Ginkgo Biloba Leaf – Benefits of this Herbal Extract

Ginkgo biloba leaf is one of the best-selling herbal supplements, with a long history use and significant scientific evidence behind some of its claims.

Ginkgo biloba comes from one of the oldest living tree species in the world, and the leaves of this tree have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine remedies.

Ginkgo biloba leaf is taken to improve memory, enhance brain performance, increase blood circulation, and as an antioxidant. It is said to help keep the brain healthy and to improve memory in elderly individuals, possibly even in those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Other research has focused on the benefits of this herb for certain blood disorders as it helps to dilate blood vessels and may prevent clotting to a degree. Additional evidence suggests that it supports healthy vision and improves vein health and circulation to the legs.

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbal Supplement

Memory Recall

Cognitive Function

Concentra- tion

How It Works:

• Supports short & long-term memory
• Improves concentration & circulation to brain
• Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant

Dosage:

Between 120 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

The active components in Ginkgo biloba leaf are many. It is said to contain over 40 different chemical compounds, but the two most active constituents are flavonoids and terpenoids.

Flavonoids occur in many different plants and act as antioxidants within the body. They have been shown to protect the heart, blood vessels, nerve cells, and the retinas of our eyes from oxidative damage.

Free radicals (atoms with unpaired electrons) are created in the body as a result of a number of metabolic processes. As we age, the number of free radicals can increase and cause damage associated with heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

As an antioxidant, Ginkgo biloba leaf helps to eliminate these free radicals and prevent the damage they can produce in DNA.

Terpenoids, such as ginkgolides, are believed to improve circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing excess coagulation within the blood. This serves to increase blood flow in the body while reducing the so-called stickiness of platelets in the blood which can lead to clotting and more serious health problems.

Increased blood flow is also linked to improved oxygen utilization and energy metabolism. When blood flows more readily, nutrients and resources needed to perform the many basic cellular functions are delivered at a faster rate and waste products are removed more readily. This can have profound implications for anti-aging and whole body health.

Benefits of the Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

The benefits from taking Ginkgo biloba extract cover a wide range of uses. Studies have found that it can aid in vision preservation among individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is considered the leading cause of blindness in North America and it is caused by degenerative damage to the retina.

A limited number of studies have found that Ginkgo leaf may help to prevent damage to the retina and improve vision in patients with AMD. In another study, participants with glaucoma given 120mg of Ginkgo per day for 8 weeks saw significant improvements to vision.

Due to the positive effects of Ginkgo on circulation, research has been undertaken into the benefits of this herb for a condition known as intermittent claudication. This condition causes pain due to restricted blood flow to the legs and can make it painful to walk.

Studies found that administering ginkgo biloba may reduce the pain sensations associated with intermittent claudication and enable patients to walk further before stopping as a result of the pain. In comparisons with some pharmaceutical drugs, ginkgo performed better at improving walking distance.

Additional studies have looked at the benefits of the Ginkgo herb in reducing PMS Symptoms. Women who were taking Ginkgo supplements for two weeks during their menstrual cycles experienced fewer symptoms. In other studies, ginkgo biloba leaf was observed to reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder. Positive effects have also been recorded in the treatment of Raynaud’s Phenomenon.

Ginkgo Leaf for Memory

Supplements made from Ginkgo Biloba Leaf extract are widely used by doctors in Europe to treat dementia and other forms of age-related cognitive decline.

Not only does the increased cerebral blood flow lead to better mental energy and alertness levels, it can also help to protect neurons from damage associated with Alzheimer’s. Positive result have been reported when giving Ginkgo biloba to patients with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

In some cases, Ginkgo supplements performed equally as well as prescription drugs designed to delay symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, another study with 3,000 elderly participants found that Ginkgo did not perform better than a placebo for preventing these conditions.

Studies have shown that taking Ginkgo pills can improve general cognitive function related to learning, memory and thinking. Users report less depression and improved social behavior with this supplement and may find that their energy and ability to concentrate is improved.

But these results may not be the same for everyone. In one study conducted in the UK in 2008, a group of 178 participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease were given either a placebo or Ginkgo biloba for 6 months. When the trial was completed, no difference in mental performance was reported between the two groups.

Results are less clear when Ginkgo biloba leaf is taken by healthy, young to middle-aged adults as well. There have been some studies that show a benefit for memory and cognition at a dose of 240mg per day. However, other studies have not demonstrated a significant difference. This may be due to inadequate dosages to see beneficial effects.

Anecdotal reports do suggest a mild positive benefit for learning, focus, and mental energy. However, these reports may be the result of a placebo effect and should not be relied upon exclusively.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba leaf as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), premenstrual synmdrome (PMS), schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and vertigo.

Research on Ginkgo has been very promising, however more research is still needed to fully understand all of Ginkgo’s effects. At this time, the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. Ginkgo biloba is available as a dietary supplement only.

How to Take Ginkgo

Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors, and it is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.

Ginkgo biloba is typically used in a dosage of between 120 to 240 mg per day. This dosage is usually split between two administrations a day. When looking for a Ginkgo biloba leaf supplement, it is important to determine the percentage of active ingredients contained within the extract.

Experts recommend finding a supplement that has been standardized to contain between 24-32% flavone glycosides (flavonoids or heterosides) and 6 – 12% triterpene lactones (terpenoids).

Studies suggest that it can take at least one month for the positive benefits from Ginkgo biloba to be apparent. Side effects are not believed to pose a significant risk, but in some instances it may be contraindicated or it may interact with other drugs and supplements.

Speak to your physician to determine whether a Ginkgo biloba leaf supplement is a good choice for you.

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