GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Ginkgo tree grows most prominently in
the southern and eastern US, southern France, China, and Korea. The leaves of the tree are
used medicinally for treating various conditions,
including asthma, allergies and coughs. Ginkgo stimulates
circulation in the brain, ears, and other parts of the body;
it is also an antioxidant.
Plant scientists believe that the most active
constituents of ginkgo are the flavonoid compounds
flavoglycosides and ginkgoheterosides.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Bioflavonoids are primarily responsible for
Gingko’s antioxidant activity and these may inhibit platelet aggregation. These actions may help
Gingko protect against cardiovascular diseases such as
atherosclerosis and support the brain and central nervous
system. Unique terpene lactone components found in Gingko leaves, called ginkgolides and
bilobalide, are associated with increased circulation to the
brain and other parts of the body, they also help to protect
nerve cells from oxidative damage. Recent animal studies
indicate that bilobalide protects neurons from apoptosis (programmed cell death) and excitotoxic damage. In a recent study of patients
with Alzheimer’s type senile dementia, those who took ginkgo
extract three times per day experienced significant
improvements in memory and attention. The changes were evident after one month and continued to
accumulate over the three month period of the
study.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
The most popular ginkgo products are encapsulated extracts standardized to 24% of
chemicals called flavoglycosides; you can also find liquid
herbal concentrates and the powdered whole herb. An average
dose of the standardized extract is 40 to 60mg. IMPORTANT: Ginkgo leaves contain a group of
potentially toxic chemicals known as alkylphenols. The
German health commission, Commission E states that
ginkgo supplements must not contain more than 5 parts
per million of these toxic compounds. The ginkgo extracts EGb 761 and LI 1370 both conform to
these strict safety limits.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Ginkgo has been associated with no longterm
toxicity and few side effects. However, newcomers to the herb who take single doses in excess
of 300mg or so may experience headaches or dizziness. Some
ginkgo users may also experience a mild upset stomach. Until recently, gingko was not contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, however in August
2001 researchers at a Detroit university found that women
taking one type of the supplement had high levels
of the toxin colchicine, which can cause birth defects. For this reason alone, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and women planning to
conceive should not take gingko supplements.
