Ginkgo Ginkgo Biloba is a most extensively studied tree species and is among the oldest species. Many herbs and other plants are used in natural form but these leaves are used in a standard concentrated extract. The GBE or Ginkgo Biloba extract is produced from dried leaves. How Ginkgo Biloba Works Ginkgo Biloba can be used in aiding problems due to loss of blood flow to the brain. It can act as a dilator and by increasing the size of arteries it can improve the blood flow. It can prove to be a free radical remover, antioxidant, membrane stabilizer, platelet activation factor and a neuro-protection agent. Ginkgo Biloba can also help to enhance the memory. That is the reason why it is added to nutrition bars. Blood vessel and nerve damage disorders can cause several problems such as hissing or ringing in head or ear. It may slightly reduce the intensity of sound. What Does Ginkgo Biloba Consist Of? Ginkgo Biloba is composed of over 40 components. Two of these are the effective ones. One is terpenoids and the other is flavonoids. Terpenoids can reduce the platelet stickiness and dilate the vessels for improved blood flow. Flavonoids act as an antioxidant and protect the heart muscle and nerves. It is also believed that it can help retinal damage due to degeneration of muscles and diabetes. Muscular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in America and it is mostly found in old people. Ginkgo may prevent complete blindness. Ginkgo Biloba Available Forms It is present in the form of GBE or Ginkgo Biloba extract containing 6% terpenoids and 24% flavonoids. Other forms include tablets, capsules and tinctures. Precautionary Measures Ginkgo Biloba is an herb. Herbs may have any active substance that could cause a side effect depending on the person taking it. Ginkgo Biloba and its Effects with the Following Medications Although Ginkgo Biloba is a safe herb, sometimes it can cause headache, dizziness or gastric upset. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid it. Blood-thinning medications Ginkgo Biloba acts as a blood thinner too and if taken with a blood thinner such as aspirin, warfarin, etc. blood complications may arise. Anticonvulsant medications Ginkgo Biloba may reduce the affect of this medication to control seizers if a high dose is taken. Trazodone Ginkgo Biloba may cause coma as it has a severe action with trazodone. It should not be taken with such antidepressants. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Ginkgo Biloba can either improve or degrade the condition if it is taken with antidepressants such as phenelzine. Cylosporine Ginkgo Biloba can help protect cell membrane during the cyclosporine treatment. Usage Ginkgo Biloba usage for people with memory problems may be around 120 to 240 milligrams each day in 2 3 servings. The tinnitus people and those with nerve and vessel problems may take 160 milligrams each day. The time period suggested is about 12 weeks before results are assessed. Servings of Ginkgo Biloba can vary depending on weight and severity of problem, in addition to other factors. |
