Name: Gingko Biloba - Standardized Extract
Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba
Intro: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. Unlike many other medicinal herbs, ginkgo leaves are not frequently used in their crude state, but rather, in the form of a concentrated, standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). Ginkgo leaves contain two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants such as those found in ginkgo can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Emerging evidence suggests that GBE may be particularly effective in treating ailments associated with decreased blood flow to the brain, particularly in elderly individuals.
Nutrient Content: More than 40 components of ginkgo have been identified but only two are believed to be responsible for the herb's beneficial effects -- flavonoids and terpenoids. As described earlier, flavonoids (such as quercetin) have potent antioxidant effects. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.
Benefits:
Comments: Do not ingest Ginkgo biloba fruit.
The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau recommends a daily dosage of approximately 40mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day for optimal health.
Caution: GBE is considered to be safe and side effects are rare. In a few cases, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, skin reactions, and dizziness were reported.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using ginkgo preparations. In addition, ginkgo use should be discontinued at least 36 hours prior to surgery due to the risk of bleeding complications.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your healthcare provider:
Anticonvulsant medications
High doses of Ginkgo biloba could decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsant therapy in patients taking carbamazepine or valproic acid to control seizures.
Blood-thinning medications
Ginkgo has blood-thinning properties and therefore should not be used if you are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, heparin, ticlopidine, or warfarin.
Cylosporine
Ginkgo biloba may be beneficial during treatment with cyclosporine because of its ability to protect cell membranes from damage.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Ginkgo may enhance the effects (both good and bad) of antidepressant medications known as MAOIs, such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
Papaverine
The combination of papaverine and ginkgo may be effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients who do not respond to papaverine alone.
Thiazide diuretics
Although there has been one literature report of increased blood pressure associated with the use of ginkgo during treatment with thiazide diuretics, this interaction has not been verified by clinical trials. Nevertheless, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using ginkgo if you are taking thiazide diuretics.
Trazodone
Additionally, there has been a report of an adverse interaction between ginkgo and trazodone, an antidepressant medication, that resulted in an elderly patient going into a coma.