 |
Features
HISTORY
Ginkgo is the oldest surviving species of tree and is often
referred to as "the living fossil". Fossil records indicate that
it probably originated during the Permian period about 250
million years ago. The tree ranged worldwide during the
Paleozoic era and went into decline before the Ice Age,
eventually retreating to the mountain forests of China.
That Ginkgo is the only living species of its family speaks of the
tree’s hardiness. The first green growth to emerge in the city of
Hiroshima after the atomic blast was Ginkgo. The properties of
Ginkgo were first recorded around 2,800 BC. In Chinese folk
medicine the leaf was used to support the respiratory system.
It’s truly amazing that Ginkgo, an ancient tree seeded millions
of years ago, has survived to impart such a profound influence
on human physiology.
COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Modern day uses of Ginkgo are well established. In Europe it is
used extensively to support cognitive function. Ginkgo and its
constituents are the subjects of over 400 scientific
publications, making it one of the most researched herbal
products. Numerous clinical trials have documented Ginkgo’s
effects on cognitive function. Ginkgo has been shown to affect
recall, recognition memory, reaction time, attention,
concentration, psychomotor function, mood, information
processing, and energy levels.
Many clinical trials have been conducted on concentration and
memory, absentmindedness, confusion, lack of energy,
decreased physical performance, and anxiety. In one of the
earliest placebo-controlled double-blind trials, patients
demonstrated improvements in short term memory,
concentration power, attention span, and mental flexibility.
One of the first reviews of Ginkgo was published in the journal
Lancet in 1992. The authors reviewed over 40 double-blind
controlled trials of Ginkgo and cerebral function. After
reviewing the trials, the authors concluded that Ginkgo is an
effective support for cerebral function.
A 52-week randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled, multicenter
trial was conducted on 309 people. Subjects received
either 40 mg of Ginkgo extract (24% Gingko flavonoids) three
times a day, or a placebo. Compared to the subjects taking the
placebo, those taking Gingko showed improvement in cognitive
function. The authors concluded that Ginkgo was safe and
appears capable of stabilizing and improving both cognitive
performance and social functioning. Recently, an analysis of
this study was performed to determine the efficacy of 26
weeks of treatment. After a six-month period, Gingko was
effective in two areas: cognitive performance and social
behavior. There was a significant worsening in all areas of
assessment in the placebo group. There were no differences
between Ginkgo and placebo with regards to side effects.
Randomized, double blind placebo-controlled studies have also
found Ginkgo to be effective in ordinary age-related memory
loss. In two trials, healthy participants demonstrated an
improvement in memory and improved speed of information
processing.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Many diverse actions contribute to the overall effectiveness of
Gingko. Not all of these mechanisms have been elucidated.
Actions that possibly contribute to its effectiveness include
direct and indirect antioxidant activity, neurotransmitter/
receptor modulation, platelet activating factor antagonism, and
neuroprotective actions. The combined therapeutic effects are
probably greater than that of an individual mechanism and are
perhaps the result of the synergistic effects of multiple
constituents of the total extract.
Note: The intention of this information is to represent the
traditional use of the herb and to inform the reader of any
evolving inquiry relevant to the herb.
DOSAGE/BEST TAKEN
Take 30-40 drops of extract in a small amount of water 3-4 times daily between meals.
Serving Size: 30 drops
EXTRACT†
Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba)
STANDARDIZED TO FULL SPECTRUM ACTIVITY PROFILE PER DOSE
Flavone Glycosides 2 mg.†
†Daily value not established
Other ingredients: 55-65% Pure Vegetable Glycerin, Water
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
