Ginkgo biloba
DEFINITION
Ginkgo biloba is commonly known as Maidenhair Tree, Kew Tree
and Fossil Tree.
and Fossil Tree.
DESCRIPTION
Ginkgo biloba is native to China and Japan. It is one of the
most widely used herbs in the Chinese medical tradition. Its first
recorded medicinal use was published in 2800BC. Modern medicine has
only recently investigated the potential benefits of this
herb.
most widely used herbs in the Chinese medical tradition. Its first
recorded medicinal use was published in 2800BC. Modern medicine has
only recently investigated the potential benefits of this
herb.
The leaves of Ginkgo biloba contain flavone glycosides, other
flavonoids (bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, sciaopitysin,
proanthocyanidins) and terpenoids. The seeds contain alkaloids,
cyanogenetic glycosides and phenols.
flavonoids (bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, sciaopitysin,
proanthocyanidins) and terpenoids. The seeds contain alkaloids,
cyanogenetic glycosides and phenols.
INTERACTIONS
Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
- People taking anticoagulant medications warfarin should avoid
using Ginkgo biloba as this herb may increase the risks of
spontaneous and uncontrolled bleeding due to its clot-preventing
properties. - Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and
ibuprofen should not be used with Ginkgo, as both Ginkgo and NSAIDs
can decrease the formation of blood clots.- Ginkgo may interact
with thiazide diuretics to cause hypertension. - Ginkgo may interact with hypoglycaemic drugs such as
chlorpropamide by stimulating the release of the hormone insulin.
This could result in hypoglycaemia (abnormally low blood glucose
levels). - Ginkgo may interact with nifedipine, a drug used in the
treatment of hypertension and angina.. - Ginkgo may enhance the action of haloperidol, a drug used in
the treatment of schizophrenia.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Care Professional to advise you on
dosages and possible drug interactions.
dosages and possible drug interactions.
- BLOOD FLOW
Ginkgo biloba can increase peripheral blood flow by expanding
the blood vessels. Ginkgo can improve the symptoms of intermittent
claudication, a condition associated with poor blood flow in the
legs that causes severe pain and cramping in the calves. Ginkgo may
assist in the treatment and prevention of stroke. Ginkgo can help
improve blood flow to the brain and has a strong antioxidant
affect. This can protect against the damage caused by a lack of
oxygen to the tissues. Ginkgo biloba may also benefit recent stroke
victims by improving mood, mental abilities and speech capacity.
Any disorder with diminished blood flow as a feature may benefit
from this herb.
the blood vessels. Ginkgo can improve the symptoms of intermittent
claudication, a condition associated with poor blood flow in the
legs that causes severe pain and cramping in the calves. Ginkgo may
assist in the treatment and prevention of stroke. Ginkgo can help
improve blood flow to the brain and has a strong antioxidant
affect. This can protect against the damage caused by a lack of
oxygen to the tissues. Ginkgo biloba may also benefit recent stroke
victims by improving mood, mental abilities and speech capacity.
Any disorder with diminished blood flow as a feature may benefit
from this herb.
- GINKGO AND OLD AGE
Ginkgo may assist where loss of memory and concentration,
vertigo, tinnitus, depression and headaches are a problem. Due to
its ability to thin the blood, Ginkgo may also be useful in cases
of atheroma, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart
disease (especially angina) and peripheral vascular disease (for
example Raynauds syndrome or poor circulation from diabetes).
Ginkgo may assist in slowing down degenerative changes due to age,
by helping to keep cells healthy and functioning efficiently.
Ginkgo may also improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and
senile dementia.
vertigo, tinnitus, depression and headaches are a problem. Due to
its ability to thin the blood, Ginkgo may also be useful in cases
of atheroma, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart
disease (especially angina) and peripheral vascular disease (for
example Raynauds syndrome or poor circulation from diabetes).
Ginkgo may assist in slowing down degenerative changes due to age,
by helping to keep cells healthy and functioning efficiently.
Ginkgo may also improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and
senile dementia.
Ginkgo may increase the nutrient supply to cells and improve
their ability to repair damage. Varicose veins and slow healing leg
ulcers may benefit from improved circulation to the extremities.
Bioflavonoids found in Ginkgo may relieve haemorrhoids by
strengthening the blood vessels.
their ability to repair damage. Varicose veins and slow healing leg
ulcers may benefit from improved circulation to the extremities.
Bioflavonoids found in Ginkgo may relieve haemorrhoids by
strengthening the blood vessels.
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Ginkgo has the ability to inhibit certain chemicals
responsible for the inflammatory response. Ginkgo may be of benefit
in the management of asthma, autoimmune diseases, kidney
inflammation, gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory skin
diseases, arthritis and nervous disorders.
responsible for the inflammatory response. Ginkgo may be of benefit
in the management of asthma, autoimmune diseases, kidney
inflammation, gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory skin
diseases, arthritis and nervous disorders.
- SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Ginkgo has been found to improve sexual arousal in people
taking antidepressant medications, a type of drug that can decrease
a person’s interest in sex.
taking antidepressant medications, a type of drug that can decrease
a person’s interest in sex.
PROPERTIES
Increases blood flow to the head and extremities. Ginkgo has
anti-inflammatory effects and reduces blood clots, reducing the
risk of stroke. It has antioxidant properties and strengthens blood
vessels.
anti-inflammatory effects and reduces blood clots, reducing the
risk of stroke. It has antioxidant properties and strengthens blood
vessels.
NOTES
- It is extremely important to tell your Doctor and Pharmacist if
you are taking Ginkgo biloba. - Do not handle or eat the fruit.
- Isolated cases of subdural haematoma and subarachnoid
haemorrhage (spontaneous bleeding beneath the outer layers of the
brain) have been reported in patients taking Ginkgo. - Ginkgo biloba is not recommended during pregnancy and
breastfeeding. It contains a substance called colchicine, which may
be harmful to the foetus. - Possible side effects include mild stomach upset and
headache. - In Ireland, products containing Ginkgo biloba are only
available on medical prescription.
