Ginkgo 246 40 mg [90 Tabs, Nawaphol Enterprise] Ginkgo Biloba Extract

GINKGO BILOBA

GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT EPG 246 (EP)

Linnea extracts and manufactures Ginkgo Biloba as a botanical ingredient for pharmaceutical and dietary supplement purposes.

Name of the plant Ginkgo biloba
Part of the plant used Leaves

Ginkgo biloba trees have been cultivated in the Far East ever since ancient times, its medicinal use dating back to 2800 BC. The traditional Chinese uses of Ginkgo include the relief of asthma and cough, and the support of brain functions. Ginkgo is now widely used in the world to treat conditions such as brain dysfunction, memory loss and concentration disorders, dizziness and tinnitus. It is used also as antiaging agent in cosmetic formulations.

The Ginkgo biloba tree has a remarkable resistance to insect damage, viral and bacterial infection, as well as modern-day chemical pollution. It is native to China, Japan and Korea where the biloba tree has traditionally been planted in temple compounds, in the vicinity of shrines and castles and venerated as a holy object of worship and ritual. A single tree can live for more than 1000 years. In China, Ginkgo trees aged 100 years or more are protected and preserved through government regulations.

Benefit 

Extracts from the leaves of ginkgo biloba herb have become popular as a treatment for cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and thrombosis. Those who wish to take this herbal extract for prolonged use, such as months and years, should limit the dosage to 40 mg 2 or 3 times a week in order to avoid side effects.

Ginkgo Biloba extract, 40 mg, 60 mg 

Two most common doses found over the counter are 40 mg and 60 mg. A typical product has:

Ginkgo Biloba 50:1 standardized at 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides and a minimum of 6% terpene lactones. Two products are available, 40 and 60 mg.

Each serving normally contains a minimum of 24% ginkgoflavonglycoside and minimum of 6% terpene lactones in the following properties: (Ginkgolide A 1.3%) (Ginkgolide B 1.0%) (Ginkgolide C 1.2%) (Bilobalide 2.7%)

Buy Ginkgo Biloba supplement 40 mg or 60 mg or Mind Power Rx brain enhancer, Eyesight Rx vision enhancer, or to see a complete list of high quality products. Mind Power Rx which has several important brain nutrients and herbs.

Benefit for brain conditions, Alzheimer’s disease 
The benefit of ginkgo biloba for Alzheimer’s disease has been studied for more than three decades, but thus far research has not been conclusive. Some studies have shown this herbal extract offers mind enhancement benefits, other studies do not find ginkgo biloba extract to have much of a benefit for Alzheimer’s disease. A well publicized 2004 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that 120 mg of ginkgo extract per day for one year was able to provide some benefit in cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. There are a number of other brain enhancers that work well and each person has their favorite, some people like Galantime formula, others like Acetyl l carnitine, there are those who prefer DMAE, bacopa monniera, and some enjoy the clarity and focus brought on by CDP Choline or TMG.

Erectile dysfunction, impotence, problems with erections 
Ginkgo biloba extract has been found to partially reverse erectile dysfunction in those who take Prozac and other SSRIs, however other studies have not shown the same benefits. Ginsenoside is found in ginseng herb and could be of benefit for this issue. Also consider Tongkat ali herb for sexual enhancement.

Antioxidant 
Ginkgo biloba has compounds that have antioxidant properties. It may also help preserve vitamin E levels.

Benefit for anxiety 
Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
J Psychiatr Res. 2007.
EGb 761, an anti-dementia drug, enhances cognitive functioning and stabilizes mood in cognitively impaired elderly subjects. One hundred and seven patients with generalized anxiety disorder or adjustment disorder with anxious mood were randomized to daily doses of 480 mg ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, 240 mg EGb 761 or placebo for 4 weeks. EGb 761 was significantly superior to placebo on all secondary outcome measures. It was safe and well tolerated and may thus be of particular value in elderly patients with anxiety related to cognitive decline.
Comments: We prefer using lower dosages if this herb is going to be used for a long time such as several weeks or months.

Benefit for memory and cognitive decline and dementia 
The most well known benefit is for age related cognitive decline (ARCD). Age related cognitive decline is a term that describes a collection of symptoms. These include difficulty in concentration and memory, absent-mindedness, confusion, lack of mental energy, and sometimes, depressive mood. Some of these symptoms may be associated with not enough blood reaching the brain, hence a potential justification for the use of ginkgo in lessening these symptoms. The benefit of ginkgo biloba is that it improves communication between nerve cells and enhances blood flow to the brain. It is licensed in Germany for the treatment of ARCD. A severe case of age related cognitive decline may be called dementia. Some Patients with dementia may benefit from gingko biloba use. It is unlikely that those with normal memory function will notice a significant benefit from ginkgo biloba. Combination formulas that include several brain enhancing dietary supplements could be more effective.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: findings from a randomised controlled trial.
Wien Med Wochenschr. 2007.
In a randomised, double-blind, 22-week trial 400 patients with dementia associated with neuropsychiatric features were treated with Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 (240 mg a day) or placebo. Treatment was significantly superior to placebo. The largest herb-placebo differences in favor of ginkgo biloba extract were found for apathy / indifference, anxiety, irritability / lability, depression / dysphoria and sleep / nighttime behavior.

Benefit for cataract 
This herb help reduce the risk for cataracts in the eye.

Endothelial cell and blood vessel function 
Ginkgo biloba extract attenuates oxLDL-induced oxidative functional damages in endothelial cells.
J Appl Physiol. 2009.
Ginkgo biloba extract has commonly been used as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate how Ginkgo biloba extract protects vascular endothelial cells against the pro-atherosclerotic stressor, oxidized low-density lipoprotein in vitro. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with Ginkgo biloba extract. Ginkgo biloba extract suppressed  cholesterol oxidation mediated vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Estrogen effect 
Antiestrogenic activities of Ginkgo biloba extracts.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2006.
Ginkgo biloba extract reduced E2 levels by stimulating the E2 metabolism and inhibiting E2 synthesis, which indicates that this herbal extract can induce antiestrogenic activity via the depletion of E2. Ginkgo biloba extract has a biphasic effect on estrogen, and can be considered as a potential alternative to hormone replacement therapy with chemopreventive effects on breast cancer.

Heart disease benefit 
This herbal extract may be helpful in reducing the risk for atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Possible mechanisms for vascular protection include upregulation in the body’s own radical scavenging enzymes and an reduction of oxidized LDL cholesterol and lipids. Ginkgo biloba also increases the concentration of vasodilators cAMP and cGMP which improve circulation and increases nitric oxide production.

Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease: role of endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Planta Med. 2007. 
Ginkgo biloba extract has well-documented hear protective effects on coronary flow and positive effects on vasodilation through endothelium-derived nitric oxide in experimental animals, but these impacts in patients with coronary artery disease have not yet been investigated. We designed this study to test the effects of ginkgo biloba extract on distal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) blood flow and endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in patients with CAD. Eighty heart disease patients were randomly assigned to either GBE or saline (control) groups. Our data demonstrate that ginkgo biloba extract treatment in coronary artery disease patients leads to an increase of LAD blood flow.

Liver health 
Ginkgo biloba extract is able to protect the liver from damage since it has antioxidant properties, prevents lipid peroxidation and replenishes the glutathione level. The benefit may be comparable to that of silymarin from milk thistle.

Multiple sclerosis 
Ginkgo biloba may provide a slight benefit in terms of attention, memory and functioning in multiple sclerosis patients.

Parkinson’s disease 
Another benefit of ginkgo biloba may have be in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease when used together with other conventional medicines.

Peripheral artery disease 
Ginkgo biloba may benefit those with leg claudication. However, not all studies support this benefit.

Pregnancy
Safety and efficacy of ginkgo biloba during pregnancy and lactation.
Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2006. Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
There is some very weak scientific evidence from animal and in vitro studies that ginkgo leaf has antiplatelet activity, which may be of concern during labor as ginkgo use could prolong bleeding time. The safety of ginkgo leaf during lactation is unknown. Ginkgo leaf extract should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly around labor where its anti-platelet properties could prolong bleeding time. During lactation the safety of ginkgo leaf extract is unknown and should be avoided until high quality human studies are conducted to prove its safety.

Surgery 
Since ginkgo biloba has blood thinning properties, it is a good idea to stop its use at least one week before surgery or dental surgery.

Vision and eye sight  
Ginkgo biloba may benefit some individuals who have age related problems with vision.

What’s in the plant? 
Ginkgo biloba extract contains many different substances but most of them fall into two main categories: Terpenoid lactones and Flavonoids. The most unique components of ginkgo biloba extracts are the terpene trilactones which are structurally complex molecules. Terpene lactones give ginkgo a bitter and strong flavor. Ginkgolide A, B, C and J, together with bilobalide, are unique terpenoid components.  Ginkgolides have not yet been found in any other living plant species. 
Flavonoids are natural substances that are also found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, have an influence on the immune system, and interfere with tumor formation. Ginkgo biloba extract contains many flavonoids but the most concentrated are kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Most ginkgo products on the market list a flavonoid concentration of 24%. You will often see 24% printed on packages or bottles of ginkgo.
Other compounds in ginkgo biloba extract include proanthocyanidins, carboxylic acids and non-flavone glycosides, flavonol glycosides, biflavones, alkylphenols, simple phenolic acids, 6-hydroxykynurenic acid, 4-O-methylpyridoxine and polyprenols.

How does ginkgo biloba work? 
The active ingredients are believed to have their beneficial effects by acting as antioxidants, preventing red blood cells and platelets from aggregating to form clots, allowing more oxygen to reach neurons, and improving circulation in tiny blood vessels by inducing relaxation of the muscles surrounding blood vessels. Even circulation to the eyes improves when subjects are given ginkgo.

What dosages of ginkgo biloba extract are best? 
The majority of the studies done thus far have used daily dosages of 120 to 160 mg (50:1 concentration, 24% flavonoids). Patients generally took 40 milligrams three to four times a day. We think this is too high and could easily cause adverse reactions. Treatment may be needed for a few weeks before positive results can be fully appreciated. Most manufacturers have pills that contain 40 or 60 mg of ginkgo. You may wish to start with one 40 mg pill a day to see if there is any improvement in memory or thinking. Ginkgo biloba extract is best taken early in the day, and no later than afternoon.

Ginkgo biloba side effects, danger, risk 
The most common ginkgo biloba side effects are stomach or intestinal complaints, headache, and allergic skin reactions. A rare concern is seizure. Seizures have been mentioned in the media in older individuals taking ginkgo biloba extract. High doses may aggravate seizures in those with a history of epilepsy.

An infrequent but potentially serious adverse reaction is internal bleeding when ginkgo biloba is combined with other blood thinners such as aspirin or Coumadin (and even ibuprofen). Ginkgo biloba extract has anti-platelet activity and hence may prolong the time it takes to form a blood clot. However, a study published in April, 2003 indicates that coenzyme Q10 and ginkgo biloba do not influence the clinical effect of warfarin. An additional study did not find ginkgo to alter platelet function or coagulation time. Just to be cautious, at this time those who take aspirin or Coumadin should be very careful and discuss with their doctor before they use ginkgo biloba extract or any product that contains it.