Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
 Ginkgo
biloba has been used in Oriental medicine for thousands
of years to treat disorders associated with aging. Ginkgo
biloba increases blood flow to the brain and extremities
by regulating the tone and elasticity of blood vessels.
This makes ginkgo particularly useful for circulatory ailments.
Research has also shown that ginkgo can enhance the nervous
system by promoting the delivery of additional oxygen and
blood sugar (glucose) to nerve cells.
Ginkgo biloba is also an antioxidant, helping to minimize
the damage caused by free radicals, and aids in cell maintenance.
The health benefits of Ginkgo biloba for various health
conditions are described below.
Alzheimer's Disease
Research has shown that because Ginkgo
biloba enhances blood flow to the brain, it can improve
memory and mental function in some people with Alzheimer's
disease. Ginkgo shows the most benefit for people already
suffering from Alzheimer's and other age-related memory
problems, not for those who are healthy.
Asthma
Ginkgo biloba has long been used in China to ease
asthma attacks. Ginkgo helps relieve the airway spasms
and wheezing associated with this disease.
Brain Optimization, Memory and Aging
Ginkgo biloba is not
known to prevent memory loss, but it’s ability to improve
blood flow to the brain suggests that it may help slow
mental decline and optimize brain function. Ginkgo biloba
may be useful in reducing the impact of early stage Alzheimer's
and some forms of dementia. When age-related memory loss
is caused by these conditions, Ginkgo biloba may help.
Depression
/ Anxiety
By improving blood circulation to the
brain, ginkgo may be useful for treating depression and
anxiety, especially in older people, where reduced blood
flow is often caused by a build up of cholesterol in the
arteries.
Diabetes
Ginkgo
biloba may be helpful in treating complications due to
diabetes. Studies have shown ginkgo is useful for treating
Diabetic neuropathy, the nerve damage resulting from poor
circulation to the extremities that is common in diabetes
sufferers. Animal studies have shown that Ginkgo may also
help prevent diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that
can cause blindness.
Haemorrhoids
Ginkgo biloba can be used for relief of acute
symptoms of haemorrhoids (for control of bleeding and re-bleeding).
Impotence
Ginkgo
biloba extract has been shown to be helpful in treating
erectile dysfunction due to poor blood flow. A study
of impotent men showed improved penile blood circulation
after six weeks of using Ginkgo extract. After six months,
50% of the patients had regained potency.
Macular Degeneration / Cataracts
There is some evidence
that Ginkgo biloba may be helpful in treating macular degeneration
because it increases blood flow to the eyes. Ginkgo’s antioxidant
capabilities may also help to neutralize the cell-damaging
free radicals that are considered a leading cause of macular
degeneration. Ginkgo biloba's powerful antioxidant and
circulation-promoting properties may also be of help in
treating the blurring and dimming of vision caused by cataracts.
Multiple Sclerosis
There is some evidence that Ginkgo
biloba can improve memory problems as well as muscle pain
and fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis.
Pre Menstrual
Syndrome (PMS)
Research on women with premenstrual syndrome
or breast discomfort suggests that Ginkgo biloba may ease
symptoms such as breast discomfort and mood shifts.
Raynaud's
Disease / Intermittent Claudication
Raynaud's disease is
caused by reduced blood flow to the extremities - including
the fingers, toes, nose and ears - when exposed to temperature
changes or stress. By improving blood circulation to these
areas Ginkgo biloba helps relive the pain associated with
this disease. Intermittent Claudication is associated with
pain in the legs due to reduced blood flow. Ginkgo biloba
has been shown to help this type of pain.
Stroke
Ginkgo biloba has a similar effect to aspirin in
reducing the "stickiness" of the blood. This
means ginkgo may help lower the risk of blood clots and
reduce the risk of heart attacks or stroke.
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