What is Ginkgo?

The Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), frequently misspelled as "Gingko", and sometimes known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a unique tree with no close living relatives. It is classified in its own division, the Ginkgophyta, comprising the single class Ginkgoopsida, order Ginkgoales, family Ginkgoaceae, genus Ginkgo and just the one species. The name ginkgo means "silver apricot" in Chinese. Other, more common names are ginkgo, Kew tree, Maidenhair tree, and Bai Guo (Chinese). It grows to a hundred feet or more, with a trunk up to eight feet in diameter. Its bark is gray and fissured. The leaves are fan-shaped and divided into two "lobes" by a notch in the center. Generally It is ginkgo leaves, that are famous for it medicinal property.The ginkgo tree was introduced to the Americas in 1784 by William Hamilton and was planted in Philadelphia.

What is the effective dosage of ginkgo supplementation?

A usual dosage of prepared, standardized Ginkgo is 50 to 200 mg per day in 2-3 divided dosges. If using tea, start with 2-3 cups per day .

What are the benefits of ginkgo supplementation?

• Ginkgo extract normalizes circulation through stimulation that causes a relaxing action in the blood veins. This stimulation releases substances such as endothelium-derived relaxing factor and prostacyclin thereby acting as a vasodilator (increase the diameter of veins/arteries). Therefore It can be used to treat intermittent claudication (cramping in legs due to decreased oxygen supply.)
• it has a antioxidant properties, it protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals (antioxidant); and it blocks many of the effects of PAF (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and CNS (Central Nervous System) disorders.
• Ginkgo's extract stabilizes cell membranes by inhibiting lipid breakdown, and acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical damage. It also aids cell use of oxygen and glucose. These properties are particularly important for brain cells, which are particularly vulnerable to free radical damage and oxygen deprivation. Brain cells are also protected by GE's ability to improve blood flow to the brain. These combined effects may allow GBE to reverse mental deterioration caused by vascular insufficiency (or insufficient blood flow).
• It appears to protect veins and arteries and preserve their tone and elasticity.
• It has powerful antioxidant properties (reducing free radical damage) thus making it a good choice for prevention and possibly reversal of stroke damage, cardiovascular problems and occlusive arterial disease,
• It improves blood flow (including arteries and capillaries) to most tissues and organs.
• It is often taken by older people as a sort of energizer to improve mood, alertness, memory, and attention span.

What are the side effects of ginkgo supplementation?

Ginkgo may cause minor stomach upset, rash, or headache in sensitive individuals. Recent studies have found that ginkgo has little or no effect on the anticoagulant properties. Ginkgo should also not be used by people who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), children and by pregnant women without first consulting a doctor. If any side effects are experienced consumption should be halted immediately.