Should you take Ginkgo Biloba supplements ?
The extract of the maidenhair tree (ginkgo biloba) is used by
millions of people across the world. Its main properties include:
1)an improvement in the circulation of the blood in the small
capillaries of the extremities
2)an antioxidant effect
3)improvement of crumbling mental prowess
Age-related mental problems can be anything from forgetfulness
to lack of attention, dizziness, tiredness, sleep disturbances,
restlessness and anxiety. Ginkgo Biloba is thought to alleviate
most of these symptoms.
Scientifically studied and endorsed benefits of Ginkgo Biloba:
1)It improves the processing of information.
2)It expands the attention span and concentration.
3)It stimulates visual memories.
4)It promotes mental well-being.
5)It blocks the platelet-activating factor which is produced
when the organism reacts to inhaled pollutants, so it reduces
inflammation in the lungs and improves asthma.
6)It improves intermittent claudication (pain on walking due to
blocked arteries).
7)One of its ingredients, bilobalide, protects the nerve cells
from damage.
8)It is effective in reducing tinnitus (noises in the ears) in
some patients.
In an experiment using 240mg extract of Ginkgo Biloba, the brain
performance of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia patients
improved. Attention and memory improvement was evident after
taking Ginkgo Biloba for six months to a year. Also, Ginkgo
Biloba improved social functioning and general brain performance
in doses of 120mg.
If you decide to try Ginkgo Biloba, your practitioner may
recommend that you take it for at least four weeks for the
effects to become apparent, but it is best to take it long term.
Side effects of Ginkgo Biloba are rare but real: headache,
dizziness, skin rash and menstrual period abnormalities.
When choosing a Ginkgo Biloba, aim for one which contains at
least 120mg of standardized extract (not raw leaf), with 24%
flavone glycosides, 6% ginkgolides and bilobalide. There are
different strengths available on the market. The prices vary
enormously and the cheapest brand isn't necessarily the best,
because it may not provide enough Ginkgo Biloba for any
worthwhile effects. Choose wisely !