Ginkgo Increases Blood Flow To The Brain .
What Is Ginkgo? This
popular herbal medicine 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 and now grows throughout the world. (The
leaves are double, or bi-lobed; hence the name biloba.) Long
used in traditional Chinese medicine, it is only in the last few
decades that the medicinal uses for the herb have been studied
in the West.
Recently Ginkgo has
received a great deal of attention for its potential as a memory
booster. But while the herb has been found to help with
age-related memory loss, claims that its a smart pill and
universally useful are dubious. Studies do indicate that the
herb can have beneficial effects on the circulatory and central
nerve systems, however, and it has been shown to act as an
antioxidant as well.
An extract of Ginkgo
biloba extract (GBE) is used to make the supplement. It is
obtained by drying and milling the leaves and then extracting
their active ingredients. When buying supplements, look for
preparations containing GBE to be sure you get the greatest
benefit.
Health Benefits of Ginkgo:
By regulating the tone and elasticity of blood vessels, Ginkgo
increases blood flow to the brain and extremities, making it
particularly useful for circulatory ailments. Research has also
shown that Ginkgo can
enhance the nervous system by promoting the delivery of
additional oxygen and blood sugar (glucose) to nerve cells. As
an antioxidant, Ginkgo mops
up the damaging compounds known as free radicals and aids in
cell maintenance.
Specifically, Ginkgo may
help to:
Slow the progression of Alzheimers symptoms. Controlled studies
have shown that because Ginkgo aids
blood flow to the brain, it can improve memory in some people
with this memory-robbing condition. Findings indicate that it is
people already suffering from Alzheimers (and other age-related
memory problems) who benefit most, not those who are healthy. In
a 12-month study of 202 patients with dementia, many of whom
also had Alzheimers, those given 120 mg of Ginkgo
biloba extract a day experienced a greater improvement (or
stabilization in their mental and social functions) than those
given a placebo. The effects were modest and of limited
duration, however.
Relieve depression, anxiety, headaches, ringing in the ears
(tinnitus), and dizziness. Each of these ailments--like
Alzheimers--has been linked to reduced blood flow to the brain.
In older adults in particular, this problem is often caused by
cholesterol buildup in the arteries. By improving blood
circulation (including that to the brain), Ginkgo may
be useful for treating these disorders in older people
especially.
Alleviate the symptoms of Raynauds disease and intermittent
claudication. By improving blood circulation to the extremities,
Ginkgo
helps ease the painful coldness in the hands and feet that is
associated with this ailment. It can also reduce the calf
cramping and leg weakness of intermittent claudication, a
circulatory problem caused by hardening of the leg arteries.
Reduce macular degeneration and control cataracts. Some studies
suggest that Ginkgo may
be of value in treating macular degeneration because it
increases blood flow to the nerve-rich fibers of the eyes. The
herbs antioxidant capabilities may also help to neutralize the
cell-damaging free radicals that are considered a leading cause
of this disorder. Ginkgo
bilobas powerful antioxidant and circulation-promoting
properties may also be of help in treating the blurring and
dimming of vision caused by cataracts.
Treat complications due to diabetes. Ginkgo has
been shown to be useful in treating diabetic neuropathy, the
nerve damage resulting from poor circulation to the extremities
that is common in diabetes sufferers. Animal studies have shown
that Ginkgo may
also help prevent diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can
cause blindness.
Counter impotence.,br> Ginkgo
biloba extract may enhance the treatment of erectile dysfunction
due to poor blood flow resulting from atherosclerosis of the
penis. Ultrasound examinations of 60 impotent men who took Ginkgo
biloba showed improved penile blood circulation after six weeks.
After six months, 50% of the patients had regained potency.
Continuing studies are investigating Ginkgos
potential in treating this problem.
Reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. By reducing the
stickiness of the blood, as aspirin does, Ginkgo may
lower the risk of blood clots and possibly reduce the risk of
heart attacks or stroke. Studies are also evaluating the herbs
effectiveness in speeding recovery from stroke.
Ease asthmatic attacks. Long used in China for this ailment, Ginkgo seems
to help relieve the airway spasms and wheezing associated with
this lung disease.
Optimize brain power. While there are no studies showing that
Ginkgo
can prevent memory loss in healthy people, proponents suggest it
can help mental decline and optimize brain function. These
effects may be due to Ginkgos
ability to increase blood flow to the brain.
Note: Ginkgo
biloba has also been found to be useful for a number of other
disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see our
Dosage Recommendations Chart for Ginkgo
Biloba.
Forms of Ginkgo:
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