Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| This line of research suggests that 5-HTP might also be used in conjunction with St John's wort extract or ginkgo biloba extract, two herbal medicines with proven antidepressant activity.
Table 92.5 HDS from a comparative study of HTP, L-tryptophan and placebo
5-HTP l-Tryptophan
Placebo
Beginning of the study
26
25
23
End of the study (30 days)
CD
15
19
Table 92.6 Change in Hamilton Rating Scale for depression19
5-HTP + MAO
MAO + placebo
Initial measurement
28.67
26.33
After 8 days
16.67
19.23
After 15 days
11.77
6. |
| Twenty patients reporting a positive effect to ginkgo biloba extract (14.6 mg twice daily) after 2 weeks were recruited for the double-blind study. Patients were given either the GBE or placebo for 2 weeks and were then crossed over into the other group. Evaluation indicated that six patients preferred GBE, seven preferred placebo, and seven had no preference.
On the surface, this study would seem to indicate that GBE is not effective for permanent severe tinnitus. However, the study was really designed for the GBE to fail. First of all the dosage used (14.6 mg twice daily or 29. |
| In Germany, as well as France, extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves are registered for the treatment of cerebral and peripheral vascular insufficiency.7 Ginkgo products are available by prescription and OTC purchase. Ginkgo extracts are among the top three most widely prescribed drugs in both Germany and France, with a combined annual sales of more than $500 million. In contrast, in the US, extracts, which are identical to those approved in Germany and France, are available as "food supplements". |
| The demonstration that ginkgo biloba extract improves limb blood flow as well as improved walking tolerance (in studies following strict methodology and with sufficient patients for reliable evaluation) indicates that GBE is far superior to pentoxifylline and standard medical therapy in peripheral arterial insufficiency. This includes other peripheral vascular disorders such as diabetic peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's syndrome, acrocyanosis, and post-phlebitis syndrome.
The longer the period over which GBE is used, the
Table 88. |
| Allergies
Mixtures of ginkgolides as well as the ginkgo biloba extract standardized to contain 24% ginkgoflavonglyco-sides have shown clinical effects in allergic conditions due to their inhibition of platelet activating factor (PAF) - a key chemical mediator in asthma, inflammation, and allergies.13'14
In one double-blind placebo study, the ability of a mixture of ginkolides to block the effects of PAF when PAF was injected into the skin was investigated.13 Normally, when PAF is injected it causes an immediate formation of a hive (classic wheal and flare reaction). |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| The dosage of the ginkgo biloba extract standardized to contain 24% ginkgo flavoglycosides is 40 mg three times a day.
Ginseng
In a double-blind controlled study, 36 non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients were treated for 8 weeks with ginseng extract at 100 or 200 mg or with a placebo. Ginseng elevated mood, improved psychophysiological performance, and reduced fasting blood sugars and body weight. The 200 mg dose improved glycated hemoglobin, serum aminoterminalpropetide concentrations, and physical activity. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Garlic: Two capsules three times daily (aged raw, odorless). Ginkgo biloba: One or two 60 mg. capsules daily. Tumeric: Two capsules up to three times daily.
*Check with your doctor or natural healer before taking vitamin E in combination with aspirin or any other blood thinners.
Sunburn
Serious damage from ultraviolet sunlight is a major health risk.
Experts estimate that 80 percent of all skin damage due to aging is caused by overexposure to the sun.
Your skin feels as though it's on fire. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| If over the age of 50, ginkgo biloba extract (24% ginkgo flavonglycosides) should be used at a dosage of 80 mg three times daily. In severe cases, this can be used in combination with St John's wort and/or 5-HTP.
If anxiety is a significant factor, kava extract standardized for kavalactone content should be used at a dosage of 45-70 mg kavalactones three times daily.
BIPOLAR (MANIC) DEPRESSION AND HYPOMANIA
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Bipolar depression is a disorder characterized by periods of major depression alternating with periods of elevated mood. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 John's wort (Hypericum) to help control anxiety.
• ginkgo biloba in a standardized extract, 60 mg one to three times daily.
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a form of organic sulfur. It binds to allergens, thus preventing allergic reactions, and it coats the intestinal lining to prevent dust mites and their droppings from playing havoc with allergies and worsening asthma. Take 1,000 mg, two to three times daily. You can take up to 6,000 mg daily. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Quercetin can be used, or flavonoid-rich extracts such as those from grape seed, pine bark, green tea, or ginkgo biloba may prove even more helpful in the treatment of asthma due to their better bioavailability. In particular, the proanthocyanidins from grape seed or pine bark extracts appear to have an affinity for the lungs (for more information, see Ch. 106). |
| Treatment consisted of 120 mg of the pure ginkgolides daily - a dosage that is currently very expensive to achieve using the 24% ginkgo flavonglycoside and 6% total terpenoid ginkgo biloba extract.
Aloe vera
Administration of Aloe vera preparations may be effective for patients who are not dependent upon corticosteroids. In one study, the oral administration of an extract of Aloe vera for 6 months was shown to produce good results in the treatment of asthma in some individuals of various ages. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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 Animal and human studies using a concentrated extract of ginkgo biloba leaves have been found to restore regional cerebral blood flow following induced or spontaneously appearing embolic (blood clot) phenomena. These extracts appear to improve energy metabolism and electrical activity in the brains of animals suffering from decreased cerebral perfusion (blood flow through the brain). In humans, these extracts have been demonstrated to increase brain perfusion as well as to increase oxygen and glucose consumption of the brain. |
| Concentrated ginkgo biloba extracts are available in Europe and Mexico and are used for the treatment of circulatory disorders. Tebonin is available in Europe and Mexico, Tanakan in France and Rokan in Germany. Those who have access to these products should discuss their use with their physicians. These substances are relatively free of side effects. Those who desire to use these substances for the treatment of circulatory disorders (under medical guidance, of course) should be aware that it may take several months of constant use before any noticeable benefits are obtained. |
| If ginkgolide B is the active therapeutic agent of ginkgo biloba, as it now appears to be, it seems to work by interfering with a chemical made in the body called platelet-activating factor. This substance is implicated in platelet aggregation, graft rejection, asthma and even toxic shock. Researchers at Georgetown University have found that ginkgolide B prolonged the survival of grafted hearts in rats without the undesirable side effects that are observed with drugs such as cyclosporin, which are presently used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. |
| A paper in a German medical journal reported on the effects of ginkgo biloba extract on eight healthy, young men who were subjected to conditions of hypoxia. The study was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover in design. Neurologic responses of the subjects receiving the extract were significantly better than those receiving placebo under these conditions. This is a very significant finding and should be followed up with a larger study.
In atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, there is decreased flow of blood going to the extremities. |
| This is the ginkgo tree, known in the botanical literature as ginkgo biloba. This tree family has existed in its present form for thousands of centuries and was once friends with the dinosaurs. The ginkgo, to understate considerably, is a survivor. It is remarkably resistant to pests and fungi and can continue to reproduce up to an age of over 1,000 years. The ginkgo appears to produce some substances which may help us live healthier and longer lives, as well. |
| Another report, again in the German medical literature, reported on the use of ginkgo biloba extract in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. The study was performed over a period of six months, and was a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial which was placebo-controlled. At the end of the six-month trial, those receiving the ginkgo extract were found to be able to walk significantly longer distances without pain than those receiving placebo. This correlated well with objective measurements which showed improved circulation. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Botanical medicines
• ginkgo biloba extract (24% ginkgo flavonglycosides): 40 to 80 mg three times/day.
REFERENCES
1. Ellison GW, Visscher BR, Graves MC, Fahey JL. Multiple sclerosis. Annals Int Med 1984; 101: 514-526
2. Cutler RWP. Demyelinating disease. In: Dale CD, Federman DD. Scientific American medicine. New York, NY: Scientific American. 1997: pll: IX: 1-5
3. Petersdorf RG. Harrison's principles of internal medicine. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 1983: p 2098-2103
4. Hewson DC. Is there a role for gluten-free diets in multiple sclerosis. Human Nutr Appl Nutr 1984; 38A: 417-420
5. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Given its power to improve blood flow, ginkgo biloba is the treatment of choice. Once the brain cells get the oxygen and blood sugar needed to help them function properly, memory improves. Clinical studies have confirmed that significant change can occur as rapidly as 8 to 12 weeks.
^ Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
For women who experience cramping, pain, and breast tenderness around the time of their periods, ginkgo may also provide some benefits. I have been surprised to learn that these typical symptoms of PMS might respond to gingko. |
John Heinerman
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 Follow this by taking two capsules each of schizandra fruit and ginkgo biloba with a glass of water. All of these herbs are readily available at most health food stores or herb shops, or can be obtained through the mail (see Product Appendix).
Obesity Modified
One study a few years ago demonstrated that yohimbine may be of some value in treating overweight. Obese subjects were put on a low-calorie diet (1,000 calories per day) and also given a supplement of yohimbine (5 milligram capsules taken 4 times a day). |
| It is called "Ginkolic" and consists of ginkgo biloba extract, Kyolic aged garlic extract, and Siberian ginseng. I take 2-3 capsules with a glass of water. I've noticed that when I forget to take it, my brain function isn't up to par. (See Product Appendix for more information.)
THE GINSENGS
WILD AMERICAN GINSENG
(Panax quinquifoltus)
CHINESE OR KOREAN GINSENG
(Panax ginseng)
TIENCHI GINSENG
(Panax notoginseng)
SIBERIAN OR RUSSIAN GINSENG
(Eleutherococcus senticosus, acanthopanax senticosus)
Brief Description
Ginseng can refer to any of 22 different plants. |
| Other plants remaining since then include the colossal evergreens and ginkgo biloba. A while back I happened to visit one of the last virgin stands of coastal redwoods in the 560-acre Muir Woods National Monument just north of San Francisco.
In a canyon drenched by winter rain and summer fog, I discovered to my great delight fungi, lichens, mosses, and cloverlike oxalis that thrive in the shade of gigantic redwoods that spire to almost 300 feet or more in height. I also found myself in waist-high bracken ferns, with their rugged, stiff, darkly green fronds. |
| How Ginkgo Works to Increase Circulation
With almost 300 published studies and reports to its credit, ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is the herbal medicine most frequently prescribed by alternative-minded doctors and natural-oriented pharmacists worldwide. A large German phyto-medicine company was the first to develop this standardized concentrated extract. It involves 27 different extraction steps and requires 50 pounds of leaves to yield just one pound of GBE, taking up to two weeks to complete. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| What Shawna didn't realize at the time is that ginkgo biloba is one of the most all-round beneficial herbs that anyone could possibly take for his or her health. The power to cure cold feet is only one small fraction of its many powerful attributes.
A POWER PLANT
While ginkgo may well be the most widely publicized herb to come along in the past 50 years, the history of its healing powers certainly predates its current popularity. In fact, the Chinese have known about it and have used it for over 3,500 years.
Ginkgo ranks among the top five herbs that I prescribe to patients on a daily basis. |
| DeFeudis FV, ginkgo biloba extract (Egb 761): Pharmacological activities and clinical applications. Paris: Elsevier, 1991, pp. 143-146.
• "... [Measurable improvements in memory, attention, and mood." Hofferberth B, The efficacy of Egb 761 in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type: A double blind, placebo controlled study on different levels of investigation. Hum Psychopharmacol 1994; 9:215-222.
• "... [Gingko] can help alleviate [intermittent claudication within] 3 to 6 months if you take daily dosages of 120 to 160 milligrams. |
| Take nutritional supplements, including acetyl-L-carnitine and ginkgo biloba.
• Practice stress-busting lifestyle habits (proper sleep, exercise, prayer, etc.).
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
There are no side effects to speak of, except digestive upset for a small number of people. However, I would recommend not taking PS before bedtime, as it keeps some people awake.
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE
Recommendations from the Natural Physician for ...
Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI)
Many people experience impaired memory as they age. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Other botanicals
Extracts of ginkgo biloba have long been known to support vascular function and cerebral insufficiency. It seems probable that active constituents, ginkgolides and related flavonoids reduce oxidative stress.137,138 Turmeric has a long history of use in Eastern traditions. Curcuminoids are the bright yellow pigments isolated from this source. These lipids limit the metabolism of environmental mutagens. Consumption of extracts equivalent to 20 mg of curcuminoids for 45 days decreased serum lipid peroxides. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| Tamborini A, Taurelle R, Value of standardized ginkgo biloba extract (Egb 761) in the management of congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Rev Fr Gynecol Obstet 1993; 88:447-457.
• "... [Providing] the same antioxidant benefits that help protect normal body cells from the effects of rapid aging." Halpern G, Ginkgo: A Practical Guide. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing, 1998, pp. 143-144.
GINSENG
• "... Animal and human studies have shown that it supports and strengthens the function of the adrenal glands." Shibata S, Tanaka O, Shoji J, et al., Chemistry and pharmacology of Panax. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| To aid in healing carpal tunnel, in addition to 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B6 daily you can take ginkgo biloba to improve blood supply to the affected area. Since ginkgo improves circulation to the extremities, it seems a logical choice for CTS. You can also try taking glucosamine or EVEX-33, since they aid the body in repairing cartilage and tendons.
Antibiotics, Antifungals and Their Natural Alternatives
Anti-infectives is the general term describing the drugs we take to fight all kinds of infections such as bacteria, fungus, parasites and viruses. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 INTERACTIONS
No interactions between DHA and aspirin, other NSAIDs or herbs, such as Allium sativum (garlic) and ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), have been reported. Such interactions, if they were to occur, might be manifested by nosebleeds and increased susceptibility to bruising.
OVERDOSAGE
None reported.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
There are several forms of DHA supplements. These include DHA as the triacylglycerol ester derived from fish or from phytoplankton and DHA as the ethyl ester. Infant formulas containing DHA are available in Europe and Japan, but not yet approved in the U.S. |
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