Ginkgo Biloba trees withstood the nuclear blasts at Hiroshima and are still alive and healthy today. This may be why it is sometimes called the anti aging tree. There is a a Ginkgo Biloba tree in China that is over 3000 years old.
Chinese medicine has been using the tree, its leaves and fruit for centuries. The leaves are the part which is used for medicinal purposes. The plant is high in flavonoids therefore a strong antioxidant. Chinese herbal medicine uses it for strengthening the heart and lungs and to increase circulation.
For years people thought it might be of a benefit to Alzheimer’s patients but there has been no research or studies which have been able to show this. But it has been shown to increase micro circulation and improve memory.
The Mayo Clinic reports that “Available evidence demonstrates ginkgo’s efficacy in the management of intermittent claudication, Alzheimer’s/multi-infarct dementia, and “cerebral insufficiency” (a syndrome thought to be secondary to atherosclerotic disease, characterized by impaired concentration, confusion, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety).”
My experience with this antioxidant herb is in the realm of intermittent claudication which in short is poor circulation in the legs. Ginkgo Biloba seems to be effective in improving circulation in the smallest of our blood vessels( micro circulation) in the brain, feet, toes, fingers and hands. Maryland University states” Laboratory studies have shown that GBE improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.
”The University of Maryland further state,”More than 40 components isolated from the ginkgo tree have been identified, but only two are believed to be responsible for the herb’s beneficial effects in humans — flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids (such as quercetin and rutin) have potent antioxidant effects. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.
There are two types of Ginkgo Biloba available. extracts and powders. The studies and the university research have all been done using standardized Ginkgo Biloba extract. Generally recommended is a dosage of 120 mg daily in divided doses, standardized to contain 24 – 32% flavone glycosides (flavonoids or heterosides) and 6 – 12% triterpene lactones (terpenoids). However larger doses are perfectly safe.
We recommend standardized Ginkgo Biloba powder and put it in all of our complex whole food supplements as the same ratios mentioned above. I take Ginkgo in 450 mg of pure ginkgo powder twice a day. Ours is 120 caps 450mg per capsule. Many people feel it works better because it is the entire leaf in powder form. Also it is closer to the extract dosage used in the research mentioned above.
In accordance with the FDA these products are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of your health care professional
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