Ginkgo Biloba

Product Description

Name: Ginkgo Biloba P. E.
Category: Standard Herbal Extract
Effectiveness: Cardiovascular health
Plant of Origin: Ginkgo biloba L.
Apprearance: Light brown yellow powder
Specifications of Product
Content Specifications: 24.0%Flavones 6.0% Iactones by HPLC.

Function and uses
Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years have found evidence to support these uses. Although not all studies agree, ginkgo may be especially effective in treating dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs). It also shows promise for enhancing memory in older adults. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.

Ginkgo leaves contain two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- compounds in the body that damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body and grow in number as we age. But environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of free radicals. Free radicals are believed to contribute to health problems including heart disease and cancer as well as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Antioxidants such as those found in ginkgo can help neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It was used originally because it improves blood flow to the brain. Now further study suggests it may work directly to protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimer's disease. A number of studies have found that gingko has a positive effect on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia. Clinical studies suggest that ginkgo may provide the following benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease.

Fewer feelings of depression
Several studies have found that ginkgo may be as effective as prescription Alzheimer's medications in delaying the symptoms of dementia. However, one of the longest and best-designed studies found ginkgo was no better than placebo in reducing Alzheimer's symptoms. In a 2008 study, 176 people in the United Kingdom with Alzheimer's took either ginkgo or placebo for 6 months. At the end of the study there was no difference in cognitive function or quality of life between the groups.

Intermittent Claudication
Because ginkgo improves blood flow, it has been studied in people with intermittent claudication (pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs). People with intermittent claudication have a hard time walking without feeling 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 prescription medication in improving pain-free walking distance. However, regular walking exercises are more beneficial than ginkgo in improving walking distance.
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