Ginko Biloba Extract:  The ‘smart choice’

The Ginko tree is among the oldest living tree species and dates back 200 million years in China.  Its fan-shaped leaves are where the medicinal uses are derived; these bi-lobed leaves are where the ‘biloba’ part gets its name.  The concentrated form of this herb is dried and then extracted from a water and acetone mixture—producing ginko biloba extract.  It is this standardized extract, highly concentrated in form that is the most effective in health care treatment, as opposed to just the dried leaves.   A top medicine prescribed in Germany and France, ginko biloba is also widely popular in the United States and Europe.  Touted as the ‘brain herb’ let us see how smart a choice ginko biloba is.

Ginko Biloba Benefits:

• Memory enhancer
• Treats circulatory disorders
• Antioxidant properties

The newest interest in ginko biloba supplements are its possible preventative properties for age-related memory loss.  The fact of ginko biloba extract increasing oxygen to the brain has been done in studies, whereby aiding blood flow to the brain—this is very important when considering the narrowed arteries due to cholesterol buildup or other factors leading to this condition.  Restricted blood flow to the brain has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, depression, memory loss, dizziness, and ringing of the ears.  Ginko biloba extract (Mind-Power-Rx) can be very welcome in this regard.  Although the preventative link in this equation is yet to be proven thru scientific studies, prevention is always a personal choice of option for those seeking unique results.

Ginkgo-Biloba supplements

Ginkgo-Biloba supplements may have beneficial effects on the central nervous system as well as circulatory functions.  By regulating the elasticity of blood vessels, ginko biloba extract may  increase blood flow helping in overall circulation to the arms and legs.  Raynaud’s disease

ginko leaf

sufferers (a vascular condition causing numbness in extremities—nose, fingers, ears and feet) may find hope with ginko biloba supplements in this regard.  Ginko Biloba also has researchers investigating its ‘aspirin-like’ effects that reduce the stickiness of blood cells, whereby lowering the incidences of blood clots.

Ginko Biloba extract appears to have antioxidant results as well, sponging up free radicals and maintaining healthy blood cells.  Ginko leaves contain flavonoids (water soluble plant pigments beneficial to health: antioxidant, anti-flammatory and antiviral properties, in addition to healthy maintenance of small blood vessels and connective tissue.)

[Unfamiliar with free radicals? Free radicals are compounds that damage cell membranes and DNA—the environment produces toxins (cigarette smoking, radiation, air pollution etc.)   These contributing factors can result in sickness and death.  Antioxidants reduce these damaging effects on cells.]

Ginko biloba supplements have also been linked to treating other conditions such as macular degeneration (eye related condition), tinnitus (ringing of the ears), asthma (respiratory condition) multiple sclerosis and nerve damage.

As with any new natural health supplement, start with a small dosage at first and see first hand how and if it benefits you.  If you have any concerns before taking–those on medications especially–consult your health practitioner before taking and get the proper information on any interactions with your current medicines.

Once you have researched the information available to you on this topic, ginko biloba extract just may be the ‘smart choice’ for you!