Healing Actions of Ginkgo biloba

Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but as we age the mechanisms to fight them off become sluggish. This is why we need to consider other methods to fortify our bodies. Antioxidants such as those found in ginkgo can help neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Ginkgo biloba (50:1 leaf extract)*.......................................................................390mg

Flavone Glycosides 24%

• Bilobalide 6%
• Flavone Glycosides 24%
• Quercetin,
• Kaempferol,
• Isorhamnetin
• Terpene Lactones 6%
  • Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets. (Braquet, Etienne et al. 1985; Baudouin, Pisella et al. 1999)
• Ginkgolic Acid ,5 ppm
• Total Variations Are From 2.8– 3.4%
• Ginkgolides A
• Ginkgolides B
• Ginkgolides C
• Ascorbic Acid
• Catechin
• D-Glucaric Acid,
• Diterpene Lactones,
• Flavone  Glycosides
• Flavonol
• Glucose
• Iron-Based Superoxide Dismutase,
• Kynurenic
• Organic Acids Hydroxykinurenic
• P-Hydroxybenzoic Acid,
• Proanthocyanadins
• Protocatechic
• Related Alkylphenols
• Rhamnose
• Sesquiterpenes,
• Shikimic
• Vanillic

*BioAnue Ginkgo Biloba extract is a highly purified phyto-therapeutic agent known by its clinical name as EGb 761. It comes from only one type of tree and it has been declared to be an actual living fossil. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been used extensively in clinical trials and contains the following nutrients as described above., Jacobs and Browner, 2000. Christen Y, Maixent JM. 2002 Sep;48(6):601-11, Coran M. H. Watanabe et al, 2001.:

This product is pure nutrition; no fillers, additives or synthetic chemicals.  

The gelatin capsule complies with the requirements published in:

The United States Pharmacopoeia (USP); XXIV / National Formulary (NF) 19
The European Pharmacopoeia (EP); 3rd Edition

Kosher and Halal certified

Dosage
Dosage for ginkgo leaf extract is based upon traditional use, scientific research, expert opinion, and publications. According to the Mayo Clinic, the standard dosage for most health conditions in healthy adults is between 80 and 240mg of 50:1 standardized extract. This dosage is typically taken orally in divided doses.
For patients who have memory problems and dementia, the dosage of ginkgo is 120 to 240 mg daily, taken in two to three dosages. The dosage for patients who have tinnitus and peripheral vascular disease is no more than 160 mg per day, taken in two or three dosages. An initial period of 6 to 12 weeks is recommended to assess the effectiveness of ginkgo, although results have been seen as early as four weeks.

The studies varied in length of treatment and in the daily dose of ginkgo (120 to 240 mg). The correct dosage of ginkgo has never been formally established. While 120- and 240-mg/d doses are typical among clinical trials, animal studies have used doses of 100 mg per kg.

The Chinese have been using ginkgo to treat health conditions for thousands of years. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), Gingko is used for/as an:

• Antioxidant
• Prevention of neurodegenerative diseases
• Cardiovascular health
• Anticancer
• Ginkgo leaf extracts have been employed for treating cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases for centuries because ginkgolides are highly specific and potent platelet-activating factor receptor antagonists (Hosford et al., 1990). The commercial ginkgolides are produced merely from G. biloba plants, especially from the ginkgo leaves.

Side Effects
Common Side effects:
Most adults generally tolerate ginkgo leaf extract well. Minor side effects that may disappear with continued use include nausea, headache and gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, muscle weakness, racing heart, restlessness, rash, loss of muscle tone and skin irritation around the mouth.

Taking ginkgo orally is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, anyone suffering from a bleeding disorder, or who is taking medications or herbs known to cause bleeding, should consult a health care professional before use.

Drug Interactions and overdose:
Ginkgo biloba is used for Alzheimer's disease, intermittent claudication, and many other medicinal purposes.  Ginkgo leaf extract was associated with coma in a woman with Alzheimer's disease who was also taking trazodone*. Flumazenil2 reversed the coma, suggesting that excess gamma-Aminobutyric acid  (GABA) activity may have been involved. (Jellin JM, Gregory P, Batz F et al., 2001, Galluzzi S, Zanetti O, Binetti G et al 2000.).

Ginkgo flavonoids appear to have GABA agonist properties and direct activity on benzodiazepine receptors (Sasaki K, Hatta S, Haga M et al. 1999.). A theoretical mechanism for this interaction is increased metabolism of trazodone to active GABAergic metabolites, possibly by induction of the CYP3A4 isozyme.

Ginkgo and Warfarin are Incompatible
It is known that ginkgo inhibits platelet aggregation. Ginkgo's ability to decrease warfarin metabolism, is also noted in studies. Intracerebral hemorrhage was associated with recent ginkgo use in a patient stabilized on warfarin for five years (Matthews MK Jr. 1998). Combination therapy with ginkgo and warfarin are inappropriate due to its inhibition of platelet adhesion. Additional side effects have been noted including:

• Episodes of subdural hematoma
• Spontaneous hyphema
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage

The aforementioned have occurred in patients taking ginkgo alone or with aspirin or ergotamine3 (Rowin J, Lewis SL. 1996, Matthews MK Jr. 1998, Mohutsky MA, Elmer GW. 2000). The combination of ginkgo and anticoagulant drugs or drugs that inhibit platelet adhesion should be avoided.

1Trazodone is used to treat depression. Trazodone is in a class of medications called serotonin modulators. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
2Flumazenil is of benefit in patients who become excessively drowsy after benzodiazepines are used for either diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
3Ergotamine has been used in clinical practice for the acute treatment of migraine for over 50 years. It has been used as an antidote in the treatment of benzodiazepine overdoses.  It reverses the effects of benzodiazepines by competitive inhibition at the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABAA receptor. There are many complications that must be taken into consideration when used in the acute care setting.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported.

There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and talk to a health care provider if using ginkgo.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Ginkgo is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used during pregnancy. It might cause early labor or extra bleeding during delivery if used near that time. Not enough is known about the safety of using ginkgo during breast-feeding. Don’t use ginkgo if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Children: Ginkgo leaf extract is POSSIBLY SAFE. Some research suggests that a specific combination of ginkgo leaf extract plus American ginseng might be safe in children when used short-term. Don’t let children eat the ginkgo seed. It is UNSAFE.

Diabetes: Ginkgo might interfere with the management of diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely.

Seizures: There is a concern that ginkgo might cause seizures. If you have ever had a seizure, don’t use ginkgo.

Infertility: Ginkgo use might interfere with getting pregnant. Discuss your use of ginkgo with your healthcare provider if you are trying to get pregnant.

Bleeding disorders: Ginkgo might make bleeding disorders worse. If you have a bleeding disorder, don’t use ginkgo.

Surgery: Ginkgo might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using ginkgo at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Ginko Interactions