Gingko Biloba
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
The Ginko Biloba, or Maidenhair tree, dates back two hundred million years and has probably not been found in the wild for many centuries. Fortunately the seeds have long been used in Chinese medicine and the tree has been cultivated in temple gardens to ensure its survival. The tree is a deciduous conifer with male and female forms and was introduced into Europe in 1730 as an ornamental shade tree, with its small, green fan-shaped leaves. Since the 1980s there has been a sudden increase in western medical interest in the plant and dramatic claims have been made as to its medicinal properties.
In traditional Chinese practise only the seeds of the tree (called bai gou) are used. A tea is made from them, which is considered especially beneficial in treating asthma and other respiratory diseases. It was not until the 1950s that German researchers became interested in the leaf and began to examine its properties.
They found that the leaves contain unique substances called ginkgolides, which appear to prevent blood vessels constricting. They also reduce the clotting ability of platelets in the blood and help block the damaging effects of oxidation. All this improves circulation of the blood through the system, a direct result of which leads to Gingko Biloba’s main claim to fame – that of memory improvement. Impaired circulation of blood through the brain causes cerebral insufficiency, which manifests itself in poor concentration, confusion, absentmindedness and even in depression. Once the circulation of blood to the brain is increased, all these symptoms are improved or even resolved.
These effects have been proved in at least forty clinical trials where it was found that patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms after taking 120g of Gingko Biloba, daily, for four to six weeks. New clinical studies in France and Germany are centred on the effect of this amazing herb on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It has already been found to have a significant effect on the early stages of the disease and further research is continuing. This is evidently an herb that cannot be ignored!
In traditional Chinese practise only the seeds of the tree (called bai gou) are used. A tea is made from them, which is considered especially beneficial in treating asthma and other respiratory diseases. It was not until the 1950s that German researchers became interested in the leaf and began to examine its properties.
They found that the leaves contain unique substances called ginkgolides, which appear to prevent blood vessels constricting. They also reduce the clotting ability of platelets in the blood and help block the damaging effects of oxidation. All this improves circulation of the blood through the system, a direct result of which leads to Gingko Biloba’s main claim to fame – that of memory improvement. Impaired circulation of blood through the brain causes cerebral insufficiency, which manifests itself in poor concentration, confusion, absentmindedness and even in depression. Once the circulation of blood to the brain is increased, all these symptoms are improved or even resolved.
These effects have been proved in at least forty clinical trials where it was found that patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms after taking 120g of Gingko Biloba, daily, for four to six weeks. New clinical studies in France and Germany are centred on the effect of this amazing herb on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It has already been found to have a significant effect on the early stages of the disease and further research is continuing. This is evidently an herb that cannot be ignored!
