almost 50% compared to baseline measurements. |
Poor Cerebral Circulation
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension| | One effect of Ginkgo extract is that of promoting vasodilation and blood flow. |
Raynaud's Phenomenon
 Varicose Veins |
Hormones |
Hyperparathyroidism| | Ginkgo biloba extract contains substances similar to isoflavone in soy, raising the theoretical possibility that this herb may also have some degree of bone protection; studies regarding this potential use had not been conducted at time of writing. |
|
Immunity |
Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)| | Gingko Biloba may reduce excess cortisol production. Elevated cortisol levels have a suppressing effect on TH1 cytokines. |
|
Mental |
Poor Memory| | Combine wheat germ oil with ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba stimulates cerebral circulation and oxygenation, and improves mental clarity, alertness and memory by increasing blood flow in the small capillaries in the brain. Take 2-3 capsules daily. |
Senile Dementia |
Metabolic |
Edema (Water Retention)| | Idiopathic cyclic edema is characterized by water and sodium retention with secondary hyperaldosteronism (over-production of aldosterone) due to capillary hyperpermeability. This defect is detected and measured by the Landis' labeled albumin test; correcting it is important. Ginkgo biloba extract administered either orally or by intravenous infusion provided full correction of this biological anomaly in 10 cases in which the Landis' test was performed before and after oral treatment, and in 5 cases treated by intravenous infusion. [Presse Med 1986 Sep 25;15(31): pp.1550-3 (translated)] |
Tinnitus| | Studies have shown a range of responses from nothing more than a placebo to an effectiveness rate of 50%. Gingko must be administered long term (many months) to achieve benefit. Amongst patients suffering from cerebrovascular insufficiency, a common problem associated with normal aging, a gingko extract produced a significant improvement in the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, headache and forgetfulness. |
|
Organ Health |
Macular Degeneration| | Ginkgo Biloba appears to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. [Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic, Fuenfgeld FW, ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1988; pp.231-6] |
Vertigo| | A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 67 people with vertigo found that 160mg of Ginkgo biloba extract per day significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo. At the end of the 3-month study, 47% of the ginkgo group had completely recovered, as compared to only 18% of the placebo group.[ Presse Med. 1986;15: pp.1569-72] |
|
Skin-Hair-Nails |
Cold Hands and Feet| | Gingko has an documented reputation for improving circulation, and is sometimes of help for cold hands and feet. |
|
Uro-Genital |
Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence)| | Studies show that taking Gingko biloba herbal extract at 240mg daily (usually a 24% extract) can produce improvement in 6 months or fewer, even if previous medications have failed. In a study of 20 patients who had received this conventional therapy, 100% regained the ability to have a spontaneous and sustained erection within 6 months of supplementation. Blood flow into the penis improved within 3 months. [Journal of Sex Education Therapy, Vol. 17, 1991, pp.53-61] |
|
| | | | |
Ginkgo Biloba can help prevent the following:
KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Aldosterone
A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that helps the kidneys regulate the amount of salt and water in your body and, thus, regulate your blood pressure. When aldosterone levels drop too low, your kidneys cannot keep your salt and water levels in balance, and your blood volume and blood pressure drop.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Alzheimer's Disease (Alzheimer's)
A progressive disease of the middle-aged and elderly, characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Atherosclerosis
Common form of arteriosclerosis associated with the formation of atheromas which are deposits of yellow plaques containing cholesterol, lipids, and lipophages within the intima and inner media of arteries. This results in a narrowing of the arteries, which reduces the blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain as well as to other parts of the body and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or loss of function or gangrene of other tissues.
BID
Twice per day.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Capillary
Any of the smallest blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules and forming networks throughout the body.
Cardiac
Pertaining to the heart, also, pertaining to the stomach area adjacent to the esophagus.
Claudication
Often Intermittent claudication: Condition caused by interruptions of blood supply to the muscles, characterized by limping and pain chiefly in the calf muscles: symptom characterized by pain during walking.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Cortisol
A hormone. Its most important function is to help the body respond to stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of protein, carbohydrates and fat; it helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function; it stems inflammation.
Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).
Dementia (Senile Dementia)
An acquired progressive impairment of intellectual function. Marked compromise exists in at least three of the following mental activity spheres: memory, language, personality, visuospatial skills, and cognition (i.e. abstraction and calculation).
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues resulting in swelling.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Idiopathic
Arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause.
Intravenous Infusion (IV)
A small needle placed in the vein to assist in fluid replacement or the giving of medication.
Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.
Macular Degeneration
Increasingly poor eyesight often accompanied by light sensitivity, distorted vision and a blank or dark patch in the center of vision.
Migraine (Migraine Headache, Migraine Headaches, Migraines)
Not just a headache, but a disorder affecting the whole body, characterized by clearly defined attacks lasting from about 4 to 72 hours, separated by headache-free periods; progresses through five distinct phases. Prodrome: experienced by about 50% of migraineurs and starting up to 24 hours before the headache - changes in mood, sensory perception, food craving, excessive yawning, or speech or memory problems. Aura: experienced by about 15% and starting within an hour before the headache - disruption of vision (flashing lights, shimmering zigzag lines, blind spot) or sensation (numbness or 'pins and needles' around the lips or hand), or difficulty speaking. Headache: usually pulsating and occurring on one side of the head, it may occur on both sides of the head and alternate from side to side. Muscles in the neck and scalp may be tender; there may be nausea and the desire not to eat, move, see or hear. Resolution: the headache disappears and the body returns to normal. Resolution may occur over several hours during sleep or rest; an intense emotional experience or vomiting may also end the headache. Postdrome: After the headache stops, the sufferer feels drained, fatigued and tired. Muscles ache, emotions are volatile and thinking is slow.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, causing patches of sclerosis (plaques) in the brain and spinal cord, manifested by loss of normal neurological functions, e.g. muscle weakness, loss of vision, and mood alterations.
Myelin
A substance made of protein and lipid (fat) that protects the nerves, especially in the brain. The myelin sheath is a jacket of insulation around axons to help them conduct their electrical discharges quickly down the axon.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
PAF
Often PAF antagonist: Platelet activating factor inhibitor. PAF activates platelets to secrete serotonin and other mediators to cause smooth-muscle contraction and vascular permeability, involved in asthma; a PAF antagonist counters these effects.
Perfusion
Usually Coronary/Myocardial perfusion: Flow of blood to the heart and/or blood vessels surrounding the heart.
Peroxidation
A type of oxidation that results in the formation of peroxides in body tissues which contain high proportions of oxygen.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Platelet Aggregation
Platelets are the small, rather uniform fragments of large bone marrow cells that aid the blood in coagulation, hemostasis, inflammation, and thrombus formation. Mild subclotting and sticking is a common early condition that can lead to thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and strokes, and can be helped by an aspirin a day, better fat digestion, and Ceanothus.
Platelets (Platelet)
Cells that help the blood to clot.
Raynaud's Phenomenon (Raynaud's, Raynauds Disease, Raynaud's Disease, Raynauds Phenomenon, Raynauds Syndrome, Raynaud's Syndrome)
Raynaud's disease or syndrome is a disorder of blood circulation, mainly in the fingers and toes. It is of unknown cause and characterized by changes of the skin that are aggravated by exposure to cold: first, becoming white with numbness and pain as a result of inadequate oxygenation of the blood, then red/purple with a burning sensation. The sudden constriction of blood vessels causes decreased blood flow to the extremities and can, in extreme cases, lead to gangrene. Also called "white finger", "wax finger" or "dead finger".
Short-Term Memory (Short Term Memory)
Also known as immediate memory or working memory, this is a phase of memory in which a limited amount of information may be held for several seconds to minutes. In general, up to 7 'chunks' of information are stored for about 20 seconds.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
TID
Three times a day.
Tinnitus (Tinnitis)
A sensation of noise (ringing or roaring) that is caused by a bodily condition and can usually only be heard by the person affected.
Vascular
Relating to the blood vessels of the body. The blood vessels of the body, as a group, are referred to as the vascular system. They are composed of arteries, veins and capillaries - arteries that pass oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the body; veins which return oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues to the lungs for oxygen; and the capillaries that are the tiniest vessels and are between the arteries and veins.
Vasodilation (Vasodilator)
Widening or enlarging of blood vessels, particularly arterioles, usually caused by nerve impulses or certain drugs that relax smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels.
Vertigo
The sensation of spinning or whirling; a state in which you or your surroundings seem to whirl dizzily.
Last updated: May 11, 2008
|
 |
|
|
