Ginkgo Biloba
Antioxidant Increases Circulation

A Ginkgo Biloba tree in Shandong Province China is said to be over 3000 years old. It is one of the toughest trees in the plant kingdom. There trees which withstood the nuclear blasts at Hiroshima and are still alive and healthy today. The male ginkgo tree is very popular in cities because it withstand high toxicity levels.

The tree, its leaves and fruit have been used for centuries as an integral part of Chinese medicine. The leaves are the primary part of the plant which is used for medicinal purposes. The plant is heavy in flavonoids which makes it a good antioxidant. The Chinese use it for strengthening the heart and lungs and to increase circulation. Ginkgo Biloba not only has a lot of controversy about its uses but it also has trouble with the spelling of its name. It is also spelled ginko biloba and gingko biloba.

For years people thought it might be of a benefit to Alzheimer’s patients but there has been no research or studies which have been able to show this. It was also thought to be able to prevent Alzheimer’s, heart disease and circulatory problems but studies have never shown any proof of that either. There is much disagreement on these studies.

On the other hand the Mayo Clinic reports that “Available evidence demonstrates ginkgo's efficacy in the management of intermittent claudication, Alzheimer's/multi-infarct dementia, and "cerebral insufficiency" (a syndrome thought to be secondary to atherosclerotic disease, characterized by impaired concentration, confusion, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety).”

My experience with this antioxidant herb is in the realm of intermittent claudication which in short is poor circulation in the legs. Ginko Biloba seems to be effective in improving circulation in the smallest of our blood vessels in the brain, feet, toes, fingers and hands. Maryland University states” Laboratory studies have shown that GBE improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.”

The University of Maryland further states,”More than 40 components isolated from the ginkgo tree have been identified, but only two are believed to be responsible for the herb's beneficial effects in humans -- flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids (such as quercetin and rutin) have potent antioxidant effects. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

There are two types of Ginko Biloba available. extracts and powders. The studies and the university research have all been done using standardized Gingko Biloba extract. 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.

I use standardized Ginkgo Biloba in all of our complex whole food supplements as the same ratios mentioned above. We call it 24/6. We also have available Ginko Biloba powder which is the least expensive way to find the product. Ours is 120 caps 450mg per capsule. Many people feel it works better because it is the entire leaf in powder form.

In accordance with the FDA these products are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of your health care professional.

Ginkgo Biloba To Antioxidant Foods