Guest guest Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Gingko: The active components of Ginkgo biloba have a profound tonic effect Biological Name: Ginkgo biloba, Other Names: Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo Biloba Parts Used: Leaves Active Compounds: http://holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h62.htm The medical benefits of ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) rely on the proper balance of two groups of active components: the ginkgo flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones. The 24% ginkgo flavone glycoside designation on GBE labels indicates the carefully measured balance of bioflavonoids. These bioflavonoids are primarily responsible for GBE's antioxidant activity and ability to inhibit platelet aggregation (stickiness). These two actions may help GBE prevent circulatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, and support the brain and central nervous system. The unique terpene lactone components found in GBE, known as ginkgolides and bilobalide, increase circulation to the brain and other parts of the body as well as exert a protective effect on nerve cells. Ginkgolides may improve circulation and inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF). Bilobalide protects the cells of the nervous system. Recent animal studies indicate that bilobalide may help regenerate damaged nerve cells. History: Medicinal use of ginkgo can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. It was recommended for respiratory tract ailments as well as memory loss in the elderly. Today, Ginkgo biloba extract is recognized as an invaluable aid in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Remedies For: Symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction Intermittent Claudification Vertigo (vascular origin) Tinnitus (vascular origin) It is useful for disturbed brain functions, which result in dizziness, tinnitus, and headache with emotional lability and anxiety. Ginkgo has also been demonstrated to improve concentration and memory deficits as a result of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Other Applications: Alzheimer's disease Atherosclerosis Cerebrovascular insufficiency Congestive heart failure Depression Diabetes Impotence/infertility (male) Intermittent claudication Macular degeneration Migraine headaches Multiple sclerosis Raynaud's phenomenon GBE and Circulation: GBE increases circulation to both the brain and extremities of the body. In addition to inhibiting platelet stickiness, GBE regulates the tone and elasticity of blood vessels. In other words, it makes circulation more efficient. This improvement in circulation efficiency extends to both large vessels (arteries) and smaller vessels (capillaries) in the circulatory system. Antioxidant Properties: GBE may have antioxidant properties in the brain, retina of the eye, and the cardiovascular system. Its antioxidant activity in the brain and central nervous system may help prevent "age-related" declines in brain function. GBE's antioxidant activity in the brain is of particular interest. The brain and central nervous system are particularly susceptible to free radical attack. Free radical damage in the brain is widely accepted as being a contributing factor in many disorders associated with aging, including Alzheimer's disease. Nerve Protection and PAF Inhibition: One of the primary protective effects of the ginkgolides are their ability to inhibit a substance known as platelet-activating factor (PAF). PAF is a mediator released from cells that causes platelets to aggregate (clump together). High amounts of PAF are associated with damage to nerve cells, poor blood flow to the central nervous system, inflammatory conditions, and bronchial constrictions. Much like free radicals, higher PAF levels are also associated with aging. Ginkgolides and bilobalide protect nerve cells in the central nervous system from damage during periods of ischemia (lack of oxygen to tissues in the body). This effect may be supportive for persons who have suffered a stroke. Anti-Aging Properties Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and has excellent restorative effects on the nervous system. Hundreds of scientific studies, involving tens of thousands of patients, attest to the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba extract for the many problems associated with cerebral vascular insufficiency and impaired mental performance in elderly patients. The active components of Ginkgo biloba have a profound tonic effect on the mind and body. GBE has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, important neurotransmitters in the brain. The extract acts as an antioxidant and a nerve cell membrane stabilizer. It also enhances oxygen and glucose utilization and increases blood flow in arteries, veins, and capillaries. Experiments involving learned helplessness and behavioral despair in laboratory animals demonstrated that GBE exhibited some antianxiety and antidepressant activities. Ginkgo is of benefit for many of the presumed symptoms of aging such as: Anxiety and depression Memory impairment Poor concentration, decreased alertness Diminished intellectual capacity Vertigo, headache Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Macular degeneration ( the most common cause of blindness in adults) Inner ear disturbances (which can cause partial deafness) Poor circulation in the extremities Impotence due to impaired penile blood flow Clinical Trials And Proof of Efficacy: In October, 1997 JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) published research showing that Ginkgo biloba extract appears to slow Alzheimer's disease. The randomly assigned, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed for one year by neurologist Dr. Pierre L. LeBars and a team of scientists at the New York Institute for Medical Research. The study found that 27 percent of patients who took 120 mg of ginkgo extract for six months or longer improved their mental functioning, including memory, reasoning, and the ability to learn, compared to only 14 percent of those taking placebo. The study began with 309 patients aged 45 or older with most suffering from Alzheimer's disease but also some with dementia caused by strokes. The study showed that ginkgo can stabilize or even improve mental performance in one-third of those who are mildly impaired. German studies have demonstrated that 240 mg of Egb761 (the particular form of Ginkgo biloba extract used in the JAMA study) a day is perhaps more effective than the 120 mg daily dose used in the JAMA study for the treatment of Alzheimer's. Other studies on ginkgo have appeared in such diverse journals as Lancet, Audiology, and the Journal of Urology. Over 120,000 physicians worldwide write over ten million prescriptions for ginkgo each year, accounting for over five hundred million dollars in sales. Dosage: Many people take 120-160 mg of GBE, standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone glycosides, two to three times per day. Amounts up to 240 mg per day are used by some people with cerebrovascular insufficiency, confusion and memory loss, and resistant depression. GBE may need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired effects are noticed. Ginkgo may also be taken as a tincture of 0.5 ml three times daily. ======================================================================================================================================Post: Oxidative Injury in Diseases of the Central Nervous System --- Medical Abstract Title: www.enzy.com Focus on Alzheimer's Disease Author: Pratico D, Delanty N Source: Am J Med. 2000;109(7):577-585. Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is one of the most challenging brain disorders and has profound medical and social consequences. It affects approximately 15 million persons worldwide, and many more family members and care givers are touched by the disease. The initiating molecular event(s) is not known, and its pathophysiology is highly complex. However, free radical injury appears to be a fundamental process contributing to the neuronal death seen in the disorder, and this hypothesis is supported by many (although not all) studies using surrogate markers of oxidative damage. In vitro and animal studies suggest that various compounds with antioxidant ability can attenuate the oxidative stress induced by beta-amyloid. Recently, clinical trials have demonstrated potential benefits from treatment with the antioxidants, vitamin E, selegiline, extract of Gingko biloba, and idebenone. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the optimum timing and antioxidant combination of such treatments in this therapeutically frustrating disease. ======================================================================================================================================== "JoAnn Guest" <angelpri-; Sat Nov 6, 2004 4:00 am Cc: <mrs-;; <DrLa-@j...>; Friday, November 05, 2004 3:42 AM Drug, SSRI, Congitive & Memory Dysfunction,Iatrogenic- Ginkgo biloba,Cognitive & Vascular Benefits RE: Antidepressants Etiology of Cognitive & Memory Dysfunction- Ginkgo Biloba Dear Mrs. Guest, After observing the severe mental & cognitive decline in my Mother being prescribed a variety of combinations of psychiatric drugs before her suicide I have an interest in finding remedies that can reverse the damage to mental function caused by selective serotonin reinuptake inhibitors (SSRI's). Thank you for this and other articles you have posted. Are you aware of any contraindications to ingesting Ginkgo biloba while a patient is consuming antidepressents or enduring the suffering struggle of the side effects of withdrawal? Are you aware of antidepressent dependent persons utilizing Ginko biloba to reverse the side effects of SSRI's? Thank you very much, Dr. Sandra Lance, D.C. Daughter of Alma Virginia Sanders Antidepressant Suicide Victim 800 309 6560 (5AM-11PM) ________ Dear Dr. Lance, I am saddened to hear of your mother's suicide. These combinations (antidepressants) are indiscriminately prescribed without regard for the well being of the recipients. Whenever I am called upon to review some of the combinations I almost inevitably find that if the truth were known (per webmd & other sites), even orthodox medicine does not advise that they be taken in such extremely high dosages and dangerous combinations. Frequent misdiagnoses are `evil', but the fact remains that the atrocities continue and more and more victims find themselves in a world from which they find it difficult to emerge. I have observed that those who are `under the influence' of these drugs ar easily `manipulated'. I find this very troubling. Evidently this is not a topic that is well researched, however I will post my findings to date on the subject. Dr. Murray finds that Gingko is effective in symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction. GBE's antioxidant activity in the brain is of particular interest. The brain and central nervous system are particularly susceptible to free radical attack. Ginkgo increases 'blood flow' to the brain and has excellent restorative effects on the nervous system. GBE has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, important neurotransmitters in the brain. Ginkgo is of benefit for many of the presumed symptoms of aging such as: Anxiety and depression Memory impairment Poor concentration, decreased alertness Diminished intellectual capacity Supportive therapy consists of Ginkgo Phytosome (80 mg three times per day). Researchers began studying the antidepressive effects of Ginkgo biloba extract as a result of the improvement in mood noted by patients suffering from decreased blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency). Several studies were conducted to determine if Ginkgo biloba extract was, in fact, an antidepressant. In one of the more recent double-blind studies, 40 patients (ages ranged from 51 to 78 years) with depression who had not benefited fully from standard antidepressant drugs were given either 80 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract three times daily or a placebo. By the end of the 8th week study, the total score of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression in the Ginkgo biloba extract group had dropped from 14 to 4.5. In comparison, the placebo group dropped from 14 to only 13. This study indicated two things: (1) Ginkgo biloba extract can be used with standard antidepressants and/or St. John's wort extract and (2) it may enhance their effectiveness, particularly in patients over 50 years of age. I prefer the Ginkgo biloba extract bound to phosphatidylcholine (Ginkgo Phytosome) to un-bound ginkgo. Other studies on ginkgo have appeared in such diverse journals as Lancet, Audiology, and the Journal of Urology. Over 120,000 physicians worldwide write over ten million prescriptions for ginkgo each year, accounting for over five hundred million dollars in sales. Kind Regards, JoAnn =========================================================================================================================================Post subject: Medicinal Components of Gingko Biloba ---Medicinal Components of Gingko Biloba 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 -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 nsufficiency 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 conditions associated with atherosclerosis, for example, coronary artery disease nd 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. 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 Inner ear dysfunction (tinnitus) 9) Vascular fragility 10) Retinopathy (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc.) 11) Impotence "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 mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes -Benefits of Ginkgo biloba =====================================================================================================================================Extracts from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree have been used therapeutically in China for millennia. According to fossil records, the ginkgo tree has been around for over 200 million years and is one of the oldest still existing tree species on earth. Individual trees live up to 1,000 years. Ginkgo, like ginseng, is mentioned in the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia. Ginkgo extracts are among the most widely studied and prescribed drugs in Europe to alleviate symptoms associated with a wide range of conditions. The main indications for these extracts are peripheral vascular disease and the therapy of age related cognitive decline. Ginkgo biloba is a mind booster underutilized by the medical profession. What's in Ginkgo biloba? Ginkgo contains many different substances but most of them fall into two main categories: Terpenoid lactones and Flavonoids. The most unique components of ginkgo extracts are the terpene trilactones which are structurally complex molecules. Terpene lactones give ginkgo a bitter and strong flavor. The most important terpenes are the ginkgolides and bilobides. Ginkgolides have not yet been found in any other living plant species. Other compounds in ginkgo biloba include proanthocyanidins, carboxylic acids and non-flavone glycosides Flavonoids are natural substances that are also found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, have an influence on the immune system, and interfere with tumor formation. Ginkgo contains many flavonoids but the most concentrated are kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Most ginkgo products on the market list a flavonoid concentration of 24%. You will often see 24% printed on packages or bottles of ginkgo. How Does Ginkgo Work? The active ingredients in gingko are believed to have their beneficial effects by acting as antioxidants, preventing red blood cells and platelets from aggregating to form clots, allowing more oxygen to reach neurons, and improving circulation in tiny blood vessels by inducing relaxation of the muscles surrounding blood vessels. Even circulation to the eyes improves when subjects are given ginkgo. Clinical Uses of ginkgo biloba The primary indications for ginkgo biloba are age related cognitive decline (ARCD) and Alzheimer’s disease. Age related cognitive decline is a term that describes a collection of symptoms. These include difficulty in concentration and memory, absent-mindedness, confusion, lack of mental energy, and sometimes, depressive mood. Some of these symptoms may be associated with not enough blood reaching the brain, hence a potential justification for the use of gingko in lessening these symptoms. Ginkgo improves "communication" between nerve cells and enhances blood flow to the brain. It is licensed in Germany for the treatment of ARCD. Ginkgo may have promise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's when used together with other conventional medicines. A well publicized study in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that 120 mg of ginkgo extract per day for one year was able to improve *cognitive* 'performance' in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Ginkgo may show a beneficial effect on attention, memory and functioning in Multiple Sclerosis patients as well. Patients with dementia are helped by ginkgo. However, it is unlikely that those with normal memory function will notice a significant effect from ginkgo. Ginkgo Biloba-24%, Enzymatic Therapy ---www.enzy.com Enzymatic Therapy's Ginkgo Biloba-24% is standardized for its potency and natural constituents to produce the finest botanical extract available to support improved short-term memory and mild memory problems. Developed in accordance with monograph standards set forth by the German Commission E. Ginkgo and Liver Ginkgo is able to protect the liver from damage since it has antioxidant properties, prevents lipid peroxidation and replenishes the glutathione level. The effects of ginkgo were comparable to that of silymarin. What Dosages of Ginkgo Are Best? The majority of the studies done thus far with ginkgo have used daily dosages of 120 to 160 mg (50:1 concentration, 24% flavonoids). Patients generally took 40 milligrams three to four times a day. Treatment may be needed for a few weeks before positive results can be fully appreciated. Most manufacturers have pills that contain 40 or 60 mg of ginkgo. You may wish to start with one 40 mg pill a day to see if there is any improvement in memory or thinking. Ginkgo is best taken early in the day, and no later than afternoon. Ginkgo has anti-platelet activity and hence may prolong the time it takes to form a blood clot. However, a study published in April, 2003 indicates that Coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba do not influence the clinical effect of warfarin. An additional study did not find ginkgo to alter platelet function or coagulation time. Ginkgo Summary Ginkgo biloba appears to be useful in memory loss due to aging or Alzheimer's disease, but is probably of little benefit in the young who have normal brain function and memory. Middle aged and older individuals may find ginkgo to be helpful in sharpening the mind. Because of its antioxidant properties, it may be useful in individuals with cerebrovascular disease. Due to its blood thinning properties, a dose of 60 mg a day should not be exceeded on a daily, long-term basis unless a health care provider monitors you. Ginkgo Research Update Ginkgo biloba Compared with Cholinesterase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Dementia: A Review Based on Meta-Analyses by the Cochrane Collaboration. Kurz A, Van Baelen B. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2004 Jun 28;18(2):217-226. Data were derived from the Cochrane Collaboration meta-analyses of the efficacies of ginkgo, donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine on changes in cognitive function in patients with dementia and, where necessary, were transformed to standardized mean differences. The proportion of patients discontinuing trials was used as a proxy measure of tolerability. Outcomes were assessed after 6 months of treatment. Trial data for cholinesterase inhibitors were more consistent than those for ginkgo biloba, particularly regarding patient populations and outcome measures. Age-related effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on synaptic plasticity and excitability. Williams B.The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. Neurobiol Aging. 2004 Aug;25(7):955-62. EGb 761 is a standardized extract from the Ginkgo biloba leaf and is purported to improve age-related memory impairment. The acute and chronic effect of Ginkgo biloba on synaptic transmission and plasticity in hippocampal slices from young adult (8-12 weeks) and aged (18-24 months) C57Bl/6 mice was tested because hippocampal plasticity is believed to be a key component of memory. Acutely applied Ginkgo biloba significantly increased neuronal excitability in slices from aged mice by reducing the population spike threshold and increased the early phase of long-term potentiation, though there was no effect in slices from young adults. In chronically treated mice fed for 30 days with an Ginkgo biloba-supplemented diet, Ginkgo biloba significantly increased the population spike threshold and long-term potentiation in slices from aged animals, but had no effect on slices from young adults. The rapid effects of Ginkgo biloba on plasticity indicate a direct interaction with the glutamatergic system and raise interesting implications with respect to a mechanism explaining its effect on cognitive enhancement in human subjects experiencing dementia. Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)--a review based on randomized, controlled studies. Surgical Department, Hospital Porz/Rhein, Koln, Germany. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Feb;42(2):63-72. OBJECTIVE: The present review gives an overview and evaluation of clinical studies proving the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in patients with PAOD. Relevant original papers and reports on this topic were identified by means of a literature search. Only randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with the indication peripheral arterial occlusive disease in stage II were included (only treatment with the oral form of Ginkgo biloba. For the selected studies the ratio theta of the walking distance between Ginkgo biloba and placebo was calculated and a test for relevant superiority of Ginkgo biloba was performed. In the majority of the studies, there was an advantage of Ginkgo biloba in the increase of pain-free walking distance compared to placebo. For 7 studies, the advantage was found to be statistically significant. Testing the relevant superiority showed a significant result in 6 of the selected studies. The pooled estimator of the ratio amounts to theta == 1.23 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.31) and demonstrates the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba over placebo as well. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761. It demonstrates not only the statistical significance of the difference of Ginkgo biloba with respect to placebo but also the clinical relevance for the treatment of patients with PAOD. No alteration in platelet function or coagulation induced by EGb761 in a controlled study. Experimental Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, IVS, Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris, France. Clin Lab Haematol. 2003 Aug;25(4):251-3. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 32 young male healthy volunteers to evaluate the effect of three doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (120, 240 and 480 mg/day for 14 days) on hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis. This study did not reveal any alteration of platelet function or coagulation. This suggests that the reported clinical bleeding events in patients receiving Ginkgo biloba extract are not related to pharmacological properties of EGb761. The effect of ginkgo biloba on healthy elderly subjects Cieza A, Maier P, Poppel E. Fortschr Med Orig. 2003;121:5-10. BACKGROUND AND AIM: Over the past 25 years, numerous studies have confirmed the positive effect of the special ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on the mental ability and emotional well-being of patients with cognitive disorders of vascular genesis, and Alzheimer-type dementia. The following study investigated the short-term effect of the special ginkgo extract EGb 761 on the subjective emotional well-being of healthy elderly subjects. The study was designed as a randomized double-blind, monocenter study with parallel groups. It included 66 healthy subjects of both sexes aged between 50 and 65 with no age-related cognitive impairments. For a period of 4 weeks, 34 subjects received a daily dose of 240 mg ginkgo biloba , and 32 a placebo. RESULTS: The final examination revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups for the VAS mental health and quality of life, as also for SIS Mood at the telephone interview in week 2. A comparison of baseline with the final examination within the groups showed a statistically significant improvement in the ginkgo biloba group for the variables: depression, fatigue, anger and SDS. For none of the variables investigated was a worsening observed in the ginkgo biloba group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a positive effect of ginkgo biloba on the subjective emotional well-being of healthy elderly persons. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementia: intent-to-treat analyses of a 24-week, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Kanowski S, Hoerr R. Psychiatrische Klinik und Poliklinik der Freien Universitat Berlin. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2003 Nov;36(6):297-303. In 1996, Kanowski et al. reported about the beneficial effects of ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 (240 mg/day) in outpatients with pre-senile and senile primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and multi-infarct dementia of mild to moderate severity. After 24 weeks of treatment, the ITT analysis of the SKT and estimated ADAS-cog scores revealed a mean decrease in the total score by -2.1 points and -2.7 points, respectively, for the ginkgo biloba group, which indicates an improvement in cognitive function. On the contrary, the placebo group exhibited only a minimal change of -1.0 and -1.3 points, respectively. The Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI, Item 2) favored the ginkgo biloba group with a mean difference of 0.4 points. Changes in the rating related to activities of daily living showed a favorable trend for ginkgo biloba. The results of this ITT analysis substantiate the outcomes previously obtained with a responder analysis of the per-protocol population and confirm that ginkgo biloba improves cognitive function in a clinically relevant manner in patients suffering from dementia. The therapeutic effect is in line with the outcome of another ginkgo biloba study conducted in the U.S. http://www.raysahelian.com/ginkgo.html "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public". Theodore Roosevelt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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