Ginkgo

Christopher Hobbs:

“Modern research supports the use of ginkgo leaf extracts to improve circulation and protect blood vessels. It increases blood flow to the brain, improving brain function, including short-term memory and alertness, and when taken long-term can benefit tinnitis sufferers. Because of its circulatory stimulating properties, this herb has also been of benefit in peripheral arterial disease, increasing the distance people can walk without pain. Ginkgo is also known as a good antioxidant. Ginkgo extracts have shown promise for treating and preventing macular degeneration, Alzheimers syndrome, which affects memory and alertness in the elderly, as well as a host of autoimmune disorders such as asthma and hepatitis.
Ginkgo is available as a standardized, concentrated (24%) extract in capsules, tablets, or in liquid form. The usual dose is 60 mg/day. Try this kind of potent extract if you have moderate to severe pathology, such as circulatory problems or ringing in the ears, where a consistently strong remedy is indicated. It is often best to consult with a qualified herbalist or other health care practitioner before using ginkgo in this form.

Ginkgo has a taste of BITTER, SOUR, ASTRINGENT and a temperature of COOL.”

Herbalist and Naturopath Perspective

• Traditional Uses: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ginkgo is valued for its ability to enhance memory, treat respiratory issues, and improve circulation. Herbalists often recommend it for cognitive function and mental clarity, making it popular for managing age-related cognitive decline.
• Preparation and Usage: Typically, the leaves are dried and processed into extracts, standardized for flavonoids and terpenoids (two active compound classes in ginkgo) thought to contribute to its effects. Ginkgo seeds are also used but require special preparation, as raw seeds contain toxic substances.

2. Chemistry

• Active Compounds: The primary active compounds in ginkgo leaves include flavonoid glycosides, terpenoids (like ginkgolides and bilobalide), and organic acids.
  • Flavonoids (such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin) exhibit antioxidant effects.
  • Terpenoids (particularly ginkgolides A, B, C, J, and bilobalide) have shown neuroprotective and circulatory benefits.
• Mechanisms of Action: Ginkgo compounds are believed to exert multiple biological effects, such as scavenging free radicals (antioxidant activity), increasing nitric oxide production (which helps dilate blood vessels), and improving blood flow. The terpenoids have been found to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF), reducing blood clots and inflammation.

3. Pharmacology

• Cognitive Effects: Ginkgo has been found to have neuroprotective properties, partly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These may protect nerve cells from age-related degeneration and improve memory and mental processing speed.
• Circulatory Benefits: Ginkgo enhances blood flow, particularly in the small blood vessels of the brain, which is thought to be one reason it supports cognitive function. Improved microcirculation may also benefit people with intermittent claudication and other circulation-related issues.
• Antioxidant Properties: Ginkgo’s flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress in the brain and other organs, which is beneficial for conditions linked to oxidative damage, such as neurodegenerative diseases.
• 4. Summary of Clinical Trials

• Cognitive Health and Dementia: Numerous studies, including the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study, have investigated ginkgo’s effect on memory and cognitive decline. While results are mixed, some trials report modest cognitive improvements, particularly in older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment. However, others found no significant effect on dementia prevention.
• Circulatory Benefits: Studies on intermittent claudication (leg pain due to poor circulation) have demonstrated some improvement in pain-free walking distance. Results vary, but ginkgo appears to benefit individuals with mild circulatory issues.
• Overall Efficacy: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that ginkgo may offer some cognitive and circulatory benefits, particularly for mild symptoms, but that it is not a definitive treatment for dementia. The evidence for its effectiveness remains inconclusive in some areas due to variability in study quality and standardization of extracts.

In summary, ginkgo biloba shows promise in supporting cognitive health and circulation, with a relatively good safety profile when used appropriately. While clinical trials reveal some efficacy, further research is needed to solidify its role in treating or preventing age-related cognitive decline.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs