Ginkgo Biloba 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Ginkgo Biloba – 100 g ($11.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits:

Ginkgo is the world’s most-used treatment for memory loss and degenerative diseases of the brain and central nervous system. It also aids treatment of a variety of conditions ranging from erectile dysfunction (ED) to ringing in the ears.

Ginkgo works in the brain to reduce the progression of dementia probably by reducing white blood cell infiltration in the brain, curbing lipid peroxidation (preventing fat from going rancid), and increasing blood flow by antagonizing platelet-activating factor (PAF). In one study, by boosting glucose levels using ginkgo, rats had increased mental capacity. Traditional Chinese medicine uses ginkgo for asthma, tinnitus, and angina. Homeopathic remedies include those for tonsillitis and headaches. The German Commission E has approved a limited number of specific standard extracts of ginkgo for symptomatic organic brain dysfunction, intermittent claudication, vertigo, and tinnitus.

Ginkgo also has powerful antioxidant properties in the brain, the retina of the eye, and the cardiovascular system. This activity may help prevent free-radical damage and age-related declines in brain function.

Alzheimer’s disease, impaired cognition, memory loss, and Parkinson’s disease. Ginkgo’s most exciting application may be in the treatment of impaired cognitive function. This disorder is at least partly related to an inadequate supply of glucose, or blood sugar, to the brain, which may alter functions of brain cells and their supporting structures. Ginkgo can both speed up the process by which the brain uses glucose and increase blood flow to the brain. The herb may also improve the brain’s use of a chemical called acetylcholine. (See “Ginkgo: The Memory Herb and Alzheimer’s Disease” under ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE in Part Two.) In one study, healthy elderly persons took 120 milligrams of ginkgo for twelve weeks and memory and learning tasks were assessed by standardized tests. The participants felt better but no improvements were seen in memory or learning. In another study, postmenopausal women who took a standardized ginkgo extract (120 milligrams daily) experienced an improvement in mental flexibility after six weeks. In particular, women with an average age of sixty-one years made fewer errors and needed less time to complete mental tasks compared to those in a younger cohort (average age fifty-five years) who did not get these same benefits. In another study, ginkgo also was useful to elderly persons with normal cognitive function in that it prevented or delayed impairment of memory. Ginkgo has not been shown to be of help to young people, however. In a group of young people with an average age of twenty years, using two 60-milligram tablets of ginkgo (BioGinkgo) daily, there was no effect on a series of memory tests.

Oral doses of 120 and 240 milligrams of ginkgo extract taken by healthy volunteers have been found to increase the activity of alpha waves and to decrease the activity of theta waves (two types of brain waves). These brain-wave changes indicate that ginkgo is capable of improving cognitive function that can be demonstrated in increased mental sharpness, concentration, and memory. Numerous European studies have indicated that ginkgo improves short-term and long-term memory in people with age-associated memory impairment or mild cognitive impairment.

Researchers also have studied the use of ginkgo to treat older adults with either Alzheimer’s disease or mental debility caused by vascular dementia. Several studies have been published on using ginkgo for Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, many included inconsistent formulas of ginkgo and mixed the ginkgo with other herbs, making interpretation of the results problematic. One high-purity formula, ginkgo extract (EGb 761), had better and more consistent results. European investigators studying patients with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia found that using EGb 761 resulted in improvements in tests of dementia compared to placebo and drug treatments. Improvements were seen in attention, memory, and performance on cognition studies. Using this same extract (EGb 761), patients with uncomplicated, mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease or dementia had improvement in cognitive performance and social functioning. Thus, a standardized ginkgo extract seems to be able to reverse deterioration associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

However, not all studies on the use of ginkgo for Alzheimer’s disease, mixed dementia, or vascular-related dementia have produced positive results. Nevertheless, it seems prudent to try ginkgo for impaired cognition, as the studies have all shown the herb to be safe.

Doctors in Germany have recognized for over thirty years that ginkgo may reverse brain damage caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. This makes the herb potentially useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Electroencephalograph (EEG) measurements done on research volunteers who have Parkinson’s disease show that ginkgo has a long-lasting positive effect on the metabolism of glucose and oxygen in the brain, but clinical improvements have not been seen.

Cancer. In one study, ginkgo improved the efficacy and tolerability of chemotherapy in patients with advanced colon cancer. Patients were treated with 350 milligrams of ginkgo extract (EGb 761) as an infusion. There also was some evidence that the ginkgo actually slowed the progression of the cancer. In another study, patients who suffered radiation exposure as a result of the Chernobyl accident also experienced a reduced risk of cancer from taking ginkgo. The dosage of ginkgo (EGb 761) used in this study was 40 milligrams three times a day. Additionally, in studies using cell lines, ginkgo teas (not extract tablets) that contain quercetin have shown some promise and may accelerate the death of leukemia and Burkitt’s lymphoma cells; slow the growth of colon, lung, and liver cancers; and inhibit the growth of estrogen-activated cancers, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, and, when used together with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin (Platinol), ovarian cancer.

Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is associated with an overgrowth of capillaries in the macula—the part of the retina responsible for fine vision. These tiny blood vessels are often weak and leak into the surrounding tissues, damaging them. Ginkgo can stop this process by deactivating PAF, which is essential for the growth of new capillaries. The extract increases circulation within the eye, which supplies more oxygen to the retina. Ginkgo increases circulation to the lens and acts as a free-radical scavenger, slowing the process of cataract formation. The herb works by reducing retinal edema and cellular lesions in the retina. Thus, ginkgo may be helpful for people with eye conditions, although clinical data are lacking.

Erectile dysfunction and diminished sexual desire. One clinical study found that the use of 240 milligrams of ginkgo extract per day for six months resulted in recovery of potency lost after treatment with drugs for depression. Ginkgo contains compounds that can cause the blood vessels to relax, resulting in a greater blood supply to the penis and stronger erections. An open clinical study (one conducted without use of placebos) found that 76 percent of men who experienced sexual problems caused by taking antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or phenelzine (Nardil) recovered sexual function after four to six weeks of taking ginkgo. However, another study found no effect on sexual function in men and women who were using antidepressants when they were given 240 milligrams of ginkgo for twelve weeks. Still, ginkgo may have a beneficial effect in enhancing desire, excitement, orgasm, and afterglow in women who experience sexual difficulties as a result of taking antidepressants.

Intermittent claudication, heart attack, and stroke. Heart attack, stroke, and intermittent claudication (poor circulation that causes pain in the legs) all respond to treatment with ginkgo. The underlying factor in all of these conditions is atherosclerosis. When a blood vessel is damaged, PAF causes a leak-sealing clot to develop in the vessel wall and stimulates the production of fibrous tissues that cover the injury site. This provides a platform on which cholesterol may accumulate into a vessel-narrowing plaque. By deactivating PAF, ginkgo reduces the rate at which fibrous tissues are produced. The herb also helps to keep cholesterol-laden macrophages produced by the immune system from pumping even more cholesterol onto the arterial wall. In Germany, where ginkgo is prescribed for intermittent claudication, treatment usually brings relief in six weeks. In one study, most patients who took ginkgo in dosages that ranged from 120 to 160 milligrams for twenty-four weeks were able to walk for longer periods of time pain-free compared to patients who received placebos.

Strokes can happen when a blood clot becomes stuck in a narrowed blood vessel in the brain. By inhibiting plaque development, ginkgo can protect against stroke. The herb also is helpful after a stroke. Much of the damage done by a stroke is caused by the formation of toxic free radicals when oxygen levels increase after circulation is restored. Brain cells cannot process all of the oxygen available to them, and some oxygen “escapes” its normal biochemical pathways. Ginkgo increases the production of scavengers that collect the oxygen free radicals before they can attack the linings of cells. Although these actions have been shown to happen in cell lines and animal studies, studies on stroke patients have not showed that taking ginkgo promotes recovery following an acute ischemic stroke in physical performance or on a brain scan.

Multiple sclerosis. In one study, ginkgo extract EGb 761 (20 milligrams daily) helped patients with multiple sclerosis. After four weeks, patients experienced improvements in fatigue, severity of symptoms, and functionality. Several studies support the use of ginkgo in preventing relapses of multiple sclerosis. These studies indicate that ginkgo is more helpful when used long-term to prevent relapses than in treatment of acute relapse symptoms.

Schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia seemed to derive benefit from taking ginkgo. Using G. biloba extract (EGb 761), patients showed an improvement in T lymphocytes (immune cells) and superoxide dismutase (an antioxidant). The researchers concluded that these are desirable effects for patients with this condition. Taking ginkgo along with a medication (haloperidol) for schizophrenia enhanced the effectiveness of the drug.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression. Ginkgo can be used to treat depression in general by increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain. This is particularly true for older adults if the herb is combined with appropriate prescription drugs, but you need to check with your doctor before combining this herb with any prescription drug. Other experiments show that the combination of ginkgo and ginger can reduce anxiety. Research suggests that ginkgo may be useful for elderly people with depression who are not responding to standard antidepressant drugs. One double-blind study found that older adults who had both depression and mild dementia, and who were not responding to antidepressant medications, responded well to ginkgo supplementation. Another study found that ginkgo had no effect on SAD in patients who were not taking other medications. Patients took two tablets of a ginkgo extract containing 24 milligrams of flavones glycosides and 6 milligrams of terpene lactones per tablet.

Tinnitus, sudden deafness. Ginkgo is frequently effective against tinnitus, or the sensation of constant ringing or buzzing noises in the ears, if treatment begins within six to eight weeks of onset. A mini-review of five controlled studies showed favorable results. Doses of ginkgo were typically 120 to 160 milligrams a day. However, other studies conducted more recently did not find any benefit over placebo in cases of tinnitus. It also has been used in clinical trials to treat sudden hearing loss. In one study, up to 40 percent of the subjects regained their hearing after ten days of ginkgo treatment, and it was as effective as pentoxifylline, a drug that is typically used to treat hearing loss. The use of ginkgo or any other herb, however, does not substitute for immediate medical evaluation of tinnitus or hearing loss, since certain conditions cannot be treated with herbs or supplements, and are medically treatable only if promptly diagnosed.

 

Recommendations for Use

Ginkgo is available in extract tablets, liquids, and liposome capsules. Depending upon the indication of use, doses range from 120 to 240 milligrams two to three times a day. The duration of use also varies. For memory, ginkgo should be used for eight to twelve weeks. At that time, you should discuss with your health-care provider if you should continue. For pain-free walking and tinnitus, six to eight weeks usually is enough time to get a benefit. It is possible to use ginkgo teas, but these are useful primarily for conditions that do not involve memory or intellectual ability. This is because the ginkgo compounds that affect the central nervous system are especially concentrated in extracts. (See “Principles of Herbal Healing” for a discussion of extracts.)

Mild headaches lasting a day or two and mild upset stomach have been reported in a very small percentage of people using ginkgo. Some people who take extremely large doses experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and/or restlessness. If this should occur, you should reduce the dosage. If side effects are severe, discontinue it. In addition, excess bleeding can occur. Most reports of serious reactions are related to eating the fruit and whole leaves, which contain a neurotoxin that can cause coma, convulsion, and death. Extracts made from the leaves do not contain sufficient amounts of the toxins to produce ill effects. A part of the ginkgo contains ginkgolic acids, which are harmful. The German Commission E defines strict ways that ginkgo is to be prepared to avoid toxicity.

Finnish doctors report that a few persons taking ginkgo experienced orthostatic hypotension, a sudden loss of blood pressure when moving from a seated to a standing position, after using ginkgo for a few days. Again, if this happens, you should lower the dosage or stop taking it. If you have a history of seizure disorders or are taking antiseizure medications, you should avoid this herb. The American Herbal Products Association warns that ginkgo may interact with a class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors in such a way as to increase the risk of seizures. Although there is only a very slight (less than 0.1 percent) probability that taking both ginkgo and one of these drugs would cause seizures, it is important to avoid taking ginkgo if you take amitriptyline (Elavil), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), or maprotiline (Ludiomil), or if you have used any of these drugs within the past six weeks.

Skin irritations have been known to occur in some cases. It is a good idea to take a six-week “vacation” from ginkgo every six months.

Several other drugs should not be used in conjunction with ginkgo. You should avoid ginkgo if you take blood-thinning medications, and discuss its use with your doctor before having any type of surgery or if you regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Use of sedation medication and ginkgo is not advised. It is possible that ginkgo may alter blood glucose levels, so if you are using insulin, you should monitor blood glucose levels frequently and look for signs of low or high blood glucose levels. Speak to your health-care provider before combining ginkgo with antihypertensive drugs or thiazide diuretics. It is possible that using ginkgo and St. John’s wort may result in mental changes. In addition, taking ginkgo and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression may result in a hypomanic episode. Speak to your doctor before starting ginkgo if you are using antidepressants.

Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba
English: Ginkgo, ginkgo balm, ginkgo leaves
Also, known as: Eun-haeng, Gin-nan, Ginkyo, Ginan, Icho, Ityo, maidenhair tree, pei-wen, temple balm, vin guo, yinhsing, Fossil Tree, Kew Tree, Maidenhair Tree, Yin Xing, Vin Xing Ye, Bai Guo, Salisburia adiantifolia
Origin: India/China
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
The leaves of the plant are green, grey-yellow, or brown, sometimes little blackish also. On the upper side of a lea maybe a little darker than the underside of the leaf The leaves are fan-shaped, long petiole and have two lobes with forked veins radiating from the petiole end. Ginkgo is native to China and Japan but widely cultivated in Indian gardens as an ornamental India is one of the largest cultivating countries.

How to use:

Hot Infusion

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamint flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder

You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any distress.