Oculus Sinistra said:
it sounds like the effect is to make you really sleepy.
read this...
ew herbs have been as extensively researched as ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). Throughout the past thirty years, over four hundred pharmacological studies have been conducted on the proprietary, standardized extracts of the ginkgo biloba leaf revealing the herb's ability to:
Increase cognitive function and memory;
Improve circulation;
And, reverse the aging process.
Numerous studies have focused upon ginkgo's ability to increase cognitive function and memory in aging patients, but recent studies also indicate improvements in mental performance in young adults. In fact, one double blind French study showed reaction time and tests of memory improved significantly in young healthy women after the administration of large doses of GBE. While it's true that ginkgo has shown greater benefits in the elderly, the perceived benefits for young adults have made this herb popular with students, particularly around exam times!
Paul Bergner, editor of the Medical Herbalism Journal, and Clinical Program Director at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies in Boulder, Colorado states "Ginkgo has been shown in many clinical trials to improve cognitive function in patients with reduced cerebral blood flow, such as typically accompanies aging." Research does indicate that ginkgo can improve circulation, especially to the brain, thus enhancing short-term memory, alertness and general cerebral performance - particularly when related to impaired circulation that may accompany aging. By improving blood flow, it has also been shown to assist disorders with a circulatory basis ranging from failing eyesight to ringing in the ears to numbness in the toes.
Linda Whitedove, medical herbalist at the Longmont United Hospital and formulator at Homegrown Herbals based in Hygiene, Colorado, uses formulations that include ginkgo regularly in her practice and has had excellent results treating patients with dementia and Alzheimers. She considers gingko an herb that reverses aging. Gingko has antioxidant properties, has stabilizing effects on tissue, and effects on the vascular system that reverses certain effects of aging, says Whitedove.
How it Works
The key to ginkgo's varying successes is attributed to the active flavonoids and terpene lactones found in the plant's leaves. These chemicals are believed to be responsible for most of the plant's biological action in humans.
"Ginkgo protects cell membranes from damage by free radicals, especially brain and nerve cells. Ginkgo not only offers the brain and nervous system a greater supply of glucose and oxygen through vasodilation, but it keeps these cells healthy and functioning in order to use the energy created from these nutrients", says Whitedove. Free radical damage has been linked to numerous offenders including air pollution, pesticides, alcohol and smoking and is thought to be a contributing factor in many disorders associated with aging. Ginkgo has shown antioxidant actions in the brain, retina of the eye and cardiovascular system.
Ginkgo also helps to increase circulation by inhibiting the tendency of platelets in the blood to clump (platelets are responsible for clotting). In addition to improving circulation to both the brain and extremities of the body, ginkgo is known to regulate the tone and elasticity of blood vessels, making circulation more efficient. According to Whitedove, "ginkgo is so wonderful in that it is able to simultaneously dilate and tone blood vessels, thereby strengthening areas of insufficient vascular profusion and increasing blood flow at the same time. This is important in treating ischemic vascular areas where there is impaired blood flow and poor vascular tone."
Side Effects/Contraindications
Gingko is considered a safe herb and side effects are uncommon. Bergner states that clinical trials show 2-4% of patients experience gastrointestinal upset or headache with doses in excess of 120 mg. of GBE daily, but are not reported in doses less than this.
Considering the numerous benefits of ginkgo compared with the slight possibility of side effects, ginkgo is one herb where the effects on the body and brain are truly remarkable!
