Ginkgo biloba originates from one of the oldest trees in the world that is sometimes known as the Maidenhair tree. As a deciduous conifer tree, it is hardy and able to with stand the most dramatic conditions such as those experienced during the atomic blast of Hiroshima.

Ginkgo has been used in China for thousands of years for ailments such as mental confusion, memory loss, circulatory disorders and ageing.

The leaf of the Ginkgo is used and made into tablet or capsule form. The extract is believed to contain certain compounds that have shown to dilate arteries, veins and capillaries resulting in increased peripheral blood flow. This enhanced circulation of blood benefits the brain, so has the potential for treating short term memory loss, tinnitus and senility. It has also been used in the treatment of Raynauds disease, vertigo and impotence.

Ginkgo biloba contains active ingredients called flavonoid glycosides, bioflavonoids and many other ingredients. It is a very versatile product used to treat many ailments.

Increased Brain Power

One of Ginkgo's primary neural actions is to increase oxygen supplies to the brain. Such things as smoking, alcohol and stress all affect brain function and compromise mental alertness as oxygen becomes diminished. Ginkgo has an amazing ability to stimulate circulation and oxygen flow to neural tissue.

Ginkgo's ability to stimulate brain function may also prevent improper firing of electrical impulses across nerve cells, this could be meaningful for epileptics as this is the main cause of seizures. Their are growing reports that demonstrate Ginkgo's ability to enhance memory and improve mental concentration. Anxiety, headaches and tension is shown to have been reduced. Further research is being carried out as to the use of Ginkgo in the treatment of learning disorders.

Age Related Disorders

Improvements in mood, sociability and vigilance have all been noted in patients with senile dementia when given Ginkgo. Again this is quite often due to insufficient blood and oxygen reaching the brain. Regression of typical symptoms such as headaches, memory loss and vertigo have been relieved when Ginkgo extract is administered. This suggests that age related disorders may be a result of reduced blood flow rather than degeneration of nerve cells.

Antioxidant Properties

Ginkgo also seems to have the ability to decrease cellular damage caused by free radicals. It is the flavonoids within the Ginkgo that has scavenging capabilities that help protect cells against free radical contact. These bioflavonoids also provide protection to blood vessels against plaque build up. Antioxidant action keeps oxygen supplies ample so memory retrieval can be enhanced.

Circulatory System

Ginkgo has been shown to dilate blood vessels thus allowing greater bloodflow. Blood clots and clumping is prevented thus reducing the possibility of heart attacks and strokes. The Ginkgolides (terpenes) have a unique ability to inhibit Platelet Activating Factor which controls clot formation, asthma, graft and organ rejection, renal disease and various central nervous system disorders.

Ginkgo can help relieve leg cramping and circulatory problems that accompany many disorders like Raynauds disease, diabetes and gangrene by facilitating better circulation. This applies all around the body and as a result can prevent macular degeneration which may result from reduced blood flow to the retina.

Other Uses

Diminished or heightend sense of smell is a condition that is commonly seen in patients suffering from Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Ginkgo has been reported to help with the sense of smell. Hearing is also a condition, therefore oxygenating tissues and enhancing nutrients transport can relieve conditions such as tinnitis.

There are many theories as to the cause of migraine headaches, one is that vasodilation and construction of blood vessels in the brain malfunction and that increased blood flow may alleviate this problem.

Impotence is another disorder associated with compromised blood flow, improving arterial blood flow, improving arterial blood flow by taking Ginkgo extract may improve this condition. The longer the ginkgo was taken the better the results.

Many symptoms are associated with PMS, but using Ginkgo has shown that improvements in symptoms like breast tenderness and emotional problems were vastly improved.

Ginkgo biloba is non-toxic and has no side effects so it is perfectly safe to use with your other supplements.

Using Ginkgo Biloba

1 capsule three times per day, where possible try and take this supplement the same time each day. It can take up to 12 weeks before any noticeable improvements may be noticed, but the longer the treatment the more obvious and longer lasting results.

From Nutrition For Life - 60 capsules for £15.00

From Higher Nature - 30 tablets for £4.00 or 90 tablets for £11.00

From Nutri Products - 60 capsules for £11.50