Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo Biloba

(Ginkgo Biloba)

Ginkgo Biloba is used to increase peripheral blood flow connected with cerebral vascular disease, peripheral vascular insufficiency, impotence, tinnitus, and depression. Has also been shown to provide improvement in Alzheimer's disease, dementia; intermittent claudication; macular degeneration; memory enhancement and sexual dysfunction. Other studies have evaluated the use of extract or isolated constituents for disorders such as arrhythmias, asthma, premenstrual syndrome, senile macular degeneration, hearing loss, and vestibular disorders.

Alzheimer's disease, dementia: Ernst, 1999, LeBars, 1997, Itil, 1998, Oken, 1998

Asthma: Braquet, 1987

Increase peripheral blood flow: Kleijnen, 1992, Nemecz and Combest, 1997 Princemail et al., 1989

Intermittent claudication: Peters, 1998, Ernst, 1996

Macular degeneration: Lebuisson, 1986

Memory enhancement: Allain, 1993, Kleijnen, 1992

Sexual dysfunction: Cohen, 1998

Standardized: 24% and 6% standardized extract containing Flavonol Glycosides 19.2mg, Terpene Lactones 4.8mg (minimum)
1-2 capsules with water 3 x daily

Whole Herb: (Leaf powder) 400mg
1-2 capsules with water 3 x daily

Summary:

Most uses of Ginkgo have centered on improvement in regional (i.e., CNS) or peripheral blood flow and oxygen delivery. Claims of benefit range from improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease to decreased symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. Other neurologic uses include tinnitus and vertigo. The physiological effects are attributed to the extract's ability to produce arterial vasodilation, inhibit arterial spasms, decrease capillary permeability, reduce capillary fragility, decrease blood viscosity, and reduce erythrocyte aggregation. These effects are probably due to stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis or by indirect vasoregulatory effects on catecholamines. In addition, Ginkgo Biloba extract acts as an antioxidant and Ginkgolide B is reported to be a potent inhibitor of platelet activating factor. Ginkgo must be taken continuously-2 to 3 weeks minimum before seeing results.

Pharmacology:

The primary activity of Ginkgo appears to be derived from flavoglycosides which are potent free radical scavengers and demonstrate a variety of pharmacological activities. Ginkgo has also been reported to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF) and may stimulate endothelial releasing factor and prostacyclin. Ginkgo may augment venous tone and improve the clearance of toxins during periods of ischemia. In addition, gingko may improve cholinergic neurotransmission. The effect of Ginkgo may be to increase cerebral brain flow and improve oxygen and nutrient delivery while enhancing the elimination of metabolic end products. Ginkgo may reduce capillary fragility and function as an antioxidant. Ginkgo has been reported to improve circulation in the elderly and has been proposed to enhance memory, potentially delaying the onset of senile dementia and Alzheimer's. Ginkgo Biloba extract is composed of a complex mixture of polar and nonpolar compounds and contains various flavonol and flavone glycosides, 20 carbon diterpene lactones (including ginkgetin, gindgolic acid, and isoginkgetin), 20-carbon-diterpene lactone derivatives termed Ginkgolides (of which Ginkgolide A, B, C, J, and M have been identified), and a 15-carbon sesquiterpene termed bilobalide. Other isolated compounds include ascorbic acid, catechin, iron-based superoxide dismutase, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hyroxkynurenic acid, protocatechuic acid, shikimic acid, sterols including sitosterol, and vanillic acid.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Gingko demonstrates in vitro inhibition of platelet aggregation and has been associated with case reports of bleeding. Its use is contraindicated in individuals with active bleeding such as peptic ulcer and intracranial bleeding) and in individuals with a history of bleeding, hemostatic disorders, or drug-related hemostatic problems. Use with caution in individuals taking anticoagulant medications, including warfarin, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, NSAIDs, or antiplatelet agents (e.g., ticlopidine, clopidogrel, dipyridamole). There are reported incidences of spontaneous bleeding caused by excessive use. Discontinue use for at least 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures. Ginkgo may increase the effect or toxicity of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Contraindications in patients with a history of allergy to Ginkgo preparations, during pregnancy and lactation, and in children.

Theoretical Interactions:

Anticoagulants, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, antiplatelet agents, NSAIDs (increased risk of GI bleeding), MAO inhibitors, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, anticonvulsants (carbamapazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital-reduced effects of the drugs). May increase effects of blood thinning herbs or drugs.

References:

Allain H, Raoul P, Lieury A, et al, "Effect of Two Doses of Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) on the Dual Coding Test in Elderly Subjects," Clin Ther, 1993, 15(3): 549-58.

Braquet P, "The Ginkgolides: Potent Platelet-Activating Factor Antagonists Isolated from Ginkgo biloba L.: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Clinical Applications," Drugs of the Future, 1987, 12:643-99.

Cohen AJ and Bartlik B, "Ginkgo biloba for Antidepressant-induced Sexual Dysfunction," J Sex Marital Ther, 1998, 24(2): 139-43.

Ernst E, "Ginkgo biloba in Treatment of Intermittent Claudication. A Systematic Research Based on Controlled Studies in the Literature," Fortschr Med, 1996, 114(8): 85-7.

Ernst E and Pittler MH, "Ginkgo biloba for Dimensia: A Systematic Review of Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trials," Clin Drug Invest, 1999, 17(4): 301-8.

Itil TM, Erlap E, Ahmed I, et al, "The Pharmacological Effects of Ginkgo biloba, a Plant Extract, on the Brain of Dimensia Patients in Comparison With Tacrine," Psychopharmacol Bull, 1998, 34(3): 391-7.

Kleijnen J and Knipschild P, "Ginkgo biloba," Lancet, 1992, 340(8828): 1136-9.

Le Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al, "A Placebo Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial of an Extract of Ginkgo biloba for Dimensia. North American EGb Study Group," JAMA, 1997, 278(16): 1327-32.

Lebuissen DA, Leroy L, and Rigal G, "Treatment of Senile Macular Degeneration with Ginkgo biloba Extract. A Preliminary Double-Blind Drug Vs Placebo Study," Presse Med, 1986, 15(31): 1556-8.

Nemecz, G., and Combest, W.L. "Ginkgo biloba," US Pharmacist 22:144-51, September 1997.

Princemail, J., et al. "Superoxide Anion Scavenging Effect and Superoxide Dismutase Activity of Ginkgo biloba Extract," Experientia 45:708-12, 1989.

Ernst, E. "Harmless Herbs? A Review of the Recent Literature" American Journal of Medicine, vol. 104, 1998, pp.170-8.

Klepser, T.B. and Klepser, M.E. "Unsafe and Potentially Safe Herbal Therapies." American Journal of Helath-System Pharmacy, vol. 56, 1999, pp.125-38.

Miller, L.G. "Herbal Medicinals: Selected Clinical Considerations Focusing on Known or Poetential Drug-Herb Interactions." Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 158, 1998, pp. 2200-11.

Zink, T. and Chaffin, J. "Healthy 'Health' Products: What Family Physicians Need To Know." American Family Physician, vol 58, 1998, pp. 1133-1140.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Ginko Biloba Standardized Herbal Supplement 14.99

Ginko Biloba Herbal Supplement 400 mg 11.99

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