Sunday, 28 August 2016

Tree of Life – Gingko

  


History

Ginkgo biloba is the longest living tree species in the world, existing for over 250 million years. Ginkgo trees can live as long as a thousand years. By itself, Ginkgo is an herb, rich in bioflavonoids and ginkgosides. The leaves are generally used to make “extracts” that are used as medicine. It is also rich in potent antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin E, vital for neturalising free radical damage to cells in preventing chronic diseases.

Health benefits

+  As far back as 2600 B.C. gingko extract was used for asthmatic treatment.  Asthma is a condition in which allergen inhaled from the environment or produced by the body causes narrowing of the bronchioles and increased production of sputum, that leads to obstructed airflow and breathlessness.  Severe asthma attack can be fatal.  Ginkgo has the pharmacology effects of dilating the bronchiole to relieve and prevent asthma attack.

+  Ginkgo is often used for improving blood circulation to the peripheral nerves and capillaries to increase intake of oxygen.  Examples -

-   Better blood flow to the brain enhances nervous transmission, delay the aging process of the temporal and limbic lobe in the brain that are responsible for memory management.  Failure to arrest the deteriorating condition can cause senile dementia patients to suffer dimunition of brain cells.  Hence, brain degeneration problems including Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss for older people can also be helped with Gingko extract.  Basically it can change brain electrolyte activity to improve and minimise nerve damage and recover dead nerve cells.

-  Other conditions that seem to be due to reduced blood flow in the brain – include migraine (stress-related), ringing in the ears, vertigo, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances and hearing disorders bear good results for most users.  It is also used for thinking disorders related to depression.

-  Do not ignore symptoms such as pain, swelling and cramping in the legs – lesser oxygen delivered there causes muscle damage and hardened arteries, leading to a stroke or heart attack. The pain can extend to the toes, feet and ankles. Studies showed a significant increase in pain-free walking distance in patients using gingko extract comparable to that achieved with the drug pentoxifyline.

+  A Dr Braquet found that gingko has a platelet activating factor (PAF), antagonistic properties that can reduce platelet aggregation (blood clotting) to prevent thrombosis. This is effective in preventing the occurence of coronary atherosclerosis and cerebral stroke.  This same harmful substance can trigger an asthma attack by triggering allergic responses. The sudden narrowing of the main air passages from the windpipe to the lungs may feel like a tightening or squeezing in your chest, and breathing becomes difficult. Ginkgo can prevent this by blocking PAF.

+  As for diabetic patients, a Dr Vasseur found that gingko can increase insulin secretion to promote the formation of glycogen in order to normalise blood glucose.  Not only that, its powerful antioxidants, namely beta-carotene and Vitamin E can help them to improve accompanying problems in retinopathy and other complications.

+  Those suffering from eye problems including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can also benefit with its rich potent antioxidants.


+  It improves menstrual pain and irregular menstruation.

How to use?

The following doses have been studied in scientific research based on specific standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts containing 24% gingko heterosides -

+  For dementia syndromes:  a dosage of 120-240 mg per day of ginkgo leaf extract, divided in 2-3 doses.

+  For cognitive function improvement in healthy young people: dosages of 120-600 mg per day.

-  For all uses, start at a lower dose of not more than 120 mg per day to avoid gastrointestinal side effects.

-  Increase to higher doses indicated as needed. Dosing may vary depending on the specific formulation used.

Safety aspects

+  Pregnant women are advised not to take.
+  Hypertension patients have to exercise caution, best under medical professional’s supervision.
+  Gingko reduces the clotting ability of the blood and thus can prolong bleeding time, so be wary when used in combination with anti-platelet herbs such as garlic, aspirin and coumadin, or drugs normally prescribed for peripheral arterial disease.  Also, stop using when you have surgery scheduled.
+  Gingko has occasionally caused digestive problems, headache or dizziness.

Our comments

All in all, most studies have consistently shown that using the herb significantly increases memory, recall and reaction times. It also seems to help in learning and concentration, and lessen fatigue.

VIVA corner

VIVA Liquick Gingko and Gingko Biloda contain the finest gingko extract with a 50:1 (take 50 pounds of leaves to produce 1 pound of extract) ratio and a minimum concentration of 24% glycosides and 6% gingkgoglides, the highest potency available on the market.  Tannin acid, usually found in gingko extract is removed to avoid stomach irritation.

Liquick Gingko – 60 mg per 1 dropperful

Gingko Biloda – 40 mg per capsule. Recommended for patients with high blood pressure.

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