Properties : helps
reduce blood hypertension, is lipid-lowering, enhances blood flow,
diminshes damage to the brain cells due to oxygen shortage, blocks free
radicals, improves memory.
Ginko biloba improves memory and
brain function and helps to preserve general health and vitality. Research and clinical studies show promise for the use of
Ginkgo biloba extracts for improving memory and helping with some of the
symptoms of Alzheimers disease.
The remarkable effects of ginkgo biloba on brain function and
circulation have made this venerable tree one of the most extensively
studied and widely used botanicals in the world. Millions of Americans
and
Europeans now enjoy the
benefits of ginkgo for memory, cognitive function, circulatory
disorders, and conditions of the eyes and ears. No other known
circulation enhancer, natural or synthetic, can increase blood flow not
only to healthy areas of the brain, but also to areas already damaged
by disease. In addition, ginkgo's powerful antioxidant effects have
earned it an international reputation as an "anti-aging" herb among
young and old alike.
Gingko Biloba has been used in TCM to improve the heart and lungs
function, to relieve coughs, asthma, and allergic inflammations.
Scientists think this function, along with a potential ability to
dilate blood vessels,
accounts for its record of use in treating asthma in China for thousands of years. Ginkgo biloba
leaves extract has been shown to dilate blood vessels, and improve
cognitive function. Ginkgo has been extensively researched for its
possible benefits to the elderly. Studies indicate ginkgo has the
ability to increase circulation which can lead to enhanced
memory.Ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant and contributes to the
oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature
aging. Antioxidants also protect the eyes, cardiovascular system and
central nervous system. It may also help control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque associated with the hardening of arteries.
Gingko biloba's beneficial effect on improving blood circulation may
have positive benefits for sexual dysfunction. In one open clinical
trial involving 60 patients having erectile dysfunction, 50% of the
patients regained potency after six months of treatment with Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo is slow acting, taking four to eight weeks before benefits may be noticed.
Improvements are gradual, but continue for up to a year or more.
Ginkgo and Cerebral Brain Disorder Research : In a multicenter, double-blind, Ginkgo versus placebo trial involving 166 patients, Ginkgo biloba
extract is found to be effective against cerebral disorders due to
aging 3 months after treatment and continued to increase during the
following months. Taillandier J, Ammar A, Rabourdin JP, Ribeyre JP,
Pichon J, Niddam S, Pierart H. Presse Med. 1986 Sep 25;15(31):1583-7.
French.
Ginkgo improves Cognitive Function : Ginkgo biloba extract has
been reputed to ameliorate cognitive decline in the elderly and slow
cognitive deterioration in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's
type. Ginkgo remains as one of the most popular plant extracts to
alleviate symptoms associated with a range of cognitive disorders such
as
Alzheimer's disease, vascular
dementia and age-related amnesic conditions. Ginkgo is known to contain
a range of chemically active components that have antagonistic effects
on platelet-activating factor, free-radical scavenging activity
(antioxidant) and direct effects on the cholinergic neurotransmitter
system. In a 30-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
clinical trial in which 61 participants were administered with various
neuropsychological tests before and after treatment. Statistical
analysis indicated significant improvements in speed of information processing working memory and executive processing attributable to the Ginkgo Biloba Extract. Stough C, Clarke J, Lloyd J, Nathan PJ. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2001 Jun;4(2):131-4.
Ginkgo reduces oxidative free radicals in Alzheimer's disease : The role of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in the free-radical oxidative-stress model of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has received much attention recently. Treatment of the cells with Ginkgo biloba
extract significantly reduce the levels of hydrogen peroxide related
reactive oxygen species. Among the Ginkgo active components tested,
kaempferol and quercetin provided maximum attenuation. Smith JV, Luo Y.
J
Alzheimers Dis. 2003 Aug;5(4):287-300.
Gingko reduces Leg Pain associated with Intermittent Claudication :
Because of its effects on the circulatory system, ginkgo may also ease
the leg pain that arises from intermittent claudication and similar
disorders. One study even found that ginkgo performed as well as a
leading prescription medication for treating intermittent claudication.
Ginkgo improves Antidepressant-induced Sexual Dysfunction : Ginkgo has also been used to treat impotence, especially when associated with antidepressant therapy. In an open trial ginkgo biloba
was found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced
sexual dysfunction predominantly caused by selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs, N = 63). Women (n = 33) were more responsive to the
sexually enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men (N = 30), with relative success rates of 91% versus 76%. Ginkgo biloba
generally had a positive effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response
cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and
resolution (afterglow). Patients exhibited sexual dysfunction secondary
to a variety of antidepressant medications including selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), serotonin and nonrepinephrine
reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs), and
tricyclics. Dosages of ginkgo biloba extract ranged from 60 mg qd to 120 mg bid (average = 209mg/d).
Ginkgo as Antioxidant : Ginkgo is an antioxidant, giving it the
ability to help rid the body of free radicals and thus lessen the risk
of chronic degenerative diseases. Also due to the antioxidant activity
of ginkgo, it may help treat macular degeneration and decrease the
damaging effects of radiation, chemotherapy, and certain medications.
Enhanced cell death and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) play a major role in aging. Several neurodegenerative diseases
are associated with increased oxidative stress and cell death in
neuronal tissue. Antioxidative treatment has neuro-protective effects.
Mice were treated daily with 100 mg/kg Ginkgo Extract for two weeks
showed significant reduction in ROS induced cell death.
Ginkgo biloba Indication : Symptomatic treatment of mild to
moderate cerebrovascular insufficiency (demential syndrome in primary
degenerative dementia, vascular dementia and mixed rorms of both) with
the following symptoms:
memory deficit disturbance in concentration, depressive emotion
condition, dizziness and headache, Improve pain-free walking distance
in people with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, i.e. intermittent
claudication, Raynaud's disease, acrocyanosis and post-phlebitis
syndrome
Treatment of inner-ear disorders, i.e. tinnitus and vertigo of vascular and involutive origin
Ginkgo Supplement Health Benefits : Ginkgo biloba improves capillary
circulation and acts as a blood thinner, which improves circulation to
all of the tissues and organs such as the brain and heart.
Ginkgo biloba interferes with PAF (platelet activating factor) which has been shown to possibly cause asthma,
heart disease, hearing disorders and
skin disorders like psoriasis.
Ginkgo biloba helps stop the damage to our organs and tissues by free radicals. It is a good antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
How can I make tea from the leaves?
After picking the green leaves (late summer/early fall), shade-dry them
on a screen, allowing good air circulation from the bottom and the
top. Best condition is one that will dry the leaves quickly but not
overheat them. Never dry leaves in the sun. To test that the leaves are
thoroughly dried, "snap" a leaf stem to make sure.
You may also dry them in your microwave. Put some leaves between two
paper towels and microwave for 60 seconds on high. If crisp, the leaves
are dry, otherwise microwave further at 15 seconds intervals.
When the leaves are dried, put them in a paper bag inside a plastic
bag, and store them in a cool, dark place - in a tinted glass jar is
best.
Ginkgo plant/seed/leaf available in Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction centre 
