GINKGO BILOBA - (Ginkgo biloba) - Impotence and Ginkgo
Frequently, compromised blood flow to the penis is the primary
cause of impotence. In these cases, ginkgo may prove to be very important in treating erectile dysfunctions. Recent tests have
indicated that improving the arterial blood flow to penile tissue was
accomplished by ginkgo therapy without changing blood pressure. As
in the case of hearing loss or tinnitus, the longer the ginkgo was
taken the better the results. ...
Ginkgo: A Hair Tonic t hat Lowers Cholesterol Levels?
Japanese experiments have recently found that the ethanolic
extract found in ginkgo leaves demonstrated the ability to stimulate
hair re g rowth in mice which had been given a normal and a high
butter diet. Test results found that ginkgo extract not only inhibited
the increase of serum triglyceride levels in the mice who ate a highly
saturated diet, it also significantly promoted the growth of hair in
shaved areas.13 When ginkgo is combined with garlic, a considerable
drop in cholesterol levels is also observed. A number of patients with
elevated cholesterol levels showed an improvement rate of 35 percent
versus a control group.14 The secret to keeping cholesterol leve l s
consistently low is long-term therapy with garlic and ginkgo. When
the extracts were no longer taken, cholesterol levels began to rise
again.
...Summary of Specific Actions Associated with Ginkgo
• Improves blood circulation and oxygenation of brain cells, which
boosts brain function and helps to treat disorders such as senile
dementia, some types of depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
• In stimulating brain cell oxygenation, may significantly improve
mental clarity and alertness.
• Strengthens the vascular system, which helps decrease the risk of
blood clots, therefore lessening the probability of strokes.
• Tissue oxidation and nutrient transport are enhanced, there by
contributing to the treatment of any vascular disease such as
tinnitus in the ear and any macular generation in the eye, as well
as leg pain due to arterial insufficiency.
• May contribute to less organ rejection in the case of transplants
by inhibiting a compound called PAF (platelet activating factor)
which is involved in the rejection process.
• Works as an anti-stress adaptogen herb in its ability to increase
ATP at the cellular level, resulting in increased energy and
heightened stamina.
Unquestionably, ginkgo will continue to enjoy its current popularity. As baby boomers continue to enlarge the senior citize n
block of our population, supplements which have the ability to deter
or even prevent age-related disorders will be vigorously sought after.
Ginkgo can be used in these combinations for bioenhancement:
• ginkgo, ginseng, sage, bee pollen, and capsicum
• ginkgo, suma and gotu kola
• ginkgo and garlic
• ginkgo and butcher’s broom, centella, milk thistle and bilberry
• ginkgo and vitamin B complex, magnesium, and choline
Ginkgo: Primary Applications
The following are general areas that ginkgo biloba can be used
effectively:
• Alzherimer’s Disease
• Antioxidant
• Attention Span
• Blood Clots
• Brain Booster
• Cardiovascular Problems
• Cerebrovascular Insufficiency
• Circulatory Disorders
• Dementia
• Dizziness
• Edema
• Hypoxia
• Inflammation
• Impotence
• Ischemia
• Longevity
...REFERENCES
1Penelope Od y. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. ( New Yo rk :
Dorling-Kindersley, 1993) 64.
2I. Hi n d m a rch and Z. Subhan. “The Ps yc h o p h a r - m a c o l o g i c a l
Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Normal Healthy Volunteers.” Int.
J. Clin. Pharmacol Res., (1984), 89-93.
3B. Gebner and M. Klasser. “Study of the Long-Term Action of
Ginkgo biloba Extract on Vigilance and Mental Pe rformance as
Determined by Means of Qu a n t i t a t i ve Pharmaco-EEG and
Psychometric Measurements.” Arzneim-Forsch. (1985) 35, 1459-65.
4James Brady MD. “A Scientific Herb for Symptoms of Aging.”
Doctor’s Best. (Laguna Hills, California).
5G. Vorberg. “Ginkgo biloba Extract (GBE): A Long-Term Study
of Chronic Cerebral Insufficiency in Geriatric Patients.” C l i n i c a l
Trials Journal. (1985) 22, 149-57.
6Michael Murray N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Encyclopedia
of Na t u ral Medicine. ( Rocklin, California: Prima Publishing, 1991)
34.
7F. Juguet, K. Drieu and A. Piriou. “Decreased Cerebral 5-HT1A
Receptors During Aging: Re versal by Ginkgo biloba Ex t r a c t , ” J .
Pharm. Pharmacol. 1994 Apr. 46(4): 318-8.
8Ody, 64.
9Today’s Herbs, “Ginkgo.” (Provo, Utah: Woodland Health Books,
September, 1992) 49.
10Today’s Herbs, 50.
11 F. Hoffmann, C. Beck, A. Schutz and P. Offermann. “Ginkgo
Extract EGb 761 (tenobin)/HAES versus naftidr o f u ry l
( Du s o d r i l ) / Haes. A Randomized Study of Therapy of Su d d e n
Deafness.” Laryngorhinootologie. 1994 March 73(3): 149-52.
1 2Rita Elkins. The Complete Home Health Ad v i s o r. ( Pl e a s a n t
Grove, Utah: Woodland Books, 1994) 233.
13N. Kobayashi, R. Suzuki, C. Koide, T. Suzuki, H. Matsuda and M. Kubo. “Effect of Leaves of Ginkgo biloba on Hair Regrowth in
C3H Strain Mice.” Yakugaku-zasshi. 1993 Oct. 113(10): 718-24.
14R. Kaezelmann and F. Kade. “Limitation of the Deterioration of
Lipid Parameters by a St a n d a rd i zed Ga r l i c - Ginkgo Combination
Product: A Multicenter Pl a c e b ...GINKGO BILOBA (Ginkgo biloba)
Common Names: maidenhair tree
Plant Parts: leaves
Active Compounds: flavonoid glycosides, diterpenes (including
terpene compounds called ginkgolides), bioflavones, quercitin,
isorhamnetine kaempferol, proanthocyanidins, sitosterols,
lactones, anthocyanin
Pharmacology: The flavoglycosides contained inginkgo are its most
active compounds and have exhibited remarkable
pharmacological capabilities. These chemical constituents have
free radical properties and function as antioxidants. These
flavonoids include quercitin, kaempferol and isorhamnetine. The
terpene content ofginkgo, which includes the ginkgolides and the
bilobalides help to lessen inflammation by inhibiting PAF
(Platelet Activating Factor) in the blood. This action helps to
boost circulation. PAF plays a role in diseases such as
atherosclerosis, asthma, heart attacks and strokes.
Vitamin and Mineral Content: Ginkgo is rich in bioflavonoids which
makes it an effective antioxidant.
Character: astringent, adaptogen, antioxidant, antiseptic, circulatory
stimulant, vasodilator and tonic.
Body Systems Targeted: circulatory, cardiovascular, and nervous (brain)
...Herbal Forms
Extract: An extract made from ginkgo leaves is available in Europe
and is used for cerebral arteriosclerosis in peripheral circulatory
disorders of the elderly.
Tincture: Ginkgo tincture is often combined with other herbs such as
periwinkle and used for circulatory problems and venous
disorders.
Infusion: Infusions of ginkgo are used for arteriosclerosis, varicose
veins and hemorrhoids.
Capsules: Powd e red forms of ginkgo can be used to enhance brain
function and memory.
Storage: Keep in a dark container in a cool, dry environment.
Regulatory Stauts:
U.S.: none
U.K.: none
Canada: none
France: over-the-counter drug status
Germany: over-the counter drug status
Recommended Usage: Ginkgo should be taken in normal dosages and,
if possible, at the same times eve ry day. In the case of ginkgo,
taking it consistently for 12 weeks is recommended. Although
injections of Gingko have sometimes been used, oral ingestion of
a tablet or capsule is therapeutically effective. More advanced
p reparations of ginkgo make it possible to obtain higher
concentrations of flavoglycosides in smaller amounts of extract.
Safety: Ginkgo extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo tree is
considered nontoxic and is virtually without side-effects. It can be
safely used with other supplements without interaction and has
no reported toxicity. In rare cases, some gastric upset or incidence
of headache or skin rash have occurred, which may indicate that
the individual is allergic to the substance. The fruit pulp of
ginkgo can produce seve re contact dermatitis and other allergic
reactions. The leaf extract of ginkgo is usually the only form that
is available and is extremely safe.
...HISTORY
Ginkgo has achieved unprecedented popularity within the last
decade and has become a familiar household term. Because interest in treating diseases like Alzheimer’s has escalated over the last decade,
the biochemical capabilities of ginkgo in regard to brain function
have been investigated and are still being researched. Ginkgo is one
of those herbs that has become intrinsically connected with notions
of herbal elixirs capable of pre s e rving youth and promoting
longevity.
Ginkgo comes from the oldest species of tree in the world dating
back some 200 million years. Some ginkgo trees have been known to
live well over an average of 1000 or more years. The ginkgo tree is
also known as the “maidenhair tree” and would have probably
become extinct if the trees had not been cultivated in Far Eastern
temple gardens and nurtured by Oriental monks.
Ginkgo is a deciduous conifer with separate male and female
types. It resembles the pau d’arco tree and like pau d’arco, possesses
an unusual immunity to insects and diseases. Ginkgo’s remarkable
hardiness enabled it to survive the atomic blast at Hiroshima.
Because of its unprecedented longevity, ginkgo biloba has sometimes
been referred to as a living fossil.
Ginkgo has been used in China for over 5000 years. The Chinese
refer to the fruit of the ginkgo tree as pa-kwo. This fruit is sold in
markets throughout China and resembles dried almonds. Ginkgo
fruit is pleasant tasting when fresh, but can become quite
disagreeable if allowed to get overly ripe. Asians have relied on
extracts of the fan-shaped ginkgo leaf since 3,000 B.C. to heal a wide
variety of ailments.
The Chinese have been acquainted with the curative powers of
ginkgo for centuries and have typically used the herb for ailments
related to aging, such as circulatory disorders, mental confusion and
memory loss. In China, ginkgo seeds, called baigou, are considered
lung and kidney tonics and are used in conjunction with
a ...FUNCTIONS
Ginkgo may be considered a wonder herb in that it has numerous
medicinal applications. Its ability to increase oxygen to living tissue
by boosting blood flow makes it invaluable for a number of disorders
including heart problems, strokes, and geriatric senility.
Traditionally, the Chinese have used ginkgo to treat bronchial,
asthmatic and pulmonary conditions. Recently, research has
indicated that certain compounds contained in ginkgo have been
shown to effectively dilate arteries, veins and capillaries, which results
in increased peripheral blood flow. It is this enhanced circulation of
blood which seems to benefit the brain in particular.
Because it effectively boosts brain blood flow, ginkgo may have
important potential for treating senility, short-term memory loss,
tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and other types of vascular diseases.
Ginkgo has been used for Raynaud’s disease, intermit tent
claudication, numbness, ve rtigo and impotence. It is common
practice in Europe and Asia to regularly prescribe ginkgo to improve
mental function.
Not commonly known is ginkgo’s ability to treat respiratory
disorders and stress. It can also function as an excellent antioxidant,
due to its bioflavonoid content. Ginkgo also participates in enzyme regulation and protects the blood vessels against plaque build-up and
the liver against toxic damage.
...Increased Brain Power and Memory with Ginkgo
Ginkgo’s ability to enhance cognitive function is becoming
common knowledge. Boosting the capability of the brain to record
information, communicate ideas or recall concepts can all be
enhanced by taking ginkgo biloba therapeutically. Evidently,
providing a better oxygen supply to brain cells is ginkgo’s primary
neural action. The brain is the body’s most sensitive organ to oxygen
deprivation. Today, more than ever, the effects of smoking, alcohol
and stress in general can diminish brain function and compromise
mental alertness. Ginkgo has demonstrated over and over that it can
make a significant difference in memory retrieval, fact retention and
problem solving.
One of the most impressive aspects of ginkgo is its ability to
stimulate circulation and oxygen flow to neural tissue, there by
improving cognitive functions and memory. In test cases when
ginkgo has been administered, an increase in cerebro-circulation has
been noted in both healthy or diseased brain tissue. What makes this
finding particularly relevant is that other circulatory enhancers,
whether natural or synthetic do not usually possess this capability.
In addition, ginkgo increases oxygen transport at the blood-brain
barrier site, while inhibiting the permeability of toxins into brain
tissue. As well as boosting blood supply to the brain, ginkgo has
demonstrated the ability to increase the rate at which information is
transmitted at the nerve cell level.2
In a double-blind study, one group of healthy young women
received ginkgo extract, and the other was given a placebo. A memory
test was administered and the reaction time in those women who had
taken the ginkgo improved significantly. These findings corresponded
with EEG tracings which showed increased brain wave activity.3
Short-term memory and basic learning rates can be statistically
improved by using ginkgo.
Ginkgo’s ability to enhance memory may also be helpful ...Treating and Preventing Age-Related Mental Disorders
Ginkgo biloba may be of great value in cases of age-related mental
dysfunction including senility, Alzheimer’s disease and diminished
memory.
In Paris, P. R. Michil conducted a double-blind study in which 50
patients with moderate senile dementia were given either ginkgo or a
placebo. Patients treated with ginkgo extract showed a significant
improvement in their mood, sociability, and vigilance.
Senility in the elderly is frequently the result of insufficient blood
and oxygen flow to brain cells. Anytime this type of insufficiency
occurs, short-term memory loss, ve rtigo, headache, malaise or
depression can result. An extract derived from ginkgo leaves offers
significant hope to anyone who suffers from diminished blood flow
to the brain.
In another large open trial involving 112 geriatric patients who
suffered from inadequate cerebral blood flow, 120 mg. of ginkgo
biloba extract was administered. The results showed a significant
regression of pre-existing symptoms.5 What this study implies is that
so-called “age - related disorders,” including senile dementia, may be
caused by reduced blood flow to the brain rather than the actual
degeneration of nerve cells. Ginkgo appears to increase oxygen
utilization in brain tissue, which also enables neural cells to
metabolized sugar more effectively.6
...Alzheimer’s Disease and Ginkgo
Concerning Alzheimer’s disease, ginkgo has been shown to
normalize the acetylcholine receptors in the brain of aged animals
which results in an increased transmission of nerve impulses.
Alzheimer patients experience a decrease in these very functions.
Clearly, test results have repeatedly shown that ginkgo has a
positive effect in geriatric patients who have already experienced a
deterioration of their mental performance. For this reason, it should
be considered a viable treatment option in cases of Alzheimer’s
disease and senile dementia. It is important to realize that it appears
the ginkgo works more effectively in delaying the mental demise that
occurs in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Once the disease is
well established, the effects of ginkgo are minimized. On the other
hand, if mental deterioration is due to a circulatory insufficiency,
ginkgo therapy can help to reverse the condition.
Laboratory tests performed on aged rats showed that ginkgo
extract works to protect neuronal membranes in the brain. In
addition, these tests also showed that the herb has a restorative effect
which can help to pre vent the decrease in cerebral receptors that
occurs with aging.7
Double-blind studies on groups of elderly subjects have confirmed
that using ginkgo before presenting tests which required mental
p rocessing significantly shortened the time required to process the
material, which facilitated a speedier transference of information.
Combining ginkgo with panax ginseng had similar results. Tests
showed that this combination has a favorable effect on both learning
and memory in aged individuals.
Perhaps the most exciting biological potential ginkgo has is the
possibility that it may pre vent the onset of certain age-re lated
disorders if taken early enough. Research suggests that it may offer
significant protection agains t the development of mental
deterioration and strokes. In other word ...Ginkgo - Anti-Stress Herb
Ginkgo’s popularity has steadily increased as more of its properties
have been discove red. It has become the subject of widespread
interest and was recently the topic of a scientific conference that was
held in New Yo rk. Because stress management is so crucial to our
contemporary lifestyles, the role of ginkgo should not be dismissed.
Research has shown that ginkgo can help relieve the adverse effects of
s t ress. It is considered an herbal adaptogen which helps the body
cope with a number of physical and psychological stressors.
One way in which ginkgo helps boost stamina is by helping the
body conserve energy through the increased biosynthesis of protein
and nucleic acids. This process is vital to any kind of healing or cell regeneration. Ginkgo also helps to increase levels of glucose and ATP
at the cellular level which helps us sustain higher energy output,
especially under periods of mental or physical stress.
Frequently, stress impairs cognitive ability, and because ginkgo
facilitates better blood flow to brain neurons, coping abilities may be
enhanced.
Several experiments have demonstrated that ginkgo can help to
facilitate one’s ability to adapt in an adverse environment. Because
most of us have to cope with adversity in one form or other, ginkgo
may be of benefit in helping to promote better coping skills and
enhanced physiological function.
Unquestionably, stress contributes to both physical and emotional
disorders. Ginkgo can help protect us against the deleterious effects
of stress by making our cellular structures more resilient.
...Ginko: A Natural Antidepressant?
Several health practitioners are looking at ginkgo as a possible
natural substitute for some pharmaceutical antidepressants. Be cause
ginkgo stimulates the brain through increased oxygen availability, it
may have therapeutic value in some cases of depression. Depression is
viewed by some doctors as a condition of brain “sleepiness.”
By increasing mental alertness, ginkgo may help to snap a
depressed brain out of its mental patterns by stimulating biochemical
reactions at the cellular level. Ginkgo may inadvertently work the
same way that exercise does for people suffering from depression.
Exercise helps to oxygenate the blood and by so doing, elevates
mood. Ginkgo accomplishes a similar action by boosting brain blood
flow. Ginkgo has also been recommended in combination with
antidepressant drugs such as tricyclics and tetracyclics. It should be
noted that tests using ginkgo to treat depression used higher than
normal dosages of ginkgo.
Learning disabilities may also benefit from the neuro-stimulation ginkgo provides, however, no one has studied its effects in this area.
...Antioxidant Properties of Ginkgo
Ginkgo also has the capability of decreasing cell damage which
results from the presence of free radicals. A free radical is a chemical
structure with an unpaired electron. Because of its missing electron,
it becomes unstable and randomly impacts other cellular structures
causing cellular deterioration. Free radicals can, in a sense, put a
chemical hole in body tissues. They are capable of destroying a gene
or causing a cell wall to leak fluids. In turn, any cellular damage
liberates more free radicals which continues the cycle of on-going
cellular damage. Free radicals can alter the behavior of a cell or cause
it to mutate or disintegrate. This process can result in degenerative
diseases such as cancer, heart disease and premature aging.
Research has shown that ginkgo contains antiradical or
antioxidant properties. Myricetin and quercitin are flavonoid
constituents contained in ginkgo and are responsible for its
scavenging capabilities. Ginkgo extract is known to be efficient in
helping to treat or prevent diseases associated with free radicals. The
therapeutic action of ginkgo can play a significant role in the
treatment of various biological disorders, which are attributed to free
radical damage, especially any type of inflammatory condition.
Laboratory tests and animal studies have conclusively shown that
ginkgo biloba has proven itself to be an extremely effective free
radical scavenger.
...The Cardiovascular System and Free Radicals
It is the bioflavonoid content of ginkgo which enables the
compound to scavenge free radicals so effectively. The flavonoids in
ginkgo help protect cells against free radical contact. These
flavonoids have an enzyme-regulating effect also found in citru-derived bioflavonoids with one important difference: the efficacy
doses reported for ginkgo are much lower. In addition, these
bioflavonoids provide protection to blood vessels against the
damaging effect of plaque build-up.
Scientists have discovered that is the antioxidant action of ginkgo
which helps pre vent damage to heart muscle. Ginkgo reduces the
formation of free radicals. Ginkgo may provide some protection from
exposure to damaging ultraviolet light.
The Brain’s Vulnerability to Oxidants
The antioxidant action of ginkgo helps to keep ample supplies of
oxygen to brain neurons which are involved in memory retrieval. The
flavonoids in ginkgo help to decrease the metabolism of oxidants in
brain cells which can help prevent reduced blood flow to brain tissue.
The antioxidant properties of ginkgo are most evident in brain tissue,
which is made up of nerve cells. Brain cell membranes are compressed
of a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids which make them
p a rticularly vulnerable to free radical damage and hypoxia (lack of
oxygen).
The brain has little in the way of energy reserves and requires a
continual supply of glucose and oxygen. When circulation is
compromised, both of these components are reduced. If blood flow is
diminished enough, brain cells will die. Ginkgo helps these cells to
utilize glucose and boosts oxygen supply. As a result, energy
production in brain tissue is enhanced.
...Circulatory System Enhancer
An article by Frank Murray in the April 1989 issue of Better
Nutrition says, “Dr. Huber and Kidd concur with other researchers
that ginkgo biloba dilates the blood vessels, allowing greater blood
flow to the tissues. It also provides better drainage of waste products,
especially through arteries that have been partially blocked because of
atherosclerosis.”
The article goes on to discuss the fact that ginkgo also inhibits the
clumping of blood platelets, which can contribute to heart and artery
problems. When circulating platelets stick together on worn are as
found on the walls of aging vessels, clots and blockages can form.
Anytime this happens, heart attack and stroke are possibilities.
Ginkgolides are unique twenty-carbon terpenes which inhibit PA F
(platelet activating factor), which controls the formation of clots.
PAF also plays an important role in other disorders such as
asthma, shock, anaphylaxis, renal disease, graft rejection, CNS
disorders and a number of inflammatory conditions.
A Natural Vasodilator
Ginkgo affects the lining of the blood vessels and acts to dilate
them through a chemical constituent which stimulates the release of
a certain factor. Tests have shown that ginkgo extract promotes better
venous tone, which helps to clear the blood of toxic metabolites that
collect when blood flow is diminished.
Apparently Oriental herbalists used the ginkgo leaf for arterial
circulatory problems. Blood vessels can constrict in cases of diabetes,
Raynaud’s disease, gangrene, angina, and intermittent claudication.
Ginkgo can help to relieve leg cramping by facilitating better
circulation to the limbs. In addition, it increases the circulation of
blood to the retina and can help to prevent macular degeneration.
Concerning heart function, some studies suggest that ginkgo can
help normalize heartbeat. Research has shown that ginkolide
contained in ginkgo can be as effective as some pharmaceuti ...Ginko . . . A Cure for the Common Cold?
In his book, Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, Richard Lucas says,
“According to a German newspaper, Dr. Joachim H. Volkner, a nose,
ear and throat specialist is Berlin, announced the discovery of a
lightning cure for the common cold. Dr. Volkner found that if a
person inhales an essence prepared from the leaves of the ginkgo tree,
his cold will improve.” Two hundred and twenty-four people tried
the ginkgo treatment and the results were dramatic, to say the least.
The German reportstated, “The inflamed areas healed
immediately.”9 Lucas goes on, “Dr. Volkner confesses that he hasn’t
as yet identified the exact substance in the ginkgo leaves that
produces the therapeutic effects, but he does explain how the
treatment works. When a person catches a cold, the cells of the
mucous membranes are damaged and are unable to store moisture .
The efficiency of the cell walls becomes impaired because substances
in the cell press against these walls. Apparently, the ginkgo essence
forces these components of the cell back into its interior. Dr. Volkner
explains that ‘the microbes which have collected inside die off, and
very shortly after inhalation of the ginkgo essence they completely
disappear.’” 10
...Smell Perception, Hearing and Ginkgo
Over 200,000 visits to the doctor annually are due to lack of smell
or the diminished ability to smell properly. In addition, an
abnormally heightened sense of smell can also be a problem.
Interestingly, these types of smell disorders are commonly seen in
people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Both
of these disorders are the result of faulty bio-chemical reactions in the
brain. Ginkgo is one of the supplements that has been re p o rted to help smell perception. Effective dosages would depend on the degree
of severity and the current nutritional status of the person.
Ginkgo as a Treatment for Tinnit us
When circulation is improved, frequently hearing does as well.
Ginkgo helps to oxygenate tissues more effectively which can
enhance nutrient transport to the nerves of the inner ear. As a result,
conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ear) may be alleviated.
Tinnitus is a very difficult condition to effectively treat. If the
tinnitus is the result of a circulatory deficiency, ginkgo may be
effective. The role of ginkgo as a viable therapy for the disord e r
remains somewhat controversial.
In terms of treating tinnitus with ginkgo, experimentation is the
best approach. Tinnitus can be caused by a number of differe n t
problems and the search for an effective treatment can only be made
by the individual. In addition, treatment must be sustained for a long
period of time before any judgement can be drawn. A minimum of
two weeks is necessary. For more seve re cases of tinnitus, a longer
period of therapy is required.
German tests using ginkgo for sudden hearing loss suggested that
in cases where hearing is lost for no apparent reason, ginkgo was
effective in promoting a remission after one week of treatment. In
some cases, hearing was also improved.11 One of the main advantages
of using ginkgo over other drugs for hearing loss is that it is
considered safe with mini ...Diabetic Retinopathy and Ginkgo
There is evidence to suggest that ginkgo extract may be beneficial
for people with diabetes who risk damage to their optic nerves.
Frequently, diabetes causes the membranes of capillaries located in
the retina to thicken, there by obstructing blood flow and reducing
vision. The retina is particularly susceptible to free radical damage.
Apparently, ginkgo helps protect against that damage by reducing the
amount of lipoperoxidation which can cause permanent vision loss.
Laboratory studies using rats found that ginkgo may be able to
prevent the impairment of visual function caused by free radicals,
which can increase when blood sugar levels are high, and by
inhibiting the formation of blood clots in the eye.
...Migraine Headaches and Ginkgo
Because ginkgo helps to promote proper cerebral circulation, it
may be effective in some cases of migraine headaches. Migraines are
believed to be the cause of a malfunction in vasodilation and
constriction of blood vessels in the brain. By heightening blood flow
and oxygenation of brain tissue, this neuro-vascular disorder may be
alleviated or even prevented. More research is required to establish a
firm scientific link between migraines and ginkgo.
...Ginkgo: A Urinary Tonifier
Ginkgo has been used extensively in China to treat kidney
infections, kidney stones and other urinary tract disorders. It is
considered valuable because it has a tonifying effect on the urinary
system.12 ...The Management of PMS and Ginkgo
Symptoms of PMS usually include water retention, breast
tenderness and vascular congestion. One hundred sixty-five women
between the ages of 18 and 45 who suffered from significant PMS
were tested with ginkgo, which was given from the 16th day of the
first cycle to the 5th day of the next. Test studies confirmed that
ginkgo was effective against various symptoms of PMS, particularly
b reast changes. In addition, mental and emotional symptoms
associated with PMS also decreased.15 Because Ginkgo is so safe to
use, it may be very beneficial for women who have used drug therapy for PMS that had undesirable side effects.
Ginkgo: An Update
Ginkgo is currently being studied as a safer substitute for antirejection
drugs which are routinely given to recipients of transplanted
organs. Ginkgolide, the active component of ginkgo, somehow
inhibits a chemical found in the body called PAF (platelet activating
factor) which plays a role in organ rejection. It may also prove
beneficial for congestive heart failure, angina, shock, multiple
sclerosis and burns.
...
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