Standardized for 24% Ginkgoflavinoglycosides and 6% Terpene Lactones.
- Improvement in thinking, learning, and memory (cognitive
function)
- Improvement in activities of daily living
- Improvement in social behavior
- Fewer feelings of depression
Ginkgo (
Ginkgo biloba ) is one of the oldest living tree
species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied
botanicals in use today. Unlike many other medicinal herbs, ginkgo
leaves are not frequently used in their crude state, but rather, in the
form of a concentrated, standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE).
Several studies have found that ginkgo may be as effective as
leading AD medications in delaying the symptoms of dementia in people
with this debilitating condition. In addition, ginkgo is sometimes used
preventively because it may delay the onset of AD in someone who is at
risk for this type of dementia (for example, family history).
Eye problems
The flavonoids found in ginkgo may help halt or lessen some retinal
problems (that is, problems to the back part of the eye). Retinal
damage has a number of potential causes, including diabetes and macular
degeneration. Macular degeneration (often called age-related macular
degeneration or ARMD) is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that
tends to affect older adults and is the number one cause of blindness
in the United States. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve
vision in those with ARMD.
Intermittent Claudication
Because ginkgo is reported to improve blood flow, this herb has been
studied in people with intermittent claudication (pain caused by
inadequate blood flow to the legs). People with intermittent
claudication have difficulty walking without suffering extreme pain. An
analysis of eight published studies revealed that people taking ginkgo
tend to walk roughly 34 meters farther than those taking placebo. In
fact, ginkgo has been shown to be as effective as a leading medication
in improving pain-free walking distance. However, regular walking
exercises are more beneficial than ginkgo in improving walking
distance.
Memory Impairment
Ginkgo is widely touted as a "brain herb." Researchers recently
reviewed all of the high-quality published studies on ginkgo and mild
memory impairment (in other words, people without Alzheimer's or other
form of dementia), and concluded that ginkgo was significantly more
effective than placebo in enhancing memory and cognitive function.
Ginkgo is commonly added to nutrition bars, soft drinks, and fruit
smoothies to boost memory and enhance cognitive performance, although
there is debate over whether the small amounts of ginkgo found in these
products are effective.
Tinnitus
Given that nerve damage and certain blood vessel disorders can lead
to tinnitus (the perception of ringing, hissing, or other sound in the
ears or head when no external sound is present), some researchers have
investigated whether ginkgo relieves symptoms of this hearing disorder.
Although the quality of most studies was poor, the reviewers concluded
that ginkgo moderately relieves the loudness of the tinnitus sound.
However, a well-designed study including 1,121 people with tinnitus
found that ginkgo (given 3 times daily for 3 months) was no more
effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of tinnitus. Given these
conflicting findings, the therapeutic value of ginkgo for tinnitus
remains uncertain. In general, tinnitus is a very difficult problem to
treat.
How to Take It
Initial results often take 4 - 6 weeks, but should continue to
accumulate beyond that period.
Memory impairment and cardiovascular function: Generally, 120 mg daily
in divided doses, standardized to contain 24 - 32% flavone glycosides
(flavonoids or heterosides) and 6 - 12% triterpene lactones
(terpenoids). If more serious dementia or Alzheimer's disease is
present, up to 240 mg daily, in 2 or 3 divided doses, may be necessary.