Ginkgo Biloba—Good for the Brain, and More!

Ginkgo Biloba—Good for the Brain, and More!
by Terry Willard
By now most people know that ginkgo is good for memory. Yes, there have been many studies showing that the use of ginkgo (especially the concentrated extracts) can improve memory recall. But ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) as an herb has many more functions. With a better understanding of how ginkgo works, we call more clearly see the impact it can have on the whole body.

"The brain is one of the hungriest organs of our body. For proper function, it needs to be continuously bathed in oxygen and nutrient-rich blood."

Bioflavonoids have long been considered great antioxidants and specific for protecting the microcirculation in small blood vessels. The bioflavonoids in ginkgo are no exception. They have a strong capability to protect and repair problems in the microcirculation of the capillaries. What makes ginkgo special is that its bioflavonoids have a stronger biological activity than most other bioflavonoids, and seen to have a specific affinity for the capillary beds of the brain.
Brain Function Effects

The brain is one of the hungriest organs of our body. For proper function, it needs to be continuously bathed in oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Little malfunctions in the circulation of the capillaries can cause memory problems in the brain. By repairing these malfunctions in brain circulation, ginkgo can increase brain function, including memory. Ginkgo also has the capacity to increase the oxygen content of the blood. It has been shown that memory is enhanced by oxygen-rich blood.

When it comes to brain function, ginkgo goes even further. All neural functions in the brain are achieved by neural transmission. Ginkgo both increases the amount of neural transmission and increases the number of receptor sites for neural transmission. Again, this dramatically improves brain functions.
Other Uses

Even though ginkgo is one of the most important herbs for the brain, it is important to understand that its components don't go directly to the brain. The ginkgosides work as herbal antioxidants throughout the body, and enhance the microcirculation of capillary beds throughout the body. This is why Ginkgo is beneficial to all organs that have rich blood supplies, including the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen, to mention only a few.

Ginkgo has also been shown to be beneficial for headaches, vertigo (dizziness), hearing loss, allergies, and many more common ailments.

Ginkgo Biloba—Discover the amazing circulatory benefits of this ancient herb

Ginkgo Biloba—Discover the amazing circulatory benefits of this ancient herb
by Ken Babal, C.N., Health News

Circulation is comprised of blood and the apparatus which moves it, namely, the heart and some 60,000 miles of tubing. The heart pumps blood through large vessels called arteries which divide and subdivide into a fine network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The capillaries permeate every tissue of the body, exchanging nutrients and metabolic end products. The blood returns to the heart through the capillaries which meet to form the larger veins. In this manner, the blood moves in a circle which is why we speak of the "circulatory system" or "blood circulation."

"Ginkgo's ability to improve blood circulation to the brain's extremities makes it useful for many conditions."

Through the circulation of blood, tissues and organs are brought food (sugars, lipids, and protein), oxygen, ions (electrically charged particles), hormones, vitamins, and minerals around the clock. Waste products, such as carbon dioxide, are carried away. The circulatory system also distributes heat where necessary. All this and it plugs its own leaks!

It is not difficult to see the importance of proper blood circulation. Healthy circulation delivers life-giving substances to all glands and organs and is thereby crucial to preventing and overcoming disease.

In most diseases related to aging, decreased blood flow is usually the culprit. An impairment of blood flow to the brain is believed to be a major cause of age-related brain disorders. The brain, although only 5% of the body's weight, receives 20% of the blood supply along with its oxygen, glucose, and many other nutrients.

Major diseases affecting the circulatory system itself are heart disease, cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and phlebitis. In a single year, diseases of the heart and blood vessels kill more Americans than died in World Wars I and II and the Korean and Vietnam wars combined! Symptoms of impaired circulation may be cold hands and feet, leg or foot cramps, pain or burning sensation in extremities, slow healing of wounds, migraine headaches, ringing in ears, and momentary losses of balance. Cold hands and feet may also be a "nerve problem" and not necessarily due to corroded arteries. This problem can be alleviated by deliberate relaxation. Thyroid and adrenal deficiencies can also affect circulation as they tend to reduce the strength of the heartbeat and the amount of the blood pumped.

"The Ginkgo tree offers great hope for those suffering from circulatory disorders and symptoms of aging."

Improving circulation is a two part program that involves eliminating the obstacles to healthy circulation while including all necessary nutrients through good diet and supplements. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are smoking, high fat, and a lack of exercise. Dehydration, a lack of water, can also impair circulation by making the blood thicker. Nutrients that play a prominent role in circulation are vitamins C, E, niacin, and fish oils. We must realize, however, that all nutrients are important to every cell in the body, including the cells of the heart and vasculature.

As we become aware of the dangers of taking prescription drugs, especially on a routine basis, more attention is focused on herbs, our natural medicines. The Ginkgo tree offers hope for those suffering from circulatory disorders and symptoms of aging. For at least 5,000 years, Ginkgo biloba (pronounced ging-koh bi-lo-bah) has been recommended in Chinese medicine as being "good for the heart and lungs" and for coughs, asthma, and acute allergic inflammations.

Ginkgo is the world's oldest living tree. Darwin called it a "living fossil." A form of Ginkgo first appeared around 300 million years ago and flourished throughout the time of the dinosaurs. It is a very hardy tree, resistant to pests and pollution. Ginkgo trees may live as long as 1,000 years. In the U.S., it is often planted as an ornamental tree along freeways because of its durability. In Japan and China, it is a familiar sight around temples since Buddhists regard the tree as sacred.

Currently, Ginkgo is the subject of intense research. In numerous clinical trials involving geriatric patients, Ginkgo extract has demonstrated remarkable success in treating cerebral insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the brain). These symptoms include short-term memory loss, dizziness, headache, ringing or buzzing in the ears, lack of alertness, and depression. In several studies without a control group, the success rate was found to be 60% to 78%. In nine double-blind studies, results were equally impressive, with an improvement rate which ranged between 44% and 92%. Participants who took placebos showed a 14% to 44% rate of improvement.

In long-term studies, Ginkgo produced no side effects and there was no decrease in its effect over time. Like nature, however, Ginkgo is slow in acting, taking four to eight weeks before benefits may be noticed. Improvements are gradual but continue up to a year or more.

The positive effect of Ginkgo biloba extract in geriatric patients has led many health practitioners to advocate its use in all persons over 50. The benefits, however, are not limited to the geriatric group. In healthy young women, reaction time in performing a memory test was significantly improved after administration of Ginkgo extract (Int. J. Clin. Pharmacol. Res., 1984). Monitoring brain waves on an EEG machine one hour after taking a high dose of Ginkgo shows both alpha and beta brain wave patterns are stronger.

Ginkgo's ability to improve blood circulation to the brain's extremities makes it useful for many conditions. Hundreds of scientific studies performed over the past fifty years have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating hearing and vision problems, impotence, edema (water retention), varicose veins, leg ulcers, and circulatory diseases such as stroke and intermittent claudication (pain while walking). In animal studies, ginkgo extract increased the ability of acetylcholine, a brain chemical to bind to a receptor site.

The principle mechanism for the therapeutic action of Ginkgo-lide ß appears to be its ability to inhibit PAF (platelet activating factor). PAF has been implicated in asthma and other allergic reactions.

Ginkgo extract can play an important role in improving circulation and mental acuity in people of all ages. For young people, this translates to enhanced learning ability. In the elderly, it means a keen perception of life.

This article is reprinted from a previous issue of Healthwatch with permission. We felt it deserved further consideration.

Treatment of Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Treatment of Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction A New Scientific Study Shows Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
 
by Alan J. Cohen, M.D.

Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is becoming an increasingly common complaint amongst patients, particularly those treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Many pharmacological interventions have been tried with some success, including Cyproheptadine, Amantadine, Yohimbine, Buspirone, and Amphetamine. However, persistent sexual dysfunction, despite these pharmacological interventions, remains a significant problem which can affect patient compliance and results in relapse and depression.

kIn an open trial, the effects using formulations of the extract of ginkgo biloba were studied. All patients have been involved in attempts to control sexual dysfunction through other pharmacological means including the use of Periactin, Yohimbine, Amantadine and/or Buspar. They were offered the option of continuing open trials of different medications or of using ginkgo biloba as an alternative to treat sexual dysfunction. All patients agreed to continue their antidepressant medication, and all met DSM IV criteria for a depressive disorder.

Ginkgo Biloba in Herbal Medicine Maidenhair Tree for Memory, Dementia, Blood Clots & More

Mar 13, 2007 Lisa Barger: Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs in the world, and for good reason. Learn about ginkgo and its role in the treatment of dementia, memory, and blood clots.

Sometimes referred to as botany's "living fossil", Ginkgo biloba is among the oldest tree species still in existence today. But this amazing plant is more than just a botanical oddity. Ginkgo biloba is also one of the most scientifically studied of all the herbal medicines.nhair Tree for Memory, Deme

Ginkgo biloba is somewhat unique in herbal medicine. Most of the research on this ancient herbal medicine has focused not on the use of the raw herb but on standardized extracts of ginkgo. This has meant that positive research results have been consistent, repeatable and scientifically credible. Of all the herbs used in "natural" medicine, Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely-accepted by mainstream physicians.
 

Ginkgo Biloba for Blood Clots
Known medically as claudication, leg pain caused by clogged arteries responds extremely well to Ginkgo biloba extract. In fact, more than a few studies have actually found Ginkgo biloba extract comparable to the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals for this painful medical condition.
 

Ginkgo Biloba for Dementia
Much of the research on Ginkgo biloba has focused on alleviating the most obvious symptoms of dementia. One of the best studies to look at ginkgo and dementia patients found Ginkgo biloba extract safe and effective for dementia related to either Alzheimer disease or vascular dementia. Even in the very elderly, ginkgo is generally well-tolerated and safe.
 

Ginkgo Biloba for Memory
It's believed that Ginkgo biloba works mainly by increasing blood flow, especially in the brain. Naturally, many researchers have wondered if ginkgo's action could help increase memory, concentration and learning retention. Unfortunately, many of the studies finding ginkgo effective at increasing memory have been very small, lacked control groups or were just poorly designed. At this time, the research on ginkgo for memory seems promising but more study is needed before ginkgo is routinely recommended as a routine herbal supplement in otherwise healthy people.

Ginkgo Biloba and Other Health Conditions
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most studied plants in all of herbal medicine. Additionally, ginkgo's long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and India's Ayurveda add an impressive library of anecdotal evidence, as well. Unfortunately, many studies on Ginkgo biloba have been marred by poor design.

Just a few of the health issues for which Ginkgo biloba has been studied, but for which there is not sufficient scientific evidence to recommend ginkgo's routine use include:

    * Hemorrhoids
    * Altitude or motion sickness
    * Chemotherapy sickness
    * Depression
    * Glaucoma, retinopathy and macular degeneration
    * Drug or alcohol dependency
    * Pre- and post-menopausal problems
Ginkgo biloba  available in Kashmir at: Chenab Industries, POB: 667 GPO Srinagar JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794/cikashmir@gmail.com