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What Is It
The medicinal form of the herb is extracted from the fan-shaped
leaves of the ancient ginkgo biloba tree, a species that has
survived in China for more than 200 million years. (The leaves
are double- or bi-lobed; hence the name "biloba")A
concentrated form of the herb, ginkgo biloba extract (GBE),
is used to make the supplement. Commonly called ginkgo, GBE
is obtained by drying and milling the leaves and then extracting
the active ingredients in a mixture of acetone and water.
What Does It Do
Ginkgo may have beneficial effects on both the circulatory
and the central nervous systems. It increases blood flow to
the brain and to the arms and legs by regulating the tone
and elasticity of the blood vessels, from the largest arteries
to the tiniest capillaries. It also acts like aspirin by helping
to reduce the "stickiness" of the blood, thereby
lowering the risk of blood clots. Ginkgo appears to have antioxidant
properties as well, mopping up the damaging compounds known
as free radicals and aiding in the maintenance of healthy
blood cells. And some researchers report that it enhances
the nervous system by promoting the delivery of additional
oxygen and blood sugar (glucose) to nerve cells.
Common Uses
• Slows the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms; sharpens
memory and concentration, particularly in older people.
• Lessens depression and anxiety in some older people.
• Alleviates coldness in the extremities (Raynaud's
disease) and painful leg cramps (intermittent claudication).
• Helps headaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and
dizziness.
• May restore erections in men with impotence.
Prevention
Interest now centers on ginkgo's possible role as a preventive
for age-related memory loss. Unfortunately, there's little
scientific evidence ginkgo will make most people better able
to focus or remember. So far, it is those already suffering
from diminished blood flow to the brain (not healthy volunteers)
who have benefited most from taking the herb. Current research
is trying to determine whether ginkgo's ability to help prevent
blood clots may stave off heart attacks or strokes.
Major Benefits
The fact that ginkgo aids blood flow to the brain thus increasing
oxygen - is of particular relevance to older people, whose
arteries may have narrowed with cholesterol buildup or other
conditions. Diminished blood flow has been linked to Alzheimer's
and memory loss, as well as to anxiety, headaches, depression,
confusion, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. All may be
helped by ginkgo.
Additional Benefits
Ginkgo also promotes blood flow to the arms and legs, making
it useful for reducing the pain, cramping, and weakness caused
by narrowed arteries in the leg, a disorder called intermittent
claudication. There are indications that the herb may improve
circulation to the extremities in those with Raynaud's disease,
or help victims of scleroderma, an uncommon autoimmune disorder.
In addition, by increasing blood flow to the nerve-rich fibers
of the eyes and ears, some studies suggest ginkgo may be of
value in treating macular degeneration or diabetes-related
eye disease (both leading causes of blindness), as well as
some types of hearing loss. Ongoing studies are assessing
the possible effectiveness of ginkgo in speeding up recovery
from certain strokes and head injuries, as well as in treating
other conditions that may be related to circulatory or nervous
system impairment, including impotence, multiple sclerosis,
and nerve damage tied to diabetes. Traditional Chinese healers
have long used ginkgo for asthma, because the herb appears
to alleviate wheezing and other respiratory complaints.
How To Take It
Dosage: Use supplements that contain ginkgo biloba
extract, or GBE, the concentrated form of the herb. As a general
memory booster and for poor circulation: Take 120 mg of GBE
daily, divided into two or three doses. For Alzheimer’s
disease, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, impotence,
or other conditions caused by insufficient blood flow to the
brain: Take up to 240 mg a day.
Guidelines For Use: It commonly takes four
to six weeks, and in some cases up to 12 weeks, to notice
the herb's effects. Generally, it is considered safe for long-term
use in recommended dosages. You can take ginkgo with or without
food. No adverse effects have been reported in pregnant or
lactating women who take the herb.
Possible Side Effects
In rare cases, ginkgo may cause irritability, restlessness,
diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, though these effects are usually
mild and transient. People starting the herb may also notice
a headache during and first day or two of use. If side effects
are bothersome, discontinue it or reduce the dosage.
Latest Findings
A yearlong study, published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, evaluated 202 patients with dementia,
most of whom also had Alzheimer’s disease. Patients
who took 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract a day were more likely
to stabilize or improve their mental and social functions,
compared with those given a placebo. The effects were modest
and of limited duration.
Shopping Hints
• A yearlong study, published in the Journal of the
American Medical Association, evaluated 202 patients with
dementia, most of whom also had Alzheimer's disease. Patients
who took 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract a day were more likely
to stabilize or improve their mental and social functions,
compared with those given a placebo. The effects were modest
and of limited duration.
• Ginkgo is expensive - anywhere from $10 to $30 for
a month's supply. Residents of countries where ginkgo is an
official medication for "circulatory disorders"
are often reimbursed by government health insurance.
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