Ginkgo Biloba

DEFINITION

Ginkgo biloba is commonly known as Maidenhair Tree, Kew Tree and Fossil Tree.

DESCRIPTION

Ginkgo biloba is native to China and Japan. It is one of the most widely used herbs in the Chinese medical tradition. Its first recorded medicinal use was published in 2800BC. Modern medicine has only recently investigated the potential benefits of this herb.

The leaves of Ginkgo biloba contain flavone glycosides, other flavonoids (bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, sciaopitysin, proanthocyanidins) and terpenoids. The seeds contain alkaloids, cyanogenetic glycosides and phenols.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
-People taking anticoagulant medications warfarin should avoid using Ginkgo biloba as this herb may increase the risks of spontaneous and uncontrolled bleeding due to its clot preventing properties.
-Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen should not be used with Ginkgo, as both Ginkgo and NSAIDs can decrease the formation of blood clots.- Ginkgo may interact with thiazide diuretics to cause hypertension.
-Ginkgo may interact with hypo glycaemic drugs such as chlo rpro pamide by stimulating the release of the hormone insulin. This could result in hypoglycaemia (abnormally low blood glucose levels).
-Ginkgo may interact with nifedipine, a drug used in the treatment of hypertension and angina.
-Ginkgo may enhance the action of halo perido l, a drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor.

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Care Professional to advise you on dosages and possible drug interactions.

-BLOOD FLOW
Ginkgo biloba can increase peripheral blood flow by expanding the blood vessels. Ginkgo can improve the symptoms of intermittent claudication, a condition associated with poor blood flow in the legs that causes severe pain and cramping in the calves. Ginkgo may assist in the treatment and prevention of stroke. Ginkgo can help improve blood flow to the brain and has a strong antioxidant affect. This can protect against the damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the tissues. Ginkgo biloba may also benefit recent stroke victims by improving mood, mental abilities and speech capacity. Any disorder with diminished blood flow as a feature may benefit from this herb.

-GINKGO AND OLD AGE
Ginkgo may assist where loss of memory and concentration, vertigo, tinnitus, depression and headaches are a problem. Due to its ability to thin the blood, Ginkgo may also be useful in cases of atheroma, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease (especially angina) and peripheral vascular disease (for example Raynauds syndrome or poor circulation from diabetes). Ginkgo may assist in slowing down degenerative changes due to age, by helping to keep cells healthy and functioning efficiently. Ginkgo may also improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and senile dementia.

Ginkgo may increase the nutrient supply to cells and improve their ability to repair damage. Varicose veins and slow healing leg ulcers may benefit from improved circulation to the extremities. Bioflavonoids found in Ginkgo may relieve haemorrhoids by strengthening the blood vessels.

-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Ginkgo has the ability to inhibit certain chemicals responsible for the inflammatory response. Ginkgo may be of benefit in the management of asthma, autoimmune diseases, kidney inflammation, gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory skin diseases, arthritis and nervous disorders.

-SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Ginkgo has been found to improve sexual arousal in people taking antidepressant medications, a type of drug that can decrease a person's interest in sex.

PROPERTIES

Increases blood flow to the head and extremities. Ginkgo has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces blood clots, reducing the risk of stroke. It has antioxidant properties and strengthens blood vessels.

NOTES

-It is extremely important to tell your Doctor and Pharmacist if you are taking Ginkgo biloba.
-Do not handle or eat the fruit.
-Isolated cases of subdural haematoma and subarachnoid haemorrhage (spontaneous bleeding beneath the outer layers of the brain) have been reported in patients taking Ginkgo.
-Ginkgo biloba is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains a substance called colchicine, which may be harmful to the foetus.
-Possible side effects include mild stomach upset and headache.
-In Ireland, products containing Ginkgo biloba are only available on medical prescription.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.