Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 The herb ginkgo biloba is noteworthy for its remarkable results in the treatment of Alzheimer's patients, and is used extensively in Europe for this purpose.
Anemia
Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in the hemoglobin content of red blood cells. An insufficient amount of hemoglobin diminishes the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues and to remove carbon dioxide. Anemia is a common affliction in the United States, which may seem surprising in light of the fact that so many foods are fortified with iron.
According to New York physician Dr. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 HerbaSway, a producer of standardized Chinese herbs, notes that many herbs with proven health benefits, such as ginkgo biloba, actually contain chemicals that if used alone can be toxic. However, when combined with other chemicals found in the plant, these "bad" chemicals are neutralized and may even be helpful. True Chinese healers do not use herbs individually, but combine them in formulas with other herbs.
Until very recendy, Chinese herbs were available only from Chinese herb shops, usually known only to other Chinese healers. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
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 In addition to all of these, I personally like ginkgo biloba extract because I know this helps cerebral vascular circulation and also microcirculation elsewhere in the body. Rather than working on the blood, it works to relax the blood vessels and open the flow of blood.
Every aspect of this silent killer is within our ability to control. Yes, it will require some changes in your lifestyle, but what good is your lifestyle if it costs you your life? I'd say it is worth the effort. vegetables vs. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 However, the ginkgo biloba extract with a twenty-four-percent ginkgo flavonglycoside content is perhaps a better choice if a person is also demonstrating signs of cerebrovascular insufficiency. Grape seed extract may be the most useful when there is poor night vision or significant sensitivity to bright light (photophobia).
Lifestyle
Because exposure to free radicals is a major factor in macular degeneration, it is not surprising that smoking increases the risk of macular degeneration in both men and women. |
| Flavonoid-Rich Extracts
Flavonoid-rich extracts of bilberry (Vac-cinium myrtillus), ginkgo biloba, or grape seed (Vitis vinifera) offer significant benefits in the prevention and treatment of ARMD. In addition to possessing excellent antioxidant activity, all three extracts have been shown to increase blood flow to the retina and improve visual processes. Clinical studies in humans have demonstrated that all three are also capable of halting the progressive vision loss of dry ARMD and possibly even improving visual function. |
| Ginkgo biloba extract appears to work not only by increasing blood flow to the brain, but also by enhancing energy production within the brain, increasing the uptake of glucose by brain cells and actually improving the transmission of nerve signals.34
Improving the transmission rate of nerve signals is critically important to memory. Memory is directly related to the speed at which the nerve impulse can be transmitted. |
| Preliminary studies have indicated that mixtures of ginkgolides, as well as the ginkgo biloba extract standardized to contain twenty-four percent ginkgo flavonglycosides and six percent terpenoid are capable of demonstrating clinically significant antiallergy effects. |
| Key uses of ginkgo biloba are in treating
Cerebral vascular insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the brain) Dementia Depression Impotence
Inner ear dysfunction (vertigo, tinnitus, etc.)
Multiple sclerosis
Neuralgia and neuropathy
Peripheral vascular insufficiency (intermittent claudication, Raynaud's syndrome, etc.) Premenstrual syndrome Retinopathy (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc. |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
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 In addition, he was supplementing his diet with several important natural medicinal tonics, including ginseng and ginkgo biloba. He was also taking high amounts of the important memory-enhancing nutrient lecithin, which, as noted earlier, is the nutritional precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the primary chemical carrier of memory.
He was getting some exercise, staying mentally active, and trying to keep his stress under control.
His daughter, he said, was still hesitant about him trying complementary medicine, so he preferred to continue his own self-managed program. |
| She took the herb ginkgo biloba, as well as a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. She also took a homeopathic remedy for vertigo, in pills and injections.
In addition, she underwent a regimen of advanced medical acupuncture, and each day she performed a series of mind/body exercises designed to increase her ability to focus, and to improve her vertigo.
The acupuncture treatment, focused primarily on points in her scalp, was somewhat similar to another treatment that has elicited remarkable results among thousands of amnesia patients: transcranial electrical brain stimulation. |
| These include such nutrients as ginkgo biloba and various other herbs from the Asian pharmacopeia, such as ginseng. Other natural medicinal tonics that are of particular benefit are phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl choline, and acetyl-L-carnitine.
Another nutritional tonic I often recommend is a "green juice" that includes such ingredients as blue-green algae, wheat grass, and spirulina. These products are the richest possible sources of partial proteins called peptides, which the brain converts to neuropeptides (such as the well-known beta endorphins). |
| Patients were tested for cognitive function, memory, and concentration, and those taking ginkgo biloba improved significantly in all categories over a one-month period.
As you can see, relatively simple nutritional changes can have a profound effect upon the function of the brain.
Stress Management and Brain Regeneration
It is critically important for people suffering from memory loss to reduce their stress levels. Continued stress creates further neurological damage. |
| In addition to a wide range of vitamins and minerals, his nutritional program also included regular ingestion of a number of natural medicinal tonics, including Ginkgo biloba; a high-quality Chinese ginseng product, Ching Chun Bao; a full-spectrum "green-juice" product; and high dosages of vitamin C (up to 7 grams daily).
According to the Western interpretation of nutritional therapy, these medications provided the optimal biochemical milieu for his cognitive function. |
| Ginkgo biloba and ginseng). I also placed him on the pharmaceutical drug deprenyl.
Shortly after he began his program, my wife, Kirti—who works with me—began calling him to monitor his progress. When she would call, he would not recognize her name, or know who she was. He would not feel competent enough to talk to her, and would mumble, "Let me get my wife." Then his wife would update Kirti on his progress.
Then one day, after we had not heard from him for a few months, Kirti called, and he answered the phone.
This time it wasn't "I'll get my wife." Instead he said, "Hi, how are you? |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Muira puama (Ptychopetalum ola-coides) extract (6:1): 250 mg three times per day
For Arterial Insufficiency
• ginkgo biloba extract (24% ginkgo flavonglycosides): 80 mg three times per day
For Elevated Prolactin Levels
• Chaste berry (Vitex agnus castus) extract (0.5% agnuside content): 350-500 mg daily
For Supportive Therapy
Herbs described in the chapter Prostate
Enlargement, especially Pygeum africanum, may be helpful. Also, damiana tea may be helpful, as described in this chapter. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Herbs which have been traditionally used to control benign growths include Echinacea, Thuja (arbor-vitae) and Chelidonium (greater celandine). ginkgo biloba standardized extract can relieve pain associated with fibroids. Oestrogen-promoting herbs such as Chamaelirium luteum (helonias root) and Dioscorea (wild yam) should be avoided. To modify the effects of oestrogen, the intake of phytooestrogens and oestrogenic lignans should be increased.
Case history
A patient aged 43 presented with uterine fibroids characterized by menorrhagia and pain, especially with menstruation. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Or take one cup of ginger tea three times daily.
¦ ginkgo biloba has antioxidant properties, guards against blood clots, improves circulation, and is known as an aid to improved memory and mental clarity. Choose a product containing at least 24 percent ginkgo heterosides (sometimes called flavoglycosides) and take 40 milligrams three times daily.
¦ All types of ginseng are whole-body energizers. These tonic herbs have antioxidant properties, may help protect against heart disease and cancer, and fight stress. Take a ginseng formula as recommended on the product label. |
Thomas Bartram
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 Maidenhair tree. ginkgo biloba. Sole survivor of its own genus. Seeds, leaves. Keynotes: brain and lungs. Constituents: terpenes, tannins, lignans, flavonoids, and gingkolide B which is a platelet activating factor (PAF).
Action: nutritive, tuberculostatic. A compound
(BN 52021) from the tree antagonises bron-chospasm and tends to resolve breathing difficulties. Circulatory stimulant. Increases brain blood flow, Peripheral vasodilator, Energy enhancer. {JAM, Vol 6, No 2) Uses. Respiratory complaints, especially asthma. Inhibits platelet clumping: of value in coronary artery disease. Tinnitus. |
Robert W. Hill, Ph.D. and Eduardo Castro, M.D.
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 Other Nutrients: ginkgo biloba extract stands head and shoulders above the array of nutrients beneficial for enhancing brain function. It is an excellent antioxidant that penetrates tissues quite well. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and exerts its antioxidant activity directly on brain tissue where it neutralizes free radical molecules that damage tissue. In addition to acting as an antioxidant and decreasing damage from free radical activity, it has other important effects on brain tissue. |
Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D.
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 Recommended dosages: ginkgo biloba, 60 milligrams of the 24 percent standardized preparation three times daily; quercetin, 100 milligrams three times daily.
By eating healthier diets and taking the appropriate supplements, we can prevent or halt many gastrointestinal illnesses. Although it is difficult to change lifelong eating habits, to give up a cherished food allergen, or to stop eating sugar or fats, it's a small sacrifice to make for the huge improvement you'll notice in your health and sense of well-being —and you'll be around longer to appreciate it. |
Robert W. Hill, Ph.D. and Eduardo Castro, M.D.
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| Supplement with vitamins and minerals, and consider additional antioxidants like ginkgo biloba.
• Avoid monosodium glutamate (MSG), also labeled as hydrolyzed soy, vegetable, or plant protein, autolyzed yeast, textured protein, sodium or calcium caseinate, soy or whey isolate.
• Avoid synthetic additives such as colors, flavors, enhancers, stabilizers, and binders.
• Avoid products containing caffeine. |
American Medical Publishing
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| ICC
Alternatives — There are many natural blood thinners, including garlic, ginkgo biloba and fish oil, or omega-3. Aspirin is also a blood thinner and is less dangerous than Coumadin. All of the above may not be powerful enough for people at serious risk of stroke or heart attack, but alternatives should be discussed with doctor before resorting to Coumadin. Also, a healthy lifestyle of low-fat foods and plenty of exercise will help the heart and lessen the chance of stroke.
No. 11 — Prilosec — Popular drug used for stomach ulcers and frequent heartburn. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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 HERBAL REMEDIES
• Try ginkgo biloba (40 milligrams twice a day), pycnogenol (20 milligrams twice daily), and cayenne (one or two capsules per meal); include some of the following herbs in your regular diet: ginger, rosemary, garlic, onion, sage, and cinnamon.
OTHER THERAPIES
• Exercise is crucial for effective circulation. Walking or jogging is superb, but any exercise will help. Also, try yoga, tai chi, or stretching.
• Hydrotherapy can enhance the circulation in an extraordinary way. Alternating hot and cold applications of water can be effective (see Chapter Twenty). |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| Pharmacodynamics
The considerable number of pharmacological studies on ginkgo biloba extract have not been comprehensively reviewed in this monograph. Rather, the results from important, unique or representative studies have been included. For an extensive review, see the book by DeFeudis.6
PAF antagonism
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an ether-linked phospholipid which is formed by platelets, basophils, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. It is a potent platelet-aggregating agent and inducer of systemic anaphylactic symptoms. The ginkgolides are potent and specific PAF antagonists. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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 The main reason why ginkgo biloba has such a broad variety of effects on the body is that it makes the whole circulatory system more efficient. By improving both the elasticity and tone of the blood vessels, it enhances blood flow. Ginkgo is unique because it affects all parts of the circulatory system, arteries, veins, and capillaries, and is therefore called a trivasoregulator (able to harmonize the total function of the circulation). A healthy circulatory system will provide nutrients including oxygen to all parts of the body and thus improve its function. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| Given the favourable influence of ginkgo biloba on both on red blood cell fragility and blood rheology, it might be indicated for such disturbances.
Brain abnormalities
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brains of CFS sufferers found a high incidence of inflammation (oedema and demyelination) in association with serological evidence of active human herpes virus-6 infection.13 This controversial finding of brain abnormalities in CFS has been somewhat supported by a study which observed that CFS patients had significantly more abnormal scans than controls: 27% vs 2%. |
| De Feudis FV. ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761): pharmacological activities and clinical applications. Elsevier, Paris, 1991
11. Ravanelli OV, Haase W. Zur Wirksamkeit von Silymarin bei Leberkrankheiten. Zeitschrift fur Praktische Anasthesie und Wiederbelebung 1976; 30(355): 1592-1612
12. Scudder JM. Specific medication and specific medicines. Scudder Bros Co, Cincinnati, 1913
13. Ellingwood F. American materia medica, therapeutics and pharmacognosy. Reprinted by Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland, 1983
14. Lyle TJ. Physio-medical therapeutics, materia medica and pharmacy. |
| Examples of this type of standardized extract include those of ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum and Serenoa repens. It is the extract as a whole which has been clinically proven. The standardization serves to define this clinically proven extract. Any issues pertaining to safety would be documented in the various clinical trials.
2. Extracts, which may or may not have been proven effective in clinical trials, for which the level of standardization gives some indication of the potency of the whole extract. |
| The efficacy and safety of extract of ginkgo biloba in the treatment of patients with mild to severe Alzheimer disease or multiinfarct dementia were assessed in a 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.67 Patients received either 120 mg per day of the concentrated standardized 50:1 extract or placebo. Primary outcome measures were the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS), Geriatric Evaluation by Relative's Rating Instrument (GERRI) and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| Take 300 to 500 milligrams three times daily.
¦ ginkgo biloba improves circulation and enhances tissue oxygenation. Select a standardized extract of the whole leaf containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides (sometimes called flavoglycosides) and take 40 milligrams three times daily.
¦ Gotu kola improves venous blood flow and speeds the healing of wounds, including skin ulcers. In clinical trials, approximately 80 percent of subjects have reported a lessening of symptoms, including feelings of heaviness in the lower limbs, vein distension, and numbness, while taking it. |
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