Product 6/12
WHAT IT IS The medicinal form of the herb is extracted from the fan-shaped leaves of the ancient ginkgo biloba tree, a species that has survived in China for more than 200 million years. (The leaves are double- or bi-lobed, hence the name "biloba.") A concentrated form of the herb, ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), is used to make the supplement. Commonly called ginkgo, GBE is obtained by drying and milling the leaves and then extracting the active ingredients in a mixture of acetone and water.
WHAT IT DOES Ginkgo may be beneficial for the following:
The fact that ginkgo aids blood flow to the brain - thus increasing oxygen - is of particular relevance to older people, whose arteries may have narrowed with cholesterol buildup or other conditions. Diminished blood flow has been linked to Alzheimer's and memory loss, as well as to anxiety, headaches, depression, confusion, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. All may be helped by ginkgo.
Ginkgo may also have beneficial effects on both the circulatory and the central nervous systems. It increases blood flow to the brain and to the arms and legs by regulating the tone and elasticity of blood vessels, from the largest arteries to the tiniest capillaries. It also acts like aspirin by helping to reduce the "stickiness" of the blood, thereby lowering the risk of blood clots. Ginkgo appears to have antioxidant properties as well, mopping up the damaging compounds known as free radicals and aiding in the maintenance of healthy blood cells. And some researchers report that it enhances the nervous system by promoting the delivery of additional oxygen and blood sugar (glucose) to nerve cells.
In addition, by increasing blood flow to the nerve-rich fibers of the eyes and ears, some studies suggest that ginkgo may be of value in treating macular degeneration or diabetes-related eye disease (both leading causes of blindness), as well as some types of hearing loss. Ongoing studies are assessing the possible effectiveness of ginkgo in speeding up recovery from certain strokes and head injuries, as well as in treating other conditions that may be related to circulatory or nervous system impairment, including impotence, multiples sclerosis, and nerve damage tied to diabetes. Traditional Chinese healers have long used ginkgo for asthma, because the herb appears to alleviate wheezing and other respiratory complaints.
Ginkgo biloba also promotes blood flow to the arms and legs, making it useful for reducing the pain, cramping, and weakness caused by narrowed arteries in the leg, a disorder called intermittent claudication. There are indications that the herb may improve circulation to the extremities in those with Raynaud's disease, or help victims of scleroderma, an uncommon autoimmune disorder.
Other ingredients: Vegetable capsules, stabilized rice bran, magnesium stearate
Suggested Use: Take one capsule, one to three times daily. Take consistently each day for best results.
As a general memory booster and for poor circulation, take 120 mg (1 capsule) daily. For Alzheimer's disease, depression, tinnitus, dizziness, impotence, or other conditions caused by insufficient blood flow the brain, take up to 3 capsules per day.
It commonly takes four to six weeks, and in some cases up to 12 weeks, to notice the herb's effects. You can take ginkgo with or without food.
Generally, ginkgo biloba is considered safe for long-term use in recommended dosages.
In rare cases, ginkgo may cause irritability, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, though these effects are usually mild and transient. People starting the herb may also notice a headache during the first day or two of use. If side effects are bothersome, discontinue it or reduce the dosage.
WARNING: People who take prescription blood-thinning medications or who regularly take over-the-counter painkillers should consult a health care provider before using ginkgo, as the combination can result in internal bleeding.
As always, consult your physician before taking supplements, especially if you have a medical or psychiatric condition, or are pregnant or lactating.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
