Ginkgo biloba is often referred to as a “living fossil” because, at about 200 million years old, it is believed to be the world’s oldest living species. The ginkgo tree has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for more than 4,000 years. Various parts of the tree were reportedly used in the treatment of respiratory ailments, to improve circulation, as a digestive aid, as a ionic for memory loss in the elderly, and as a longevity elixir.

In Germany, ginkgo is a top-selling over-the-counter and prescription drug. Modern Ginkgo biloba extracts are produced from the leaves of cultivated trees and still enjoy a large audience for the treatment of various disorders. High-quality Giflkgo biloba extract is normally standardized to 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, with modern-day usage as a dietary supplement for improving memory, reducing depression, reducing symptoms of senile dementia, and improving peripheral circulation (a benefit for mental function, heart health, and sexual function).

The two groups of phytochemicals to which Ginkgo biloba is normally standardized, ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, are considered to be the primary active constituents. The flavone glycosides, which include quercetin, kaempherol, and isorhamnetin, are responsible for the antioxidant properties of Ginkgo biloba extract. The terpene lactones, which include ginkgolides A, B, and C as well as bilobalide, possess several activities, including neuroprotection, improvement of choline uptake in brain synapses, and inhibition of platelet activating factor [which reduces the tendency of the blood to dot).

Gmkgo biloba is valuable for a broad array of health concerns related to problems with microcircuJation, whether they be in the brain, legs or sex organs. Ginkgo’s neuroprotective effects are also well established, and its benefits in improving mental function and memory in healthy subjects looks promising.

Laboratory and clinical studies have found a great deal of support for most claims made for the therapeutic use of Ginkgo biloba extract. The German Commission E approves ginkgo for effective therapy in cases of memory deficits, impaired concentration, depression, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or headache. The primary groups of dementias targeted for treatment with ginkgo are primary degenerative dementia, vascular dementia, and mixed forms of both. Ginkgo is also approved for use in the improvement of pain-free walking in patients diagnosed with intermittent claudicating or peripheral arterial occlusive disease (both are conditions in which improved circulation helps relieve symptoms). Lastly, the Commission E recommends ginkgo for vertigo and tinnitus, which also may be caused by inadequate circulation (Blumenthal et al,, 1998).

Various clinical studies have been conducted on the benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract, many in Germany but several in the United States. Major findings include enhanced oxygen use and improvement of tolerance to hypoxia, increased brain circulation, inhibition or prevention of brain damage following trauma, neurotransmitter support, inhibition of age-related loss of choline receptors, stimulation of choline uptake in the hippocampus region of the brain, increased memory performance and learning capacity, improved systemic circulation (improvement of blood flow, particularly in microcirculation of capillaries), and general improvements in cardiovascular function (antioxidant effects and reduced activity of platelet activating factor).

One meta-analysis looked at more than 40 clinical studies investigating Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of cerebral insufficiency (which is associated with age-related mental decline or dememia). The resulting analysis concluded that Ginkgo biloba extract is effective in reducing all symptoms of cerebral insufficiency and impaired mental function (Pittler and Ernst, 2000).

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study, 72 patients with cerebral insufficiency (lack of blood flow to the brain) were subjected to a computerized test of short-term memory. At the end of 6 weeks, the group receiving Ginkgo biloba extract exhibited a statistically significant improvement in short-term memory capacity, while the placebo group showed no significant increase (Le Bars et al., 2002).

Clinical evidence indicates that Ginkgo biloba extract may be useful in the treatment of certain types of depression notably “resistant” depression. At least one study correlated a reduction of cerebral blood flow to depression in patients. In one placebo-controlled study, patients who continued to exhibit symptoms of depression after the use of antidepressants were given 240 mg/day of Ginkgo biloba extract. The patients receiving the extract experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms as well as an improvement in cognitive function (Kang et al., 2002). In an open clinical trial of 60 patients with erectile dysfunction, 50% of the patient’s regained potency and 25% showed improved arterial blood flow following 6 months of supplementation with 60 mg/day of Ginkgo biloba extract (Garg et al., 1995).

Whether Ginkgo biloba extract can improve cognitive function in healthy subjects has been questioned. Two studies of healthy volunteers measured brain activity using sensitive electroencephalography and found that dosages of 120-240 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract increase cognitive function (measured as alpha wave activity) within 30 minutes, with peak measures recorded 2-3 hours after consuming the supplements (Kunkel, 1993; Itil and Martorano, 1995). The enhancement in alpha wave activity was similar to that achieved through the use of drugs that improve cognitive function. Both studies concluded that Ginkgo biloba extract improves cognitive function in healthy subjects.

Ginkgo biloba extract is, very rarely, associated with gastrointestinal upset, allergic skin reaction, and headache. Ginkgo biloba is not known to be toxic at high dosages, although its inhibition of platelet-activating factor could pose a concern to patients with blood-clotting problems or those taking anticoagulant medications.

Typical dosage recommendations for the treatment of microcirculation problems in the extremities, including vertigo, tinnitus, and intermittent claudication, are in the range of 120-180 mg/day. For treatment of dementia, mild depression, and improvement of cognitive abilities, higher doses {about 240 mg/day} are recommended. For best results, daily dosage is typically split into two or three doses. Extracts should be standardized to at least 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene laclones, the type of extract that has been shown effective in virtually every clinical trial.

Author Bio: Georgiy Kharchenko – stimerex ephedrine products, synephrine weight loss supplement, eca ephedrine stack

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