Product Profile – Ginkgo Biloba

Since we started carrying herbal and dietary supplements at HOLISTIC-CENTRE.ORG, we’ve had a lot of positive feedback on Ginkgo Biloba, usually just referred to as ginkgo.

Many people, especially the elderly, have said they feel more focused and alert on ginkgo, and there is good science to prove their claims. Research shows that short doses of ginkgo can help what’s known as cognition (aspects of understanding), improving attention, processing of information and short-term memory. Both healthy volunteers and people with mild memory problems were improved with ginkgo.

There is even evidence of improved quality of life for mildly affected elderly people still living at home, in terms of improved mental efficiency and everyday activities, when used as a long term supplement. In patients with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, ginkgo improved cognition, social functioning, general symptoms and behaviour.

But what is ginkgo?

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest plant species on the planet, it being found in fossil forms ante-dating the dinosaurs. It is also one of the longest living plants, with specimens living more than 1000 (one thousand) years!

It is one of the most studied botanical supplements available today, and has been shown to be a powerful anti-oxidant and to improve over all quality of circulation by reducing blood stickiness and dialating blood vessels. It also protects vein and artery linings and the heart.

Being rich in flavonoids, it has also been shown to halt or lessen damage to the retina (the part at the back of the eye that ‘sees’) caused by macular degeneration, or diabetes.

There are even respected studies to show that ginkgo has helped in alleviating such disparate problems as

• intermittent claudication (pain caused by inadequate blood flow to the legs). People with intermittent claudication have difficulty walking without suffering extreme pain. An analysis of eight published studies revealed that people taking ginkgo tend to walk roughly 34 meters farther than those taking placebo. In fact, ginkgo has been shown to be as effective as a leading medication in improving pain-free walking distance. However, regular walking exercises are more beneficial than ginkgo in improving walking distance.
• Possible reduction the side effects of menopause as well as risk factors for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Women are becoming more reluctant to use pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to its undesirable side effects, such as irregular bleeding and an increased risk of breast cancer. Several human studies have reported that a standardized ginkgo extract has estrogenic (similar to female hormone) activity and might be suitable as an alternative to HRT.
• Significant improvement of functional measures (such as coordination, energy level, strength, mental performance, mood, and sensation) in some individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• altitude sickness
• asthma
• depression
• disorientation
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• erectile dysfunction
• vertigo
• Some encouraging help in reducing the loudness of sounds in tinnitus.

Overall, one of the oldest, and longest living, inhabitants of the planet is a remarkable remedy to many ills.

Obviously, such a powerful herb shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Talk to your GP first before using ginkgo if you are on:

• Blood thinners
• Anticonvulsants
• Immuno-suppressants
• Blood sugar lowering medications
• Antidepressants – including fluoxetin, sertraline, paroxetine, trazodone, escitalopram, or citalopram
• Antihypertensive medications

Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using ginkgo preparations. In addition, ginkgo use should be discontinued at least 36 hours prior to surgery due to the risk of bleeding complications.

When in doubt, talk to your GP!

We look forward to seeing you!