Gingko: The active components of Ginkgo biloba have a profound tonic effect

[Guest guest]

JoAnn Guest

Mar 12, 2005 19:45 PST

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Biological Name: Ginkgo biloba,

Other Names: Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo Biloba

Parts Used: Leaves

 

Active Compounds:

http://holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h62.htm

 

The medical benefits of ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) rely on the proper

balance of two groups of active components: the ginkgo flavone

glycosides and the terpene lactones.

 

The 24% ginkgo flavone glycoside designation on GBE labels indicates the

carefully measured balance of bioflavonoids.

 

These bioflavonoids are primarily responsible for GBE's antioxidant

activity and ability to inhibit platelet aggregation (stickiness).

 

These two actions may help GBE prevent circulatory diseases, such as

atherosclerosis, and support the brain and central nervous system.

 

The unique terpene lactone components found in GBE, known as ginkgolides

and bilobalide, increase circulation to the brain and other parts of the

body as well as exert a protective effect on nerve cells.

 

Ginkgolides may improve circulation and inhibit platelet-activating

factor (PAF).

 

Bilobalide protects the cells of the nervous system. Recent animal

studies indicate that bilobalide may help regenerate damaged nerve

cells.

 

History:

 

Medicinal use of ginkgo can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese

herbal medicine.

 

It was recommended for respiratory tract ailments as well as memory loss

in the elderly.

 

Today, Ginkgo biloba extract is recognized as an invaluable aid in the

treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

 

Remedies For:

Symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction

 

Intermittent Claudification

 

Vertigo (vascular origin)

 

Tinnitus (vascular origin)

 

It is useful for disturbed brain functions, which result in dizziness,

tinnitus, and headache with emotional lability and anxiety.

 

Ginkgo has also been demonstrated to improve concentration and memory

deficits as a result of peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

 

Other Applications:

 

Alzheimer's disease

Atherosclerosis

Cerebrovascular insufficiency

Congestive heart failure

Depression

Diabetes

Impotence/infertility (male)

Intermittent claudication

Macular degeneration

Migraine headaches

Multiple sclerosis

Raynaud's phenomenon

 

GBE and Circulation:

GBE increases circulation to both the brain and extremities of the body.

In addition to inhibiting platelet stickiness, GBE regulates the tone

and elasticity of blood vessels.

 

In other words, it makes circulation more efficient. This improvement in

circulation efficiency extends to both large vessels (arteries) and

smaller vessels (capillaries) in the circulatory system.

 

Antioxidant Properties:

GBE may have antioxidant properties in the brain, retina of the eye, and

the cardiovascular system.

 

Its antioxidant activity in the brain and central nervous system may

help prevent " age-related " declines in brain function.

 

GBE's antioxidant activity in the brain is of particular interest. The

brain and central nervous system are particularly susceptible to free

radical attack.

 

Free radical damage in the brain is widely accepted as being a

contributing factor in many disorders associated with aging, including

Alzheimer's disease.

 

Nerve Protection and PAF Inhibition:

 

One of the primary protective effects of the ginkgolides are their

ability to inhibit a substance known as platelet-activating factor

(PAF). PAF is a mediator released from cells that causes platelets to

aggregate (clump together).

 

High amounts of PAF are associated with damage to nerve cells, poor

blood flow to the central nervous system, inflammatory conditions, and

bronchial constrictions. Much like free radicals, higher PAF levels are

also associated with aging.

 

Ginkgolides and bilobalide protect nerve cells in the central nervous

system from damage during periods of ischemia (lack of oxygen to tissues

in the body).

 

This effect may be supportive for persons who have suffered a stroke.

 

Anti-Aging Properties

 

Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and has excellent restorative

effects on the nervous system.

 

Hundreds of scientific studies, involving tens of thousands of patients,

attest to the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba extract for the many

problems associated with cerebral vascular insufficiency and impaired

mental performance in elderly patients.

 

The active components of Ginkgo biloba have a profound tonic effect on

the mind and body.

 

GBE has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin,

dopamine, and acetylcholine, important neurotransmitters in the brain.

 

The extract acts as an antioxidant and a nerve cell membrane stabilizer.

 

 

It also enhances oxygen and glucose utilization and increases blood flow

in arteries, veins, and capillaries. Experiments involving learned

helplessness and behavioral despair in laboratory animals demonstrated

that GBE exhibited some antianxiety and antidepressant activities.

 

Ginkgo is of benefit for many of the presumed symptoms of aging such as:

 

 

Anxiety and depression

 

Memory impairment

 

Poor concentration, decreased alertness

 

Diminished intellectual capacity

 

Vertigo, headache

 

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

 

Macular degeneration ( the most common cause of blindness in adults)

 

Inner ear disturbances (which can cause partial deafness)

 

Poor circulation in the extremities

Impotence due to impaired penile blood flow

 

 

Clinical Trials And Proof of Efficacy:

 

In October, 1997 JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)

published research showing that Ginkgo biloba extract appears to slow

Alzheimer's disease. The randomly assigned, double-blind,

placebo-controlled study was performed for one year by neurologist Dr.

Pierre L. LeBars and a team of scientists at the New York Institute for

Medical Research.

 

The study found that 27 percent of patients who took 120 mg of ginkgo

extract for six months or longer improved their mental functioning,

including memory, reasoning, and the ability to learn, compared to only

14 percent of those taking placebo.

 

The study began with 309 patients aged 45 or older with most suffering

from Alzheimer's disease but also some with dementia caused by strokes.

 

The study showed that ginkgo can stabilize or even improve mental

performance in one-third of those who are mildly impaired.

 

German studies have demonstrated that 240 mg of Egb761 (the particular

form of Ginkgo biloba extract used in the JAMA study) a day is perhaps

more effective than the 120 mg daily dose used in the JAMA study for the

treatment of Alzheimer's.

 

Other studies on ginkgo have appeared in such diverse journals as

Lancet, Audiology, and the Journal of Urology. Over 120,000 physicians

worldwide write over ten million prescriptions for ginkgo each year,

accounting for over five hundred million dollars in sales.

Dosage:

Many people take 120-160 mg of GBE, standardized to contain 6% terpene

lactones and 24% flavone glycosides, two to three times per day. Amounts

up to 240 mg per day are used by some people with cerebrovascular

insufficiency, confusion and memory loss, and resistant depression.

 

GBE may need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired effects

are noticed. Ginkgo may also be taken as a tincture of 0.5 ml three

times daily.

 

===================================================================Post:

Oxidative Injury in Diseases of the Central Nervous System

---

 

Medical Abstract Title:

www.enzy.com

 

Focus on Alzheimer's Disease

 

Author:

Pratico D, Delanty N

 

Source:

Am J Med. 2000;109(7):577-585.

 

Abstract:

 

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most challenging brain disorders and

has profound medical and social consequences. It affects approximately

15 million persons worldwide, and many more family members and care

givers are touched by the disease.

 

The initiating molecular event(s) is not known, and its pathophysiology

is highly complex.

 

However, free radical injury appears to be a fundamental process

contributing to the neuronal death seen in the disorder, and this

hypothesis is supported by many (although not all) studies using

surrogate markers of oxidative damage.

 

In vitro and animal studies suggest that various compounds with

antioxidant ability can attenuate the oxidative stress induced by

beta-amyloid. Recently, clinical trials have demonstrated potential

benefits from treatment with the antioxidants, vitamin E, selegiline,

extract of Gingko biloba, and idebenone. Further studies are warranted

to confirm these findings and explore the optimum timing and antioxidant

combination of such treatments in this therapeutically frustrating

disease.

====================================================================

" JoAnn Guest " <angelpri-;

Sat Nov 6, 2004 4:00 am

Cc: <mrs-;; <DrLa-@j...>;

Friday, November 05, 2004 3:42 AM

Drug, SSRI, Congitive & Memory Dysfunction,Iatrogenic- Ginkgo

biloba,Cognitive & Vascular Benefits RE: Antidepressants Etiology

of Cognitive & Memory Dysfunction- Ginkgo Biloba

 

Dear Mrs. Guest,

After observing the severe mental & cognitive decline in my Mother being

prescribed a variety of combinations of psychiatric drugs

before her suicide I have an interest in finding remedies that can

reverse the damage to mental function caused by selective serotonin

reinuptake inhibitors (SSRI's).

 

Thank you for this and other articles you have posted.

Are you aware of any contraindications to ingesting

Ginkgo biloba while a patient is consuming antidepressents

or enduring the suffering struggle of the side effects of withdrawal?

 

Are you aware of antidepressent dependent persons utilizing

Ginko biloba to reverse the side effects of SSRI's?

Thank you very much,

Dr. Sandra Lance, D.C.

Daughter of Alma Virginia Sanders

Antidepressant Suicide Victim

800 309 6560

(5AM-11PM)

________

Dear Dr. Lance,

I am saddened to hear of your mother's suicide. These

combinations (antidepressants) are indiscriminately prescribed

without regard for the well being of the recipients.

Whenever I am called upon to review some of the combinations I

almost inevitably find that if the truth were known (per webmd &

other sites), even orthodox medicine does not advise that they be

taken in such extremely high dosages and dangerous combinations.

 

Frequent misdiagnoses are `evil', but the fact remains that the

atrocities continue and more and more victims find themselves in a world

from which they find it difficult to emerge. I have

observed that those who are `under the influence' of these drugs ar

easily `manipulated'. I find this very troubling.

 

Evidently this is not a topic that is well researched, however I

will post my findings to date on the subject.

 

Dr. Murray finds that Gingko is effective in

symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction. GBE's antioxidant

activity in the brain is of particular interest.

 

The brain and central nervous system are particularly susceptible to

free radical attack.

Ginkgo increases 'blood flow' to the brain and has excellent

restorative effects on the nervous system.

 

GBE has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine,

serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, important neurotransmitters

in the brain. Ginkgo is of benefit for many of the presumed symptoms of

aging such

as:

 

Anxiety and depression

 

Memory impairment

 

Poor concentration, decreased alertness

 

Diminished intellectual capacity

 

 

Supportive therapy consists of Ginkgo Phytosome (80 mg three times per

day).

 

Researchers began studying the antidepressive effects of Ginkgo biloba

extract as a result of the improvement in mood noted by patients

suffering from decreased blood flow to the

brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency).

 

Several studies were conducted to determine if Ginkgo biloba extract

was, in fact, an antidepressant. In one of the more recent double-blind

studies, 40 patients (ages

ranged from 51 to 78 years) with depression who had not benefited

fully from standard antidepressant drugs were given

either 80 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract three times daily or a placebo.

 

By the end of the 8th week study, the total score of the Hamilton

Rating Scale for Depression in the Ginkgo biloba extract group had

dropped from 14 to 4.5. In comparison, the placebo group dropped from 14

to only 13.

 

This study indicated two things:

 

(1) Ginkgo biloba extract can be used with standard antidepressants

and/or St. John's wort extract and

 

(2) it may enhance their effectiveness, particularly in patients

over 50 years of age.

 

I prefer the Ginkgo biloba extract bound to phosphatidylcholine

(Ginkgo Phytosome) to un-bound ginkgo.

 

Other studies on ginkgo have appeared in such diverse journals as

Lancet, Audiology, and the Journal of Urology. Over 120,000 physicians

worldwide write over ten million

prescriptions for ginkgo each year, accounting for over five hundred

million dollars in sales.

 

Kind Regards,

JoAnn

 

=====================================================================

Post subject: Medicinal Components of Gingko Biloba

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Medicinal Components of Gingko Biloba

 

 

Extracts from the leaves of the Gingko tree are used medicinally.

The gingko biloba extract is marketed in Europe under the trade

names:

 

Tanakan, Rokan, Ginkogobil, Kaveri, and Tebonin -

a well-defined complex product prepared from the green leaves.

 

Extracts identical to these preparations are available in the United

States as food supplements. The culturing, harvesting and extracting

techniques have been thoroughly standardized and require careful

control.

 

The active components of Gingko leaves are the gingko flavone

'glycosides' and gingko 'heterosides' (flavonoid molecules to which are

attached sugars unique to the gingko) several terpene molecules unique

to gingko (gingkolides and bilobalide, and organic acids.

 

The three major backbone flavonoids of the Gingko biloba are

quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetine.

 

The sugar (glucoside components include glucose and rhamnose, which

are present as single sugars or as disaccharides (two sugar molecules

attached to each other.) Other significant flavonoid components of GBE

include

proanthocyanidins (see Grape seed extract)

 

Other constituents of GBE include a number of organic acids. These

compounds contribute valuable properties to the extract by making

the (usually water-soluble) flavonoid and terpene molecules of ginkgo

water soluble.

 

Gingko leaf extracts are now among the leading prescription

medicines in both Germany and France, where they account for 1.0 and 1.5

percent, respectively, of total prescription sales. In 1989 alone, more

than 100,000 physicians worldwide wrote more than 10 million

prescriptions for GBE.

 

The total extract is more active than its single components of GBE-

an explanation that is well supported in more than 300 clinical and

experimental studies utilizing the extract.

 

Tissue effects

 

Ginkgo biloba extract exerts a profound, widespread influence on

tissue, including membrane-stabilizing, antioxidant, and free radical-

scavenging effects. Ginkgo biloba extract also enhances the utilization

of oxygen and glucose.

 

Cellular membranes provide the first line of defense in maintaining

the integrity of the cell.

 

Largely composed of fatty acids (phospholipids), cellular membranes

also serve as fluid barriers, exchange sites, and electrical

capacitors.

 

These membranes are fragile and vulnerable to damage especially the

lipid " peroxidation " induced by oxygenated free radicals. Gingko is an

extremely effective " inhibitor " of lipid peroxidation of cellular

membranes.

 

Red blood cells provide excellent models for evaluating the effects

of substances on membrane functions.

 

Red blood cell studies utilizing GBE have demonstrated that in

addition to directly stabilizing membrane structures and scavenging free

 

radicals, GBE also enhances membrane transport of potassium into

(and sodium out of) the cell by activating the sodium pump (Very

beneficial in controlling High blood pressure).

 

In essence, GBE leads to better membrane polarization. This is

particularly important in excitable tissues, such as nerve cells.

 

Vascular effects

 

The mechanisms of GBE's vascular effects have been investigated

utilizing a number of " in vivo " and " in vitro " techniques.

Isolated

vessel techniques allow the effects of GBE on different parts of the

vascular system to be isolated, while in vivo studies provide

information on the total circulatory phenomena (i.e., GBE's ability

to increase the perfusion rate to various regions).

 

Gingko biloba extract stimulates greater tone in the venous system,

thus aiding the dynamic clearing of toxic metabolites that accumulate

during 'ischemia' (times of insufficient oxygen supply).

 

Gingko biloba extract normalizes circulation by producing tonic

effects. These effects are much more apparent in an ischemic vascular

area than in a normally perfused area. It is truly remarkable that a

substance

can simultaneously combat the phenomena resulting from vascular spasm

and with the same efficiency; restore circulation to areas subject to

vasomotor paralysis.

 

The importance of this dual action is becoming more apparent in

cerebral nsufficiency as single-direction drugs (i.e. vasodilators), can

 

often aggravate the condition by preferentially dilating the healthy

areas, thereby deflecting blood and oxygen AWAY from the ischemic area.

 

Future applications of Ginkgo Biloba extract

 

Experimental studies as well as some preliminary clinical evidence

indicate that GBE may be of benefit in cases of angina, congestive

heart failure, and in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

 

Its action on inhibiting platelet activating factor may also make it

useful in the treatment of conditions other than allergies,

including

various types of shock, thrombosis, graft protection during organ

transplantation, multiple sclerosis, and burns.

 

Clinical research shows that GBE should be taken consistently for at

least 12 weeks to be effective. Although most people report benefits

within 2 to 3 weeks, some may take longer to respond.

Gingko biloba leaf extract is extremely safe and side effects are

uncommon.

 

Nerve cell effects

 

The membrane stabilizing and free radical scavenging effects of GBE

are perhaps most evident in the brain and nerve cells.

 

Brain cells

contain the highest percentage of " unsaturated fatty acids " in their

membranes of any cells in the body, making them extremely susceptible to

free radical damage.

 

The brain cell is also extremely susceptible to hypoxia. Unlike most

other tissues, the brain has very little energy reserve.

Its functions require large amounts of energy in the form of a constant

supply of glucose and oxygen.

 

Diminished circulation to the brain sets off a set of chain reactions

that " disrupt " membrane function and energy

production and ultimately lead to cellular death.

 

Gingko biloba extract is remarkable in its ability to prevent

metabolic disturbances in experimental models of insufficient blood

supply to the brain.

 

It accomplishes this by enhancing oxygen utilization and increasing

cellular uptake of glucose, thus restoring energy production.

Particularly interesting is GBE's ability to normalize the

circulation in the areas most affected by micro embolization, namely the

hippocampus and striatum.

 

Briefly, GBE promotes an increased " nerve transmission " rate, improves

synthesis and turnover of brain neurotransmitters, and normalizes

" acetylcholine receptors " in the hippocampus (the area of the brain

most affected by Alzheimer's disease.)

 

Peripheral arterial insuffiency

 

Peripheral arterial disease has as its primary lesion the same

cholesterol-containing plaque that is responsible for other

conditions associated with atherosclerosis, for example, coronary artery

disease nd cerebral vascular insuffiency.

 

In peripheral arterial insufficency the arterial obstruction or

narrowing causes a reduction in blood flow during exercise or at

rest.

 

Clinical symptoms cause a reduction in blood flow during exercise or

at rest. Clinical symptoms are caused by the consequent ischemia. The

most common symptom is a pain on exertion-intermittent claudication.

 

The pain usually occurs in the calf and is described as a cramp or

tightness,

or severe fatigue. The pain is usually bilateral. The pain is caused

not only by reduced oxygen delivery, but also by an increase in the

production of toxic metabolites and cellular free radicals.

These free radicals accumulate and react with the lipid constituents

of the cell membrane.

 

Pain at rest indicates serious reduction in resting blood flow. It

is an obvious sign of severe disease. The pain may be localized to one

or more toes, or it may have a stocking-type distribution. The pain is

usually described as burning or gnawing and is generally worse at night.

 

A purple color or pallor of the extremity is usually apparent. In

moderate to sever narrowing of the artery, the skin can become dry,

scaly,

and shiny. The hair may disappear, and toenails may become brittle,

ridged, and deformed.

 

In nine double-blind, randomized clinical trials of GBE versus

placebo in two matched groups of patients with peripheral arterial

insufficiency of the leg, GBE was shown to be quite active and superior

to placebo

(eight studies) and equal to pentoxifylline (one study).

 

Not only were measurements of pain-free walking distance (75 to 110

percent_ and maximum walking distance 52 to 110 percent)

dramatically increased, but plethyamographic and Doppler ultrasound

measurements demonstrated increased blood flow through the affected

limb; blood lactate levels also dropped.

 

The demonstration that Ginkgo biloba extract improves limb blood

flow as well as walking tolerance (in studies following strict

methodology and sufficient patients for reliable evaluation) indicates

that GBE is far superior to peritoxifylline and standard medical therapy

in the treatment of peripheral arterial insufficiency.

 

This includes other peripheral vascular disorders such as diabetic

peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's disease, acrocyanosis, and

postphlebitis syndrome.

 

The longer GBE is used, the greater the benefit. The following table

summarizes a 2-year trial of GBE (160 mgs daily) in the treatment of

peripheral arterial disease (Fontaine stage IIb). Pain free walking

distance increased by 300 percent.

 

Platelet effects

 

Gingko biloba extract and isolated ginkgolides have profound effects

on platelet function,

including inhibition of platelet aggregation,

inhibition of platelet adhesion, and degranulation (release of

allergic and inflammatory components).

 

These effects appear to be due to direct membrane and antioxidant

effects, increase synthesis of prostacyclin and the antagonism of a

substance known as platelet-activating factor (PAF).

 

Gingko biloba extract and the ginkgolides have been shown to be

potent inhibitors of PAF. Platelet-activating factor is a potent

stimulator

of platelet aggregation and degranulation.

 

It is also involved in many inflammatory and allergic processes

including neutrophil activation, increasing vascular permeability ,

smooth muscle contraction including bronchoconstriction, and

reduction in coronary blood flow.

 

Gingko extract and ginkgolides compete with PAF for binding sites and

inhibit the various events induced by PAF.

These actions may be responsible for many of the clinical effects of

GBE.

 

Clinical Applications

 

Ginkgo biloba extracts primary clinical application has been in the

treatment of vascular insufficency. In more than fifty double blind

clinical trials, patients with chronic cerebral (brain) arterial

insufficiency and patients with arterial insufficiency have

responded favorably to GBE.

 

Key uses:

 

1) Cerebral Vascular insufficiency

(insufficient blood flow to the brain)

2) Dementia

3) Depression

4) Premenstrual syndrome

5) Peripheral Vascular insufficiency (intermittent claudication,

Raynaud's disease, etc.)

6) Multiple Sclerosis

7) Neuralgia and neuropathy

Inner ear dysfunction (tinnitus)

9) Vascular fragility

10) Retinopathy (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc.)

11) Impotence

 

 

" The Healing Power of Herbs "

By Michael T. Murray, N.D.

Co-author of " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

 

Warning-Disclaimer

 

Prima Publishing has designed this book to provide information in

regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding

that the publisher and the author are not liable for the misconception

or

misuse of information provided. Every effort has been made to make

this book as complete and as accurate as possible. The purpose of

this book is to educate. The author and Prima Publishing shall have

neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with

respect to any loss, damage or injury caused or alleged to be caused

directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book. The

information presented herein is in no way intended as a substitute for

medical counseling.

________________

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

-

Benefits of Ginkgo biloba

===================================================================

 

Extracts from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree have been used

therapeutically in China for millennia. According to fossil records, the

 

ginkgo tree has been around for over 200 million years and is one of the

 

oldest still existing tree species on earth. Individual trees live up to

 

1,000 years.

 

Ginkgo, like ginseng, is mentioned in the traditional Chinese

pharmacopoeia.

 

Ginkgo extracts are among the most widely studied and prescribed drugs

in Europe to alleviate symptoms associated with a wide range of

conditions.

 

The main indications for these extracts are peripheral

vascular disease and the therapy of age related cognitive decline.

 

Ginkgo biloba is a mind booster underutilized by the medical profession.

 

 

What's in Ginkgo biloba?

 

Ginkgo contains many different substances but most of them fall into two

 

main categories: Terpenoid lactones and Flavonoids. The most unique

components of ginkgo extracts are the terpene trilactones which are

structurally complex molecules.

 

Terpene lactones give ginkgo a bitter

and strong flavor. The most important terpenes are the ginkgolides and

bilobides. Ginkgolides have not yet been found in any other living plant

species.

 

Other compounds in ginkgo biloba include proanthocyanidins,

carboxylic acids and non-flavone glycosides

 

Flavonoids are natural substances that are also found in fruits and

vegetables. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, have an influence on the

immune system, and interfere with tumor formation.

 

Ginkgo contains many flavonoids but the most concentrated are

kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin.

 

Most ginkgo products on the market list a flavonoid concentration of

24%. You will often see 24% printed on packages or bottles of ginkgo.

 

How Does Ginkgo Work?

 

The active ingredients in gingko are believed to have their beneficial

effects by acting as antioxidants, preventing red blood cells and

platelets from aggregating to form clots,

 

allowing more oxygen to reach neurons,

 

and improving circulation in tiny blood vessels by inducing

relaxation of the muscles surrounding blood vessels.

 

Even circulation to the eyes improves when subjects are given ginkgo.

 

Clinical Uses of ginkgo biloba

 

The primary indications for ginkgo biloba are age related cognitive

decline (ARCD) and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Age related cognitive decline is a term that describes a collection of

symptoms.

These include difficulty in concentration and memory, absent-mindedness,

confusion, lack of

mental energy, and sometimes, depressive mood.

 

Some of these symptoms may be associated with not enough blood reaching

the brain, hence a potential justification for the use of gingko in

lessening these symptoms.

 

Ginkgo improves " communication " between nerve cells and enhances blood

flow to the brain.

 

It is licensed in Germany for the treatment of ARCD. Ginkgo may have

promise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's when

used together with other conventional medicines.

 

A well publicized study in the Journal of the American Medical

Association indicated that 120 mg

of ginkgo extract per day for one year was able to improve

*cognitive* 'performance' in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Ginkgo may show a beneficial effect on attention, memory and

functioning in Multiple Sclerosis patients as well.

 

Patients with dementia are helped by ginkgo.

 

However, it is unlikely that those with normal memory function will

notice a significant effect from ginkgo.

 

Ginkgo Biloba-24%,

Enzymatic Therapy

---

www.enzy.com

 

Enzymatic Therapy's Ginkgo Biloba-24% is standardized for its potency

and natural constituents to produce the finest botanical extract

available to support improved short-term memory and mild memory

problems.

 

Developed in accordance with monograph standards set forth by

the German Commission E.

 

 

Ginkgo and Liver

 

Ginkgo is able to protect the liver from damage since it has antioxidant

properties, prevents lipid peroxidation and replenishes the glutathione

level. The effects of ginkgo were comparable to that of silymarin.

 

What Dosages of Ginkgo Are Best?

 

The majority of the studies done thus far with ginkgo have used daily

dosages of 120 to 160 mg (50:1 concentration, 24% flavonoids). Patients

generally took 40 milligrams three to four times a day. Treatment may be

 

needed for a few weeks before positive results can be fully appreciated.

 

Most manufacturers have pills that contain 40 or 60 mg of ginkgo.

 

You may wish to start with one 40 mg pill a day to see if there

is any improvement in memory or thinking.

 

Ginkgo is best taken early in

the day, and no later than afternoon.

 

Ginkgo has anti-platelet activity and hence may prolong the time it

takes to form a blood clot.

However, a study published in April, 2003

indicates that Coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba do not influence the

clinical effect of warfarin.

An additional study did not find ginkgo to alter platelet function or

coagulation time.

 

Ginkgo Summary

Ginkgo biloba appears to be useful in memory loss due to aging or

Alzheimer's disease, but is probably of little benefit in the young who

have normal brain function and memory.

 

Middle aged and older individuals

may find ginkgo to be helpful in sharpening the mind.

 

Because of its antioxidant properties, it may be useful in

individuals with cerebrovascular disease.

 

Due to its blood thinning properties, a dose of 60 mg a day should not

be exceeded on a daily,

long-term basis unless a health care provider monitors you.

 

Ginkgo Research Update

 

Ginkgo biloba Compared with Cholinesterase Inhibitors in the Treatment

of Dementia: A Review Based on Meta-Analyses by the Cochrane

Collaboration.

 

Kurz A, Van Baelen B. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,

Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2004 Jun 28;18(2):217-226.

 

Data were derived from the Cochrane Collaboration meta-analyses of the

efficacies of ginkgo, donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine on changes

 

in cognitive function in patients with dementia and, where necessary,

were transformed to standardized mean differences.

 

The proportion of patients discontinuing trials was used as a proxy

measure of tolerability. Outcomes were assessed after 6 months of

treatment.

Trial data for cholinesterase inhibitors were more consistent than those

for ginkgo biloba, particularly regarding patient populations and

outcome measures.

 

Age-related effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on synaptic plasticity and

excitability.

 

Williams B.The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines

Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.

Neurobiol Aging. 2004 Aug;25(7):955-62.

 

EGb 761 is a standardized extract from the Ginkgo biloba leaf and is

purported to improve age-related memory impairment. The acute and

chronic effect of Ginkgo biloba on synaptic transmission and plasticity

in hippocampal slices from young adult (8-12 weeks) and aged (18-24

months) C57Bl/6 mice was tested because hippocampal plasticity is

believed to be a key component of memory. Acutely applied Ginkgo biloba

significantly increased neuronal excitability in slices from aged mice

by reducing the population spike threshold and increased the early phase

of long-term potentiation, though there was no effect in slices from

young adults.

 

In chronically treated mice fed for 30 days with an Ginkgo

biloba-supplemented diet, Ginkgo biloba significantly increased the

population spike threshold and long-term potentiation in slices from

aged animals, but had no effect on slices from young adults. The rapid

effects of Ginkgo biloba on plasticity indicate a direct interaction

with the glutamatergic system and raise interesting implications with

respect to a mechanism explaining its effect on cognitive enhancement in

human subjects experiencing dementia.

 

Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in the treatment of peripheral

arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)--a review based on randomized,

controlled studies.

 

Surgical Department, Hospital Porz/Rhein, Koln, Germany.

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Feb;42(2):63-72.

 

OBJECTIVE: The present review gives an overview and evaluation of

clinical studies proving the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract

EGb 761 in patients with PAOD. Relevant original papers and reports on

this topic were identified by means of a literature search. Only

randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients

 

with the indication peripheral arterial occlusive disease in stage II

were included (only treatment with the oral form of Ginkgo biloba.

 

For

the selected studies the ratio theta of the walking distance between

Ginkgo biloba and placebo was calculated and a test for relevant

superiority of Ginkgo biloba was performed. In the majority of the

studies, there was an advantage of Ginkgo biloba in the increase of

pain-free walking distance compared to placebo. For 7 studies, the

advantage was found to be statistically significant.

 

Testing the

relevant superiority showed a significant result in 6 of the selected

studies. The pooled estimator of the ratio amounts to theta = 1.23 (95%

CI: 1.16, 1.31) and demonstrates the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba over

placebo as well.

 

CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms the efficacy of

Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761.

 

It demonstrates not only the statistical significance of the difference

of Ginkgo biloba with respect to placebo but also the clinical relevance

for the treatment of patients with PAOD.

 

No alteration in platelet function or coagulation induced by EGb761 in a

controlled study.

Experimental Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, IVS,

Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris, France.

Clin Lab Haematol. 2003 Aug;25(4):251-3.

 

A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was

carried out in 32 young male healthy volunteers to evaluate the effect

of three doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (120, 240 and 480 mg/day for 14

days) on hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis.

This study did not reveal any alteration of platelet function or

coagulation. This suggests that the reported clinical bleeding events in

patients receiving Ginkgo biloba extract are not related to

pharmacological properties of EGb761.

 

The effect of ginkgo biloba on healthy elderly subjects

Cieza A, Maier P, Poppel E.

Fortschr Med Orig. 2003;121:5-10.

 

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Over the past 25 years, numerous studies have

confirmed the positive effect of the special ginkgo biloba extract EGb

761 on the mental ability and emotional well-being of patients with

cognitive disorders of vascular genesis, and Alzheimer-type dementia.

 

The following study investigated the short-term effect of the special

ginkgo extract EGb 761 on the subjective emotional well-being of healthy

elderly subjects.

 

The study was designed as a randomized double-blind, monocenter study

with parallel groups. It included 66 healthy subjects

of both sexes aged between 50 and 65 with no age-related cognitive

impairments. For a period of 4 weeks, 34 subjects received a daily dose

of 240 mg ginkgo biloba , and 32 a placebo.

 

RESULTS: The final examination revealed a statistically significant

difference between the two groups for the VAS mental health and quality

of life, as also for SIS Mood at the telephone interview in week 2. A

comparison of baseline with the final examination within the groups

showed a statistically significant improvement in the ginkgo biloba

group for the variables: depression, fatigue, anger and SDS. For none of

the variables investigated was a worsening observed in the ginkgo biloba

group.

 

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a positive effect of ginkgo

biloba on the subjective emotional well-being of healthy elderly

persons.

 

 

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementia: intent-to-treat analyses of a

24-week, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized

trial.

Kanowski S, Hoerr R. Psychiatrische Klinik und Poliklinik der Freien

Universitat Berlin.

Pharmacopsychiatry. 2003 Nov;36(6):297-303.

 

In 1996, Kanowski et al. reported about the beneficial effects of ginkgo

biloba special extract EGb 761 (240 mg/day) in outpatients with

pre-senile and senile primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer

type (DAT) and multi-infarct dementia of mild to moderate severity.

After 24 weeks of treatment, the ITT analysis of the SKT and estimated

ADAS-cog scores revealed a mean decrease in the total score by -2.1

points and -2.7 points, respectively, for the ginkgo biloba group, which

 

indicates an improvement in cognitive function. On the contrary, the

placebo group exhibited only a minimal change of -1.0 and -1.3 points,

respectively.

 

The Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI, Item 2) favored the

ginkgo biloba group with a mean difference of 0.4 points. Changes in the

rating related to activities of daily living showed a favorable trend

for ginkgo biloba. The results of this ITT analysis substantiate the

outcomes previously obtained with a responder analysis of the

per-protocol population and confirm that ginkgo biloba improves

cognitive function in a clinically relevant manner in patients suffering

from dementia. The therapeutic effect is in line with the outcome of

another ginkgo biloba study conducted in the U.S.

 

 

http://www.raysahelian.com/ginkgo.html

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