Ginkgo biloba
Description
Ginkgo biloba is an extract from the leaves of the tree of the same name. This extract contains aminoacids, flavonoids as well as many other compounds, including terpenes.
Function
Studies show that Ginkgo biloba extracts have the following effects:
- It has anti-platelet aggregation properties
- It has vasodilatation effects and increases blood flow through arteries
- It has antioxidant effects and acts as a free radical scavenger
- It increases the neurotransmitter metabolism and the transmission of nerve signals
- It seems to increase short term memory. It may also have a positive effect on poor memory due to cerebral insufficiency.
- It is still under study for its potential beneficial effect in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Sources
Usually taken as dietary supplement or as herbal tea.
Toxicity
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headache have been reported as well as rare severe allergic reactions. Drug interaction is also described with various anti-platelet aggregation drugs including aspirin. As it may also interfere with the action of cytochrome P450, which is involved in the metabolism of many drugs in the liver, Gingko biloba should be used with caution by those taking other drugs. In doubt, please consult your doctor.
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Scientific References
Ginkgo biloba and donepezil: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Mazza M, Capuano A, Bria P, et al. Eur J Neurol 2006 Sep;13(9):981-5.
Ginkgo biloba for acute ischaemic stroke. Zeng X, Liu M, Yang Y, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD003691.
Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia. Birks J, Grimley Evans J. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007 Apr 18;(2):CD003120.
Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. DeKosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;300(19):2253–2262.
Ginkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Lovera J, Bagert B, Smoot K, et al. Mult Scler 2007 Apr;13(3):376-85.
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Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. Hilton M, Stuart E. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(2):CD003852.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359–366.
Ginkgo biloba special extract in dementia with neuropsychiatric features. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Napryeyenko O, Borzenko I; GINDEM-NP Study Group. Arzneimittelforschung 2007;57(1):4-11.
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Ginkgo biloba. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:249–257.
Ginkgo for elderly people with dementia and age-associated memory impairment: a randomized clinical trial. Van Dongen M, van Rossum E, Kessels A, et al. J Clin Epidemiol 2003;56(4):367-376.
Ginkgo for memory enhancement: a randomized controlled trial. Solomon PR, Adams F, Silver A, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;288(7):835–840.
Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site.
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A pilot trial of piracetam and ginkgo biloba for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Kampman K, Majewska MD, Tourian K, et al. Addict Behav 2003;28(3):437-448.
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AKL1, a botanical mixture for the treatment of asthma: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Thomas M, Sheran J, Smith N, et al. BMC Pulm Med. 2007 Mar 20;7:4.
Does Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 provide additional effects on coagulation and bleeding when added to acetylsalicylic acid 500 mg daily? Wolf HR. Drugs R D 2006;7(3):163-72.
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Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on lopinavir, midazolam and fexofenadine pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects. Robertson SM, Davey RT, Voell J, et al. Curr Med Res Opin 2008 Feb;24(2):591-9.
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Herbal remedies. De Smet PA. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046–2056.
Influence of a 7-day treatment with Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 on bleeding time and coagulation: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in healthy volunteers. Kohler S, Funk P, Kieser M. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2004;15(4):303-309.
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Safety and efficacy of a ginkgo biloba-containing dietary supplement on cognitive function, quality of life, and platelet function in healthy, cognitively intact older adults. Carlson JJ, Farquhar JW, DiNucci E, et al. J Am Diet Assoc 2007 Mar;107(3):422-32.
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Supervised exercise training combined with ginkgo biloba treatment for patients with peripheral arterial disease. Wang J, Zhou S, Bronks R, et al. Clin Rehabil 2007 Jul;21(7):579-86.
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The homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Issing W, Klein P, Weiser M. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11(1):155-160.
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