Ginkgo Biloba (24% Glycosides/6% Terpene Lactones)

History:

Ginkgo Biloba is sometimes called a living fossil and the only surviving member of the Ginkgo family. It is one of the oldest living tree species, a deciduous conifer, dating back over three-hundred million years. Individual trees may live for one thousand years, as they are resistant to viruses, fungi, insects, pollution and even radiation, and they may reach 122 feet in height. Native to China, it has been included in Chinese herbal medicine's repertoire for almost five thousand years, where it was used for respiratory tract ailments and for memory loss in older adults. The trees were introduced to Europe in 1730 and the United States in 1784 as ornamentals, but since the 1980s, Western medical interest in the plant has grown dramatically since its potent actions on the cardiovascular system were identified. Different parts of the plant have different properties with different medical applications. Most commercial growth of Ginkgo is centered in plantations in South Carolina, France and China. Some of Ginkgo's constituents include amino acids, tannins, quercetin, beta-carotene, flavone glycosides, bioflavones, sitosterol, lactones, anthocyanin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamins A and C. Ginkgo is now among the leading prescription medicines in both Germany and France.

Ginkgo Biloba works with the body to improve blood and oxygen flow to the brain and has been most effective in helping to manage senility, dementia, depression, anxiety, forgetfulness and inability to concentrate, as well as ADD (attention deficit disorder) in adults. Ginkgo's most exciting application may be in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by helping to speed and increase the blood flow to the brain and aiding the brain to utilize glucose efficiently. Improved blood flow to the brain can also potentially assist the body to inhibit strokes, cerebral arteriosclerosis and other diseases of peripheral circulation. Available evidence demonstrates Ginkgo's efficacy in the management of "cerebral insufficiency" caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, which is thought to be secondary to arteriosclerotic disease, and characterized by impaired concentration, confusion, depression, fatigue, headache and dizziness.

With regard to Multiple Sclerosis, several East Coast (USA) university medical schools studied the effects of Ginkgo Biloba on functional measures in Multiple Sclerosis, and it appears that the patients using Ginkgo showed significantly more improvement in areas of depression, fatigue, symptom severity and functionality. The research also showed that no adverse events or side effects were reported.

Ginkgo Biloba is regarded by herbalists as a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the brain from neurotoxicity. It is said to help inhibit free-radical damage and age-related declines in brain function. It may also halt free radical damage in the kidneys and liver.

Ginkgo may help to support the body's efforts to reduce the risk of heart attack. In the same way improved blood flow helps other vital areas of the body, Ginkgo may inhibit the blood clots that cause them. The herb appears to block the platelet activation factor (PAF) that triggers the internal blood clots, which lead to heart attacks. In addition, one of Ginkgo's flavone glycosides (ginkgolide) has been used to treat severely irregular heartbeat.

Problems associated with poor circulation, such as varicose veins, Raynaud's disease and macular degeneration are reported to have been alleviated with the use of Ginkgo Biloba. It is a circulatory stimulant that helps to relax blood vessels. By increasing peripheral vascular circulation, the pain and cramping associated with obstruction and narrowing in the arteries (reducing blood flow) is relieved, and it may be useful in cases of intermittent claudication (severe pain in calf muscles while walking). Improved blood circulation may also help inner ear dysfunction, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Ginkgo has long been thought to help promote good sexual health. Male impotence (erectile dysfunction) is believed to have been helped by the use of Ginkgo Biloba. Reports have indicated that Ginkgo improved blood flow to the penis in men who had narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to that area and were unable to achieve erections. Additionally, women who suffered sexual difficulties are also thought to have benefited from the use of Ginkgo, claiming that it enhanced orgasm and excitement.

Ginkgo is said to assist the body's own capacities to combat melanoma by improving the delivery of oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Oxygenated blood creates a hostile environment for hormone-related malignancy, including bladder, breast, ovarian, etc.

As an herbal astringent, antifungal and antibacterial, Ginkgo supports and helps to ward off kidney infections, diphtheria, dysentery, hemorrhoids and toxic shock, and his reputed to have a beneficial effect on the urinary system, managing incontinence and excessive urination. It may also be useful in cases of vaginal infection.

Problems with the respiratory tract are thought to be improved with Ginkgo Biloba. Historically, this herb has been highly regarded as helpful in cases of bronchial constriction, asthma, chesty coughs (with thick phlegm) and tuberculosis.

Ginkgo has been reported to provide relief for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including fluid retention and breast tenderness.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Speak with your doctor before taking Ginkgo Biloba Herbal Supplement if you are taking prescription MAO inhibitors (antidepressants) or blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, etc.). Discuss its use before having surgery, if you are pregnant or if you take painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication or medication for swelling on a regular basis. It is not recommended for epileptics. Topical or internal use of Ginkgo may cause skin irritations, mild headaches or mild upset stomach. Since Ginkgo leaves contain urushiols, those who are allergic to poison ivy, mangoes or other urushiol-producing plants are more likely to experience an adverse reaction when consuming Ginkgo products.

Capsule Information:
Our Ginkgo Biloba (24% Glycosides/6% Terpene Lactones) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
If any medical terms on our website are confusing or unknown, we have compiled a small dictionary of terms for you. Click here for our Definitions, and go directly to the word in question for further information.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.