Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today.
Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years have found evidence to support these uses
It also shows promise for enhancing memory in older adults. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.
Ginkgo leaves contain two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- compounds in the body that damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death
Free radicals are believed to contribute to health problems including heart disease and cancer as well as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Antioxidants such as those found in ginkgo can help neutralize free radicals
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Based on studies conducted in laboratories, animals, and humans, gingko is used for the following:
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Clinical studies suggest that ginkgo may provide the following benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease:
•Improvement in thinking, learning, and memory (cognitive function)
•Improvement in activities of daily living
•Improvement in social behavior
•Fewer feelings of depression
Intermittent Claudication . Because ginkgo improves blood flow, it has been studied in people with intermittent claudication (pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs).
Glaucoma
Memory Enhancement
Macular Degeneration
Tinnitus
A standardized ginkgo extract was reported to significantly improve functional measures (such as coordination, energy level, strength, mental performance, mood, and sensation) in 22 people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Available Forms:
•Standardized extracts containing 24 - 32% flavonoids (also known as flavone glycosides or heterosides) and 6 - 12% terpenoids (triterpene lactones)
•Capsules
•Tablets
•Liquid extracts (tinctures, fluid extracts, glycerites)
•Dried leaf for teas
Initial results often take 4 - 6 weeks, but should grow stronger beyond that period.
Memory impairment and cardiovascular function: Generally, 120 mg daily in divided doses, standardized to contain 24 - 32% flavone glycosides (flavonoids or heterosides) and 6 - 12% triterpene lactones (terpenoids). If more serious dementia or Alzheimer's disease is present, up to 240 mg daily, in 2 or 3 divided doses, may be necessary.
Intermittent claudication: 120 - 240 mg per day
Possible Interactions:
Ginkgo may alter the metabolism and effectiveness of some prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your doctor.
Antidepressants -- Taking ginkgo along with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) antidepressants may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. Ginkgo may enhance the effects (both good and bad) of antidepressant medications known as MAOIs, such as phenelzine (Nardil). SSRIs include:
•Citalopram (Celexa)
•Escitalopram (Lexapro)
•Fluoxetine (Prozac)
•Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
•Paroxetine (Paxil)
•Sertraline (Zoloft)
Antihypertensive (blood pressure) medications -- Ginkgo may lower blood pressure. For that reason, if you take medication to lower your blood pressure you should ask your doctor before taking gingko.
Blood-thinning medications -- Ginkgo has blood-thinning properties and should not be used if you are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.
Blood-thinners include:
•Aspirin
•Clopidogrel (Plavix)
•Heparin
•Warfarin (Coumadin)
Medications to lower blood sugar -- Ginkgo may increase insulin levels in healthy people and decrease insulin levels in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, use gingko with first talking to your doctor.
Cylosporine -- It may help protect the cells of the body during treatment with drug cyclosporine, which suppresses the immune system.
Trazodone -- There is one report of an elderly Alzheimer's patient going into a coma after taking ginkgo and trazodone (Desyrel), an antidepressant medication
Thiazide diuretics(water pills) : There is one report of a person who took a thiazide diuretic and gingko experiencing high blood pressure.
Alternative Names:
Fossil tree; Kew tree; Maiden hair tree
