Ginkgo Biloba
Standardised extract of ginkgo biloba leaf can increase circulation and has shown antioxidant activity. Studies have confirmed its use for conditions associated with ageing, including memory loss, poor circulation, tinnitus and vertigo. Ginkgo biloba helps aid blood flow to the brain, thereby increasing its oxygen supply. Scientists have shown ginkgo biloba to work in a similar way to aspirin, by helping to reduce the 'stickiness' of the blood. This can lower the risk of blood clots. Ginkgo biloba also has antioxidant properties due to 'mopping up' damaging compounds, known as free radicals which can cause damage to healthy blood cells.
Chinese healers use the ginkgo biloba nuts for healing asthma, as they appear to alleviate wheezing and other respiratory complaints. Solo's ginkgo biloba 120mg extract, is based on recent clinical trails, conducted at Surrey University. These trials were extremely encouraging for ginkgo biloba. The Ginkgo Biloba tree has survived since prehistoric time and is the world's longest living species of tree, with some examples being 1,000 years old. It has its earliest therapeutic origins in ancient China, where its seeds and leaves became an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. The words literally mean "silver Apricot" referring to the fruit of the tree. One of the earliest documented uses of ginkgo was for its benefits on the brain.
However, since then it has found extensive use among people suffering from poor circulation in the extremities- i.e. hands and the feet, and helps in cases of Raynauds disease. In Germany, Ginkgo is a popular prescription drug where standardised extracts are approved for use in cases of dementia and tinnitus. Recent studies, have also suggested its ability to help in an array of situations, ranging from impotence and cellulite. The leaves of the ginkgo tree contain bioflavonoids, organic acids, and many other constituents that comprise a unique natural chemical structure. It is the extracts from the leaves that are today utilised around the world for treatment of various conditions including circulatory varicose, and post-thrombotic disorders. Basically, ginkgo biloba can help to keep the blood vessels open, providing an easier flow to the extremities, and thus eliminating many of the accompanying effects of poor circulation. In 1988, two doctors independently discovered ginkgo's ability to handle short-term memory improvement. It seems that the leaf's extract can loosen up the blood flow to the head as well as the feet. The active ingredients are ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones. These natural biochemicals, also act as antioxidants, which in turn can help prevent cell damage and ageing.
It has also been proved in studies, to dramatically help in cases of vertigo, asthma and allergic inflammatory responses. Regarding dosage, amounts of around 100mg/120mg per day of the standardised extract (equivalent to 5000mg to 6000mg of ginkgo biloba leaf), were found effective in German double blind studies, in elderly depressed people with mild dementia.
Relatively high amounts (240mg) have been used in reports studying people, with age associated memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and resistant depression. Ginkgo may need to be taken for 6-8 weeks before any improvement is noticed. With regard to the side effects or contra-indications ginkgo, it should be avoided by anyone suffering from hypertension (low blood pressure). It is also unsuitable for insulin dependant diabetics.
A very small percentage of people may initially suffer mild headaches and indigestion. And do remember that for the elderly, circulatory problems may possibly involve more serious matters, so accurate medical diagnosis should be sought before self-prescribing ginkgo.
This brief information is intended for guidance only and if you are in any doubt about taking a food supplement, you should first consult your healthcare practitioner or dietician.
