GINKGO BILOBA
COMMON NAME : Ginkgo
biloba, Maidenhair Tree.
LATIN NAME : Ginkgo
biloba
ACTIVE SUBSTANCES :
ginkgoflavoglycosides (kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin,
proantho-cyanidins),terpenes (Ginkgolides, bilobalides)
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 1000 years.
Ginkgo trees are tall hardy trees, highly resistant to pollutants and
pests with distinctive fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgo is considered a sacred
tree by the Chinese and has been used in Oriental Medicine since 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.
PHYSIOLOGY : The main
active compounds in Ginkgo leaves are the flavo- glycosides: kaempferol,
quercetin, isorhamnetin, and proantho-cyanidins. These compounds have
anti-oxidant 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.
HISTORICAL USE
• Cerebral vascular insufficiency, vertigo, headaches, tinnitus
• Mental performance, brain function, concentration problems
• Senility, memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer's, dizziness
• Peripheral arterial insufficiency
• Peripheral vascular diseases, Raynaud's syndrome, numbness, tingling
• Ischemia
• Edema
• Hypoxia
• Impotence and erectile dysfunction
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammation
• Migraine
• Inflammation
• Allergies
• Asthma
TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRA-INDICATIONS
: No reported toxicity. Rare cases of gastric upset or headaches.
