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Gingko Bilboa |
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Ginko Bilboba
The ginko trees is the sole survivor of the oldest species of the world’s living trees. Some of the many valuable effects ginkgo has are stabilizing cell membranes, reducing free radical damage, improving blood circulation and enhancing oxygen and glucose use. Ginkgo Bilboa is most beneficial for the brain, nerves and blood vessels. Its reputation as an "anti-ageing" herb seems to be appropriate. Gingko biloba's effects on memory, brain function, and circulation have made this venerable tree one of the most extensively studied and widely used botanicals in the world. Strong clinical evidence shows that it can help improve declining brain function in elderly people, even those with Alzheimer's disease (McCaleb et. al., 2000). Ginkgo biloba is commonly used in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, peripheral claudication, and tinnitus of vascular origin. Multiple trials investigating the efficacy of ginkgo for treating cerebrovascular disease and dementia have been performed, and systematic reviews suggest the herb can improve the symptoms of dementia. Ginkgo is generally well tolerated, but it can increase the risk of bleeding if used in combination with warfarin, antiplatelet agents, and certain other herbal medications. Clinical issues of safety, dosing, use in the perioperative period, and pharmacology are addressed in this review. (Am Fam Physician 2003;68:923-6. Copyright© 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians) How This Mineral Works in Your Body:
Where This Mineral is Found: Ginkgo leaves How to Use: Available as: Leaf extract, Liquid, Tablets, Capsules. Cautions: Do not take if you: Are prone to strokes or have experienced a stroke in the past Consult your doctor if: Your condition does not improve after two weeks of medicinal use of this herb. More effective and safer treatments exist. Pregnancy: Do not take this herb unless prescribed by your physician Breastfeeding: Do not take this herb unless prescribed by your physician Infants and Children: It is hazardous to treat infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation. Storage: Keep in a cool and dry location and away from direct light, but do not
freeze. Safe dosage: It is advised that you consult with your physician for the proper dose for your condition Toxicity: Information on the comparative-toxicity rating cannot be found in standard references. Side Effects: Signs and symptoms :
Ginkgo Does Not Quiet Ringing In the Ears Although the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba has been touted as a remedy for ringing in the ears, researchers in the UK have found the claim does not ring true. A health-food store staple, ginkgo is marketed as a remedy for dizziness, memory loss and other problems that can be related to poor blood circulation to the brain -- including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus. A number of European studies have suggested ginkgo supplements do indeed improve circulation, and extracts from the Ginkgo biloba tree have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. However, the herb's effects on tinnitus have been difficult to weed out. Tinnitus is a common problem with a variety of causes, from exposure to loud noises to the side effects of certain medications. Ginkgo's usefulness for tinnitus may be limited only to people who have it as a result of circulation problems. Investigators found that a 12-week regimen of ginkgo supplements had no effect on the patients' conditions. The researchers had half of the patients take gingko three times a day, while the other half received an inactive placebo. After 12 weeks of treatment, the gingko group was no more likely to have found relief than the placebo group. Ginkgo's effectiveness on tinnitus likely varies by the cause of the problem. She noted that although the study participants were questioned about symptoms of poor blood circulation -- such as headaches and tiredness -- they may not have actually had poor circulation. British Medical Journal 2001;322:73-75Ginkgo Improves Memory of Dementia Patients A major review of clinical trials provided "promising evidence" that dietary supplements containing the herbal medicine Ginkgo biloba can improve memory and function in people with dementia. The extract from the leaves of the Chinese ginkgo tree is widely advertised for a variety of conditions including memory loss, but scientific evidence on its effects has often been conflicting. Researchers at the Cochrane Collaboration in Oxford reviewed 33 clinical trials and concluded that the remedy appeared to be safe with no excessive side effects. Many of the early trials used unsatisfactory methods, were small, and did not exclude publication bias. Ginkgo contains a number of organic biologically active components. It is the ginkgolides that are unique to the Ginkgo tree although it is not fully known which component or components are the ones that give the leaves their medicinal properties. The medicinal effects of Ginkgo are believed to be gained by causing blood vessels to dilate, thereby improving blood flow to the brain, and through thinning the blood, making it less likely to clot. In addition, Ginkgo probably has some antioxidant effects such as protecting nerve cells against biological 'rusting.' All of these effects would suggest that Ginkgo might slow down a degenerative process. The Guardian October 15, 2002
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