Ginkgo - A New Age Herbal Plant

  • Posted by Shubhajit Chakraborty
  • at 10:32 AM -
  • 1 comments

It is one of most commonly used herbal supplements and its use dates back thousands of years. Today, ginkgo biloba, in the form of ginkgo leaf extract, is taken in an attempt to prevent everything from erectile dysfunction to eye disorders such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Does Ginkgo Works?

Perhaps the most common use of the supplement is to try to enhance or preserve brain function. Overall, research suggests that ginkgo may benefit Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. However, if you want to use it simply to preserve your memory, think again. A study reported that ginkgo did not improve healthy older adults’ cognitive function. If you have some type of dementia or Alzheimer’s, it might be helpful, but for somebody with a good memory already, it is of little value.

On the plus side Ginkgo has shown promise for treating intermittent claudication, leg pain resulting from peripheral arterial disease, and a large U.S government funded study is under way to determine if ginkgo reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Other studies are evaluating ginkgo as a potential treatment for asthma, multiple sclerosis and sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants.

How To Use Ginkgo?

Using the supplement doesn’t come without risks. Ginkgo may thin your blood and increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood thinning medications such as warfarin and aspirin. Ginkgo leaf extract comes in capsules, teas and fortified foods. Total amounts of 120-240 mg a day, divided into two or three doses, are recommended. Avoid fresh ginkgo seeds, which contain large amounts of a toxin that, in high doses, may cause seizures and death. Be aware that several multivitamins, especially those advertised as beneficial for memory, may contain ginkgo.

Ginkgo is generally well tolerated in recommended doses. Side effects may include nausea, headache and upset stomach. While ginkgo may add to the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, aspirin and even ibuprofen it also may alter insulin secretion and metabolism and affect blood-sugar levels in diabetics. So if you have diabetics, talk to doctor before using ginkgo.

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