Mike Adams
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 Ginkgo Biloba Extract and Huperzine products (www.LEF.org) *" Natural Cellular Defense (www.PacificRimMarketing.net)
Colon Cancer (see also Cancer)
Colon cancer is another type of cancer that is relatively easy to prevent. The key thing about colon cancer is to make sure you don't have toxic substances sitting in your colon for long periods of time. What kinds of substances? Those would be putrefied foods that are not clean for your system and are probably not being eliminated in a timely fashion. |
Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH
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 He was also prescribed ginkgo biloba extract (180 mg daily) to help with depression, for the side effects of risperidone, and for erectile dysfunction. Another intramuscular injection of folic acid (2.5 mg) and vitamin B-12 (5000 meg) was given to the patient.
The patient had one more follow-up on June 27, 2005. He had reduced the risperidone to 2 mg daily on his own. He also discontinued the citalopram and bupropion hydrochloride. He did not feel worse than before and, in fact, indicated that he was more alert and required less sleep. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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 Active constituents
The medical benefits of ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) are attributed primarily to two groups of active constituents: the ginkgo flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones. Ginkgo flavone glycosides, which typically make up approximately 24% of the extract, are primarily responsible for GBE's antioxidant (page 467) activity and may mildly inhibit platelet aggregation (stickiness). These two actions may help GBE prevent circulatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis (page 38), and support the brain and central nervous system. |
| Herbs that may be helpful
In a double-blind study, supplementation with a standardized extract of ginkgo biloba (page 681) in the amount of 40 mg three times a day for four weeks partially reversed visual field damage in people with one type of glaucoma (normal tension glaucoma).10
Studies in healthy humans, including at least one double-blind trial, have repeatedly shown that intraocular pressure is lowered by direct application of forskolin, a constituent of the Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii (page 660).n |
| One double-blind trial found improvement in men taking 240 mg per day of a standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for nine months.15 A preliminary trial, involving 30 men who were experiencing ED as a result of medication use (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications), found that approximately 200 mg per day of GBE had a positive effect on sexual function in 76% of the men.16
Damiana (page 666) (Turnera diffusa) is a traditional herbal treatment for men with ED. However, no modern clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
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 In one study, 112 elderly individuals with chronic "cerebral insufficiency" received 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract daily for 1 year. Significant improvements were noted in short-term memory, vigilance, and mood.10 Numerous other studies have found similar results." 12'13,14 In most cases, improvements occurred after 3 months of treatment. Most of the studies with ginkgo used a commercially available product that is standardized to contain 24% ginkgo heterosides. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Things such as vitamin C, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and aloe vera, just to name a few.
Mike: You even have aloe in it, huh?
Wright: Yes.
Mike: Excellent.
Wright: So you can see that we stack up much better against all the other greens. Like I said, we're made from organic barley, so we're less reactive.
Mike: Outstanding. For the listeners here, I want to add my own personal opinion on this. Spirulina is an excellent source of trace vitamins, vitamin B12, and it has a little GLA oil in it too. It's ocean dried blue-green algae, and it's an outstanding health product. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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 The cultivation of Taxus brevifolia or ginkgo biloba for pharmaceutical industry and the growth of Salvia sclarea as raw material sclarcol for perfume is proceeding in the United States as fully mechanized and as organized as a factory.17 These plantations assure the basis for high-quality pro: cesscd products. Thus, these technologies are product-oriented closed systems, including breeding activity, maintenance of varieties, development of postharvest handling, and optimization of yields of active agents.
2. |
| We have carried out such an experiment using the thrombocyte aggregation assay with mixtures of ginkgolides A and B, two major constituents of ginkgo biloba. As shown by the concave up isobol curve in Figure 1.6,37 a typical potentiated synergistic effect was recorded. Among the many similar examples, the following combinations of bioactive compounds showed similar results.
FIGURE 1.6. Synergy effects of a mixture of ginkgoglide A + B in a thrombocyte aggregation inhibiting assay. (Source: Williamson, E.M., 2001, Phytomedicine, 8: 401-409. |
| Acute, dose-dependent cognitive effects of ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and their combination in healthy young volunteers: Differential interactions with cognitive demand, Psychopharma-cology, 17: 35-44.
43. Bhattaram, V.A., Graefe, U., Kohlert, C, Kveit, M., and Derendorf, H, 2002, Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of herbal medicinal products, Phytomedicine, Suppl. 2, pp. 1-33. |
| Ginkgolides, isolated from the root bark and leaves of ginkgo biloba, possess important pharmacological properties. Structural investigations on ginkgolides revealed that they are unique cage molecules, representing diterpene lactones incorporating a tertiary butyl group and six five-membered rings including Ginkgolides A, B, C, M, and J (see Figure 11.8).13 Ginkgolides specifically inhibit platelet-activating factor from binding to its receptor, thereby preventing platelet aggregation. |
| A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in a sample of cognitively intact older adults: Neuropsychological findings, Human Psychopharmacology—Clinical and Experimental, 17: 267-277.
7. Perry, N.S.L., Houghton, P.J., Theobald, A.E., Jenner, P., and Perry, E.K., 2000, In-vitro inhibition of human erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase by Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil and constituent terpenes, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 52: 895-902.
8. Perry, N.S.L., Houghton, P.J., Sampson, J., Theobald, A.E., Hart, S., Lis-Balchin. M., Hoult, J.R.S. |
| Ginkgo
A plant drug that has attracted some interest as a treatment of early symptoms of AD is a standardized extract of the leaves of ginkgo biloba L. Extracts standardized to about 24 percent flavonoids and 6 percent ginkgolide terpenoids have been shown to be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of aging in several studies. The improvements noted have been ascribed to a range of relevant effects associated with the compounds present. Those of major importance include the vasorelaxant and antioxidant effects
CH3
FIGURE 17.4. The chemical structure of huperzine A. |
Jack Challem
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 Flavonoids in Herbs and Spices
Most of the antioxidants and other biologically active compounds found in ginkgo biloba and other herbs are flavonoids or members of their parent chemical family, polyphenols. In fact, approximately a thousand chemical compounds have been identified in ginkgo, a sharp contrast to single-molecule pharmaceutical drugs.
Many of the compounds found in ginkgo, St. John's wort, ginseng, and other herbs are also found in vegetables and fruits. |
| Schultz and his colleagues gave an extract of the herb ginkgo biloba, which is especially rich in antioxidant compounds, to laboratory mice and then compared the responses of genes in their brain cells to those of mice that had not received ginkgo. This study is significant for two reasons. First, ginkgo is widely used to improve memory, and some research shows that it may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Also, this particular study demonstrated that ginkgo improves the activity of many different genes in brain cells. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| Ginkgo biloba takes time to produce its effects and should be taken in repeated doses for a fairly long period of time. ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) with at least 24 percent ginkgoflavogly-cosides is the best form to take. Standardized, semipurified, and concentrated, GBE provides consistent levels of its most active compounds. Take the recommended dosage on the package.
Glutathione, also known as GSH, is a tripep-tide made from the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. |
Joseph Glenmullen, M.D.
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 Having been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine, ginkgo biloba has become popular in this country as a memory-enhancing agent. In their article in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, Cohen and Bartlik report that ginkgo biloba improved libido, erectile functioning, and the ability to orgasm in patients with antidepres-sant-induced sexual dysfunction. The dosage of ginkgo biloba taken by the patients ranged from 60 to 240 milligrams a day. |
The Editors of FC&A
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| For over 5,000 years, the Chinese have been using the leaf of the ginkgo biloba tree to increase circulation and boost memory. So why shouldn't it work today?
Modern scientists studying the effects of ginkgo extract on the progression of Alzheimer's, however, seemed to get mixed results. But recently researchers took a second look at 33 studies and threw out those that were not reliable. Based on the well-done studies, both the safety and effectiveness of the extract look promising.
"The medicinal effects of ginkgo," says researcher Dr. |
| Look in health food stores for ginkgo biloba leaf extract that contains 24 percent to 26 percent flavonoid glycosides and 5 percent to 7 percent terpene lactones. The recommended dose is 120 milligrams (mg) broken down into 40 mg to 60 mg doses throughout the day. if you help care for someone who has Alzheimer's disease, steer him away from alcohol. Not only does it destroy brain cells, it can interfere with Alzheimer's medications.
Don't take ginkgo along with aspirin, warfarin, or any other blood-thinning medication. And be patient. |
| In their
The herbal remedy ginkgo biloba is good for your eyes, too. It works as an antioxidant and widens, or dilates, your blood vessels.
PCO is also found inside grape seeds and is sold as pine bark (pycnogenol) or grape seed extract. You can get these antiox idants naturally, however, from grape skins, other citrus peels, apples, onions, blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts. studies, they found that zinc actually helps other substances shield your eyes from AMD. |
Ray Strand, M.D.
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 Several studies have shown that ginkgo biloba helps increase the circulation of blood in the brain and extremities. Many herbalists and researchers believe it improves one's ability to think and boosts stamina as a result of this increased blood flow. But ginkgo biloba has an additional effect of thinning the blood, which can lead to serious complications if a person is also taking aspirin or Coumadin.17
Many herbs that patients use work very similarly to prescription sedatives such as Ativan, Xanax, and Librium. The two most common herbs are valerian root and Kava Kava. |
Paula Begoun
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 The plant extracts, from calendula, matricaria, and ginkgo biloba, have no effect on hair.
© mixed greens shampoo for normal to dry hair ($10.99 for 10.15 ounces) is almost identical to the basil mint version above, and the same concerns apply.
© pear shampoo for infants & toddlers ($10.99for 10.15 ounces). Mop claims this shampoo is "The kindest way we know to cleanse the wee ones" and that it is supposed to "Contain no harsh lather additives or detergents to dry out skin and scalp." I agree that this is gentler than the shampoos above, as it leaves out the problematic plant extracts. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 A study of men with impotence as the result of pharmaceutical medications (such as antidepressants) found that 200 mg of ginkgo biloba extract improved sexual function in 76 percent of the men.
Super Prescription #6 Potency wood (Muira puama)
Take 500 mg three times daily. Studies have shown this herb from South America to improve sexual desire and impotency.
Super Prescription #7 Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
Take 300 mg three times daily. Oatstraw relaxes the nervous system and is thought to increase libido.
General Recommendations
Niacin (vitamin B3) is a vasodilator and improves blood flow. |
| A study done in 1994, involving forty patients who had early-stage Alzheimer's disease, found that 240 mg of ginkgo biloba extract taken daily for three months produced measurable improvements in memory, attention, and mood. In addition, three other double-blind studies have demonstrated that ginkgo is helpful for the early stages of the disease. everal clinical trials have found that supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine delays the progression of Alzheimer's disease, improves memory, and improves overall performance in some people with Alzheimer's disease. |
Dr. Jonathan Prousky, BPHE, BSc, ND, FRSH
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 She was diagnosed with GAD and prescribed a program of 120 mg/day of ginkgo biloba extract to help with her sexual dysfunction, 1 teaspoon of fish oil, and niacinamide at increasing doses until 1000 mg three times daily was reached.
At a follow-up appointment on September 9, 2004, the patient complained of feeling sick and nauseous with the niacinamide. She also reported feeling paranoid and panicky. The patient had experienced anxiety for the previous 2 weeks and was crying all the time. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| Alzheimer's disease. It has been approved for the treatment of this disease by the German government. A study done in 1994, involving forty patients who had early-stage Alzheimer's disease, found that 240 mg of ginkgo biloba extract taken daily for three months produced measurable improvements in memory, attention, and mood. In addition, three other double-blind studies have demonstrated that ginkgo is helpful for the early stages of the disease. |
| Super Prescription #3 ginkgo biloba (24 percent flavone glycosides)
Take 120 mg two to three times daily. It improves circulation to the brain, improves memory, and has antioxidant benefits.
Super Prescription #4 Club moss (Huperzia serrata)
Take a product standardized to contain 0.2 mg of huperizine A daily. This compound has been shown to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain and to improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.
HA is the primary component of the cell membranes of neurons. |
The Editors of FC&A
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| Get going with ginkgo biloba. This ancient Chinese remedy works like aspirin to thin your blood and improve circulation to your legs. No wonder people say they can walk farther after taking ginkgo. Experts recommend 120 to 160 milligrams per day with meals.
Before taking ginkgo supplements, make sure yours is made from the plant's leaves and not the seeds, which could be harmful. Also, don't take it without your doctor's approval if you're already on aspirin or warfarin.
Crack cramps with nuts. Those suffering from intermittent claudication tend to be deficient in vitamin E. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Estimated at well over 100 million years old, the leaves from this tree have a bilobal, brainlike appearance, hence the name, ginkgo biloba. Though fairly new to the Western culture, the leaves of the gingko tree have been used for centuries in the Orient for complaints associated with aging.
An extract of the ginkgo biloba leaves has been tested and reported to be effective at reducing ischemic symptoms—vascular insufficiency associated with aging and atherosclerosis. ginkgo biloba appears to increase cerebral blood flow and thus help oxygenation; it also may inhibit platelet aggregation. |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
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 Bioactive molecules of ginkgo biloba. a: a flavonoid glycoside; b: ginkgolide B.
How Ginkgo Protects the Brain
The neuroprotective activity of ginkgo can be traced to at least three different modes of action. These different modes appear to work in a sort of synergy in that they reinforce one another, adding to the neuroprotective effect.
Antioxidant Behavior
One of these effects is the antioxidant behavior of the flavonoid glycosides, which serve to quench any reactive oxygen species (ROS) present. In Chapter 5 we learned how ROS can damage lipids, DNA, and proteins. |
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