World’s Oldest Living Plant
Ginkgo biloba extract is derived from the Ginkgo biloba tree leaf. Thriving
on Earth for more than 200 million years, the Ginkgo tree is the world’s
oldest living plant. Considered sacred in the Orient, Ginkgo was the only
surviving tree near the epicenter of the Hiroshima atomic bomb blast. One
specimen, planted near a Japanese monastery more than 1,000 years ago, is
still alive today.
Rich and Concentrated
The Ginkgo biloba leaf is rich in phytonutrients, chiefly flavonglycosides
and terpene lactones (ginkgolides.) In the extract, these bioflavonoid-like
active ingredients are highly concentrated. Fifty pounds of Ginkgo leaves
are used to yield one pound of extract.
Benefits
Brain and Mental Function
Numerous clinical studies have been published on Ginkgo biloba extract. Much
of this extensive research deals with Ginkgo’s beneficial effects on the
brain and mental function.
Supports Circulation
Foremost among its actions, Ginkgo biloba extract supports circulatory
function in the brain and also in the extremities. Enhanced blood flow to
the brain means better delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Many Observed Benefits
The clinically observed benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract include improved
short-term memory, and a positive effect on mood, sociability, thinking
ability and hearing.
Powerful Antioxidant
Ginkgo biloba extract is a powerful antioxidant. Acting as free-radical
scavengers, Ginkgo’s flavonglysosides help prevent damaging peroxidation of
cell membrane lipid components.
Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)
The ginkgolides have been shown to inhibit Platelet Activating Factor (PAF).
Controlling PAF reduces clumping of blood platelets and improves circulatory
health.
Oxygen Delivery
By maintaining blood flow in the extremities, Ginkgo biloba extract supports
oxygen delivery to tissues and promotes ability to walk without discomfort.
Discussion
Ginkgo biloba extracts rank high among the most popular herbal products in
Europe, where sales exceed $500 million annually.
Ginkgo biloba extract is non-toxic, free of side effects, and safe for
continuous use at the recommended intake level. Best Ginkgo Extract should
be taken for four weeks or more before results can be expected.
Scientific References
1. Vorberg, G., “Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE): a long-term study of chronic
cerebral insufficiency in geriatric patients,” Clinical Trials Journal 1985
22(2): 149-157.
Abstract: 112 patients (51 men, 61 women: mean age ±70.5 8.7 years, range
55-94 years) with chronic cerebral insufficiency were treated as outpatients
in several German test centers with Ginkgo biloba extract at 120 mg/day in
an open one-year trial. Results showed a statistically significant (P <
0.001) regression of the major symptoms of vertigo, headache, tinnitus,
short-term memory, vigilance and mood disturbance. Heart rate and blood
pressure modifications were not detected. Laboratory mean levels of blood
cholesterol and triglycerides remained practically unchanged during the
period of the trial. Significant side-effects did not occur throughout the
study, nor were significant interactions with existing basic medications
such as cardiac glycosides or antidiabetics observed.
3. Bauer, U., “6-month double-blind randomized clinical trial of Ginkgo
biloba extract versus placebo in two parallel groups in patients suffering
from peripheral arterial insufficiency,” Arzneim.-Forsch./Drug Res. 1984
34(I), Nr. 6.
4. Pidoux, B., “Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on the functional activity
of the brain,” Presse Medicale 1986, 15(31):1588-1591.
Abstract Electroencephalography is the only convenient method for functional
exploration of the brain. The recent introduction of signal analysis
techniques has given it a quantitative dimension and has resulted in
pharmacological studies of electroencephalograms. In four studies of this
kind, the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract were investigated on three
pathological animal models, in healthy young volunteers and in elderly
people with demential disorders. In man, the EEG tracings could be analyzed
in relation to different psychometric tests. The results obtained confirm
those of clinical trials, and notably the activity of Ginkgo biloba extract
on alertness.
5. Hofferberth, B., “The efficacy of EGb 761 in patients with senile
dementia of the Alzheimer type, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on
different levels of investigation,” Human Psychopharmacology 1994, 9:
215-22.
6. Mouren, X., Caillard, P., Schwartz, F., “Study of the Antiischemic action
of EGB 761 in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by
TcPO2 determination,” Angiology 1994 6(45):413-417.
*Above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
