Ginkgo Biloba
Common uses of Ginkgo Biloba:
- May slow down the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms, and sharpen concentration and memory, particularly in elderly people.
- May lessen depression and anxiety in some elderly people.
- May alleviate coldness in the extremities (Raynaud's disease) and painful leg cramps (intermittent claudication).
- May relieve headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and dizziness
- May restore erections in men with impotence.
Recent Findings about Ginkgo Biloba
A one-year study of 168 patients with Alzheimer's disease found that 120mg of ginkgo biloba extract a day improved symptoms in those whose impairment was mainly visual, delayed worsening symptoms in those with primarily verbal difficulty, and stabilised symptoms in those with both types of impairment.
Ginkgo Biloba as a General Circulatory Tonic
Ginkgo exerts a general tonic effect on the vascular system helping improve circulation, to the extremities in particular. Research suggests that ginkgo is effective in cases of peripheral arterial disease where there is arterial obstruction or narrowing, causing a reduction in blood flow during exercise or at rest. The herb's capillary-dilating effect is especially prominent.
Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive Enhancement
This herb has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow, and therefore oxygen and glucose utilisation in the brain. As well as improving vascular function in the brain, studies have shown that GBE increases the rate at which information is transmitted at the nerve cell level, an ability that is thought to be primarily due to a positive influence on neurotransmitter function. Clinical trials confirm that ginkgo extract improves short term memory, mental alertness and overall cognitive performance.
Ginkgo Biloba is Anti-allergic
Ginkgo inhibits platelet-activating factor (PAF) - a major chemical trigger in asthma, inflammation and allergies.
Ginkgo Biloba is Antioxidant
The flavoglycosides in ginkgo exhibit powerful antioxidant capabilities, a factor which is especially valuable considering the damaging effect of free radicals on brain function.