Gingko Biloba-Health Benefits

[Guest guest]

Gingko Biloba-Health Benefits JoAnn Guest

Jul 12, 2002 11:44 PDT

 

Gingko Biloba

 

Key uses:

 

1) Cerebral Vascular insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the

brain)

2) Dementia

3) Depression

4) Premenstrual syndrome

5) Peripheral Vascular insufficiency (intermittent claudication,

Raynaud's disease, etc.)

6) Multiple Sclerosis

7) Neuralgia and neuropathy

8) Inner ear dysfunction (tinnitus)

9) Vascular fragility

10) Retinopathy (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc.)

11) Impotence

 

Extracts from the leaves of the Gingko tree

are used medicinally.

 

The gingko biloba extract is marketed in Europe under the trade names

Tanakan, Rokan, Ginkogobil, Kaveri, and Tebonin is a well-defined

complex product prepared from the green leaves.

 

Extracts identical to these preparations are available in the United

States as food supplements. The culturing, harvesting and extracting

techniques have been thoroughly standardized and require careful

control.

 

The active components of Gingko leaves are the gingko flavone

glycosides

and gingko heterosides (flavonoid molecules to which are attached

sugars

unique to the gingko) several terpene molecules unique to gingko

(gingkolides and bilobalide, and organic acids.

 

The three major backbone flavonoids of the Gingko biloba are

quercetin,

kaempferol, and isorhamnetine.

The sugar (glucoside components include glucose and rhamnose, which

are

present as single sugars or as disaccharides (two sugar molecules

attached to each other.)

 

Other significant flavonoid components of GBE include

proanthocyanidins

(see Grape seed extract)

 

Other constituents of GBE include a number of organic acids. These

compounds contribute valuable properties to the extract by making the

(usually water-soluble) flavonoid and terpene molecules of ginkgo

water

soluble.

 

Gingko leaf extracts are now among the leading prescription medicines

in

both Germany and France, where they account for 1.0 and 1.5 percent,

respectively, of total prescription sales. In 1989 alone, more than

100,000 physicians worldwide wrote more than 10 million prescriptions

for GBE.

 

The total extract is more active than its single components of GBE-an

explanation that is well supported in more than 300 clinical and

experimental studies utilizing the extract.

 

Tissue effects

 

Ginkgo biloba extract exerts a profound, widespread influence on

tissue,

including membrane-stabilizing, antioxidant, and free radical-

scavenging

effects. Ginkgo biloba extract also enhances the utilization of

oxygen

and glucose.

 

Cellular membranes provide the first line of defense in maintaining

the

integrity of the cell.

 

Largely composed of fatty acids (phospholipids), cellular membranes

also serve as fluid barriers, exchange sites, and electrical

capacitors.

 

These membranes are fragile and vulnerable to damage especially the

lipid peroxidation induced by oxygenated free radicals. Gingko is an

extremely effective inhibitor of lipid peroxidation of cellular

membranes.

Red blood cells provide excellent models for evaluating the effects

of

substances on membrane functions.

 

Red blood cell studies utilizing GBE have demonstrated that in

addition

to directly stabilizing membrane structures and scavenging free

radicals, GBE also enhances membrane transport of potassium into (and

sodium out of) the cell by activating the sodium pump (Very

beneficial

in controlling High blood pressure).

In essence, GBE leads to better membrane polarization. This is

particularly important in excitable tissues, such as nerve cells.

 

Vascular effects

 

The mechanisms of GBE's vascular effects have been investigated

utilizing a number of " in vivo " and " in vitro " techniques. Isolated

vessel techniques allow the effects of GBE on different parts of the

vascular system to be isolated, while in vivo studies provide

information on the total circulatory phenomena (i.e., GBE's ability

to

increase the perfusion rate to various regions).

 

Gingko biloba extract stimulates greater tone in the venous system,

thus

aiding the dynamic clearing of toxic metabolites that accumulate

during

ischemia (times of insufficient oxygen supply).

 

Gingko biloba extract normalizes circulation by producing tonic

effects.

These effects are much more apparent in an ischemic vascular area

than

in a normally perfused area. It is truly remarkable that a substance

can

simultaneously combat the phenomena resulting from vascular spasm and

with the same efficiency; restore circulation to areas subject to

vasomotor paralysis.

 

The importance of this dual action is becoming more apparent in

cerebral

insufficiency as single-direction drugs (i.e. vasodilators), can

often

aggravate the condition by preferentially dilating the healthy areas,

thereby deflecting blood and oxygen AWAY from the ischemic area.

 

Future applications of Ginkgo Biloba extract

 

Experimental studies as well as some preliminary clinical evidence

indicate that GBE may be of benefit in cases of angina, congestive

heart

failure, and in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

 

Its action on inhibiting platelet activating factor may also make it

useful in the treatment of conditions other than allergies, including

various types of shock, thrombosis, graft protection during organ

transplantation, multiple sclerosis, and burns.

 

Clinical research shows that GBE should be taken consistently for at

least 12 weeks to be effective. Although most people report benefits

within 2 to 3 weeks, some may take longer to respond.

Gingko biloba leaf extract is extremely safe and side effects are

uncommon.

 

Nerve cell effects

 

The membrane stabilizing and free radical scavenging effects of GBE

are

perhaps most evident in the brain and nerve cells. Brain cells

contain

the highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in their membranes

of

any cells in the body, making them extremely susceptible to free

radical

damage.

 

The brain cell is also extremely susceptible to hypoxia. Unlike most

other tissues, the brain has very little energy reserve. Its

functions

require large amounts of energy in the form of a constant supply of

glucose and oxygen. Diminished circulation to the brain sets off a

set

of chain reactions that disrupt membrane function and energy

production and ultimately lead to cellular death.

 

Gingko biloba extract is remarkable in its ability to prevent

metabolic

disturbances in experimental models of insufficient blood supply to

the

brain.

 

It accomplishes this by enhancing oxygen utilization and increasing

cellular uptake of glucose, thus restoring energy production.

Particularly interesting is GBE's ability to normalize the

circulation

in the areas most affected by micro embolization, namely the

hippocampus

and striatum.

 

Briefly, GBE promotes an increased nerve transmission rate, improves

synthesis and turnover of brain neurotransmitters, and normalizes

acetylcholine receptors in the hippocampus (the area of the brain

most

affected by Alzheimer's disease.)

 

Peripheral arterial insuffiency

 

Peripheral arterial disease has as its primary lesion the same

cholesterol-containing plaque that is responsible for other condition

associated with atherosclerosis, for example, coronary artery disease

and cerebral vascular insuffiency.

 

In peripheral arterial insufficency the arterial obstruction or

narrowing causes a reduction in blood flow during exercise or at

rest.

Clinical symptoms cause a reduction in blood flow during exercise or

at

rest. Clinical symptoms are caused by the consequent ischemia. The

most

common symptom is a pain on exertion-intermittent claudication. The

pain

usually occurs in the calf and is described as a cramp or tightness,

or

severe fatigue. The pain is usually bilateral. The pain is caused not

only by reduced oxygen delivery, but also by an increase in the

production of toxic metabolites and cellular free radicals.

These free radicals accumulate and react with the lipid constituents

of

the cell membrane.

 

Pain at rest indicates serious reduction in resting blood flow. It is

an

obvious sign of severe disease. The pain may be localized to one or

more

toes, or it may have a stocking-type distribution. The pain is

usually

described as burning or gnawing and is generally worse at night. A

purple color or pallor of the extremity is usually apparent. In

moderate

to sever narrowing of the artery, the skin can become dry, scaly, and

shiny. The hair may disappear, and toenails may become brittle,

ridged,

and deformed.

 

In nine double-blind, randomized clinical trials of GBE versus

placebo

in two matched groups of patients with peripheral arterial

insufficiency

of the leg, GBE was shown to be quite active and superior to placebo

(eight studies) and equal to pentoxifylline (one study).

 

Not only were measurements of pain-free walking distance (75 to 110

percent_ and maximum walking distance 52 to 110 percent) dramatically

increased, but plethyamographic and Doppler ultrasound measurements

demonstrated increased blood flow through the affected limb; blood

lactate levels also dropped.

 

The demonstration that Ginkgo biloba extract improves limb blood flow

as

well as walking tolerance (in studies following strict methodology

and

sufficient patients for reliable evaluation) indicates that GBE is

far

superior to peritoxifylline and standard medical therapy in the

treatment of peripheral arterial insufficiency.

 

This includes other peripheral vascular disorders such as diabetic

peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's disease, acrocyanosis, and

postphlebitis syndrome.

 

The longer GBE is used, the greater the benefit. The following table

summarizes a 2-year trial of GBE (160 mgs daily) in the treatment of

peripheral arterial disease (Fontaine stage IIb). Pain free walking

distance increased by 300 percent.

 

Platelet effects

 

Gingko biloba extract and isolated ginkgolides have profound effects

on

platelet function, including inhibition of platelet aggregation,

inhibition of platelet adhesion, and degranulation (release of

allergic

and inflammatory components).

 

These effects appear to be due to direct membrane and antioxidant

effects, increase synthesis of prostacyclin and the antagonism of a

substance known as platelet-activating factor (PAF).

 

Gingko biloba extract and the ginkgolides have been shown to be

potent

inhibitors of PAF. Platelet-activating factor is a potent stimulator

of

platelet aggregation and degranulation.

 

It is also involved in many inflammatory and allergic processes

including neutrophil activation, increasing vascular permeability ,

smooth muscle contraction including bronchoconstriction, and

reduction

in coronary blood flow. Gingko extract and ginkgolides compete with

PAF

for binding sites and inhibit the various events induced by PAF.

These

actions may be responsible for many of the clinical effects of GBE.

 

Clinical Applications

 

Ginkgo biloba extracts primary clinical application has been in the

treatment of vascular insufficency. In more than fifty double blind

clinical trials, patients with chronic cerebral (brain) arterial

insufficiency and patients with arterial insufficiency have responded

favorably to GBE.

 

 

" The Healing Power of Herbs "

By Michael T. Murray, N.D.

Co-author of " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

 

Warning-Disclaimer

Prima Publishing has designed this book to provide information in

regard

to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that

the publisher and the author are not liable for the misconception or

misuse of information provided. Every effort has been made to make

this book as complete and as accurate as possible. The purpose of

this

book is to educate. The author and Prima Publishing shall have

neither

liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to

any

loss, damage or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or

indirectly by the information contained in this book. The information

presented herein is in no way intended as a substitute for medical

counseling.

 

 

JoAnn Guest

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http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html

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" Health is not a Medical Issue "

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

-

" mrsjoguest " <angelprincessjo

 

Friday, July 12, 2002 1:46 PM

Gingko Biloba-Health Benefits

 

 

 

 

Any idea of suggested daily dosage for diabetes looking to

reverse neuropathy? I presently take 60 mg x twice daily. Would

more be helpful?

 

Alobar

[Guest guest]

---Alobar,

Please accept my apologies for not posting the dosages. The article

does have some very good recommendations.

 

Dosage:

Most of the clinical research on gingko biloba has utilized a

standardized extract containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides

(flavone glycosides) at a dosage of 40 mgs three times a day.

However, some studies have used a slightly higher dosage of 80 mgs

three times daily.

 

It is difficult to devise a dosage schedule using other forms of

gingko owing to the extreme variation in the content of active

compounds in dried leaf and crude extracts. Whatever form of gingko

is used, it appears to be essential that it be standardized for

content and activity. For example a standard 1:5 tincture obtained

from crude gingko leaf with the highest possible flavonoid content

would require 1 ounce of the tincture per day to provide a dosage

level equivalent to that of the standardized extract.

Clinical research clearly shows that GBE should be tak3en

consistently for at least 12 weeks in order to be effective.

 

That's the extent of his advice.

Hope this helps you somewhat. :-)

JoAnn

 

" mrsjoguest " <angelprincessjo> wrote:

 

> Gingko Biloba-Health Benefits JoAnn Guest

> Jul 12, 2002 11:44 PDT

 

> Key uses:

> 1) Cerebral Vascular insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the

> brain)

> 2) Dementia

> 3) Depression

> 4) Premenstrual syndrome

> 5) Peripheral Vascular insufficiency (intermittent claudication,

> Raynaud's disease, etc.)

> 6) Multiple Sclerosis

> 7) Neuralgia and neuropathy

> 8) Inner ear dysfunction (tinnitus)

> 9) Vascular fragility

> 10) Retinopathy (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc.)

> 11) Impotence

are used medicinally.

> Gingko leaf extracts are now among the leading prescription

medicines

> in

> both Germany and France, where they account for 1.0 and 1.5

percent,

> respectively, of total prescription sales. In 1989 alone, more than

> 100,000 physicians worldwide wrote more than 10 million

prescriptions

 

> " The Healing Power of Herbs "

> By Michael T. Murray, N.D.

> Co-author of " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

[Guest guest]

-

" mrsjoguest " <angelprincessjo

 

Friday, July 12, 2002 3:02 PM

Re: Gingko Biloba-Health Benefits

 

 

> ---Alobar,

> Please accept my apologies for not posting the dosages. The article

> does have some very good recommendations.

>

> Dosage:

> Most of the clinical research on gingko biloba has utilized a

> standardized extract containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides

> (flavone glycosides) at a dosage of 40 mgs three times a day.

> However, some studies have used a slightly higher dosage of 80 mgs

> three times daily.

 

Hmmm. Stuff I am using is 24% Glucoflavone Glycocydes & 6%

Terpene Lactones. I am assuming the Glucoflavone Glycocydes is the

same as the flavone glycosides you mention above. As my caps are 60

mg, I am getting same amount in 2 doses as your recommendation of 40

mg x 3 doses. I may go to 3 doses a day which is between your

recommended dose & the higher dosage you mention. Best taken at

mealtime? Or between meals?

 

 

Alobar

[Guest guest]

Gettingwell, " Alobar " <alobar@b...> wrote:

Dr. Murray doesn't specify so I'm assuming it should be taken with

some food or with a meal. If I find anything to the contrary, you

will be the first to know. :-)

I would be curious to know if the higher dosages are that much more

effective. Good Luck with it all!

 

JoAnn

 

> > Dosage:

> > Most of the clinical research on gingko biloba has utilized a

> > standardized extract containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides

> > (flavone glycosides) at a dosage of 40 mgs three times a day.

> > However, some studies have used a slightly higher dosage of 80 mgs

> > three times daily.

>

> Hmmm. Stuff I am using is 24% Glucoflavone Glycocydes & 6%

> Terpene Lactones. I am assuming the Glucoflavone Glycocydes is the

> same as the flavone glycosides you mention above. As my caps are 60

> mg, I am getting same amount in 2 doses as your recommendation of 40

> mg x 3 doses. I may go to 3 doses a day which is between your

> recommended dose & the higher dosage you mention. Best taken at

> mealtime? Or between meals?

>

>

> Alobar