Ginkgo Biloba

STRENGTH: 60 mg - 24/6%
FORM: 90 Tablets

Here is another herb that has a very long history of safe and effective use. It has been used by many Asian cultures as a longevity, and pathological preventative to help maintain health in those that use the herb on a regular basis. It has become very popular in Europe and now here in the U.S. because the product has been shown to work. And when a product works, the word of mouth carries into the main stream at a pace that is difficult to keep up with! Medicinally, the extract of the ginkgo biloba leaves has been shown to dilate blood vessels, and has the specific ability to increase peripheral blood circulation, especially to the brain. Ginkgo biloba is so well revered in Germany and France for the above uses that it is used as a prescribed drug, and is also manufactured and sold throughout the rest of Europe under pharmaceutical and commission E standards.

The extract has been shown in hundreds of studies to increase the oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and all other body parts. Most of the marketing has been developed around ginkgo’s ability to improve blood flow to the brain, which increases the oxygen supply and therefore the potential for improved mental function. Ginkgo’s action is directly related to the vaso-relaxing activity that the herb seems to have, the active ingredient that performs this action has been identified to be the nitric oxide (NO). The NO induces vasodilatation by activating a soluble guanylate cyclase in the vascular smooth muscle, which relaxes the surrounding tissue. Ginkgo biloba by this action can also lower blood pressure; and in conjunction with this ability it has also been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation (stickiness).

Recent research has shown that ginkgo may even improve cognitive function in those being treated for Alzheimer's disease, at certain early stages of its progression. In long-term studies, ginkgo produced no side effects and there was no decrease in its effect over time. Ginkgo is slow in acting and may take as long as four to eight weeks before benefits may be noticed. Improvements are gradual, but continue for up to a year or more. Ginkgo is also a powerful antioxidant and contributes to the destruction of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging. Its antioxidant affect protects the eyes, cardiovascular system and central nervous system. It may also help control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque that is associated with the hardening of the arteries. There is research that shows ginkgo has possible sexual enhancement capabilities through its vasodilatation affect. This is more important than ever considering all the press that Nitric Oxide is getting and its involvement in sexual enhancement.

The studies performed using gingko biloba have been especially promising in the area of senility; this is where most of the current market is being perpetuated. The region within this field of study that has shown the most promise is the research on Alzheimer's disease. If used during the early stages of the disease, it has been shown that the mental deterioration that is associated with the pathology can be decreased. Studies show that taking a standardized Gingko Biloba extract increases the functionality of the acetylcholine (a nerve chemical) receptors that are damaged as the disease progresses. The dose rate to illicit a positive response has been shown to be relatively small, and the product can be taken indefinitely. The user just has to make sure they are taking a quality product that contains the appropriate 24 % flavone glycosides and 6% terpene content.

The preferred form of ginkgo to take as recommended by the European commission E standards is a ginkgo that has less than 5 ppm of Ginkgolic acids. Ginkgolic acids are a naturally occurring component of the lipid fraction of the extract. So you see if you take a good quality gingko biloba everyday, you won’t forget to take it!

Precautions about Ginkgo Biloba:
Because it thins the blood, people who are already on other blood thinners (ex. aspirin) need to be especially cautious and consult a licensed health care practitioner before beginning supplementation. Contraindications include, not taking the product before surgery, so you should check with your doctor before undergoing any procedure. No other major side effects have been noted.†

Also available in capsules

REFERENCES:

1. Stucker, O. et al. Advances in Ginkgo Biloba Extract Research, Vol 3. Cardiovascular Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGb 761). (Clostre F and DeFeudis, F. eds.), 1994, Elsevier Science, Paris, pp. 27-30.
2. Cahn, J. Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Organic Cerebral Impairment. A. Agnoli, J.R. Rapin, V. Scapagnini, and W. V. Weitbrecht. John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. 1985.
3. Chung HS, Harris A, Kristinsson JK, Ciulla TA, Kagemann C, Ritch R, 1999, Ginkgo biloba extract increases ocular blood flow velocity In: Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 15 (3): 233 - 240.