Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a living fossil, which in evolutionary terms means a very old species. Ginkgo improves peripheral circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, and also has antioxidant properties.

Circulation

Although the exact mechanism is not understood the flavonoids, anthocyanidins and terpenoids both inhibit platelet aggregation and dilate the blood vessels. The effect is in no way long term,lasting only serveral hours, so small doses regularly are recommended.

Memory

Ginkgo Biloba is the most prescibed medication in Europe. It is believed to be beneficial for all mental functions simply by improving the supply of blood to the brain. It therefore may improve memory and treat Alzheimer's disease. However it is claimed that although there is no proof that ginkgo does not improve memory, the studies done to date have been adequate and that more research is needed. Have we heard that before? It is rather odd that the herb is prescribed so much when some claim that little is known about it's effects.

Interestingly claims have been made that studies which followed the dosage on the label have failed to demonstrate any benefit, whereas if they had doubled the dose then some positive results may have shown. This is possible isn't it? In fact we often suspect that claims like "our amino acids release growth hormone" are accurate enough in theory, but cannot be practically achieved by taking one gram of arginine a day. Those of us who have tried it know that effects are noticable between 8-30g a day or more. That would be both expensive and uncomfortable - but definately possible.

Other benefits

Noone has really disputed Ginkgo's ability to increase circulation. In fact my Chinese herbalist always had a story to tell. He told me that historically Chinese people used to suicide by eating a lot of Ginkgo fruit. They would then bleed from the eyes and nose, and bleed to death. One suspects that the effects of Ginkgo do increase dramatically with dose. He had plenty of gory stories, but I shall save them for later.

I believe that substances (and head massage) which improve circulation always improve not only memory but concentration as well as stimulating the ductless glands (the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus) to release more hormones. Thereby increasing circulation - particularly to the head keeps you young. In fact Ginkgo is also taken for its anti-aging properties. Of course as mentioned earlier it contains antioxidants which as you know scavenge the free radicals which are constantly breaking down your body.

Summary

It is quite likely that some or all claims regarding Ginkgo are true. It is also likely that the claims are based on larger doses than recommended. Very high doses can be fatal.