Ginkgo biloba is the type of tree responsible for ginkgo supplements, which the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, names as one of the most used and prescribed supplements in the United States and Europe. When considering ginkgo or any other supplement, keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate their sale and production the way it regulates pharmaceutical drugs. Consult a qualified professional for advice before using herbal remedies.
History
Ginkgo supplements come from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba trees, which may be the oldest type of tree currently living. The University of Maryland Medical Center website lists 120 feet as the potential height for Ginkgo biloba trees, and 1,000 years as their length of life. For thousands of years, Chinese medicine has embraced ginkgo, using the seeds and leaves to boost memory and improve circulation.
Uses
One of ginkgo's primary uses is in relieving leg pain due to clogged arteries. A study published by Pittler and Ernst in "The American Journal of Medicine" found that for patients with claudication, ginkgo improved the ability to walk longer distances with less pain. The herb is also often touted for its memory-enhancing capabilities. Medline Plus gives it an "A" for its use in treating patients with dementia and Alzheimer's. Other uses include reducing asthma symptoms, treating hemorrhoids, fighting heart disease, improving glaucoma and relieving symptoms of PMS. While ginkgo has many traditional uses, more rigorous scientific studies are necessary to confirm the herb's efficacy.
Function
The two active constituents that lend ginkgo its medicinal value are terpenoids and flavonoids. The University of Maryland Medical Center website cites terpenoids' ability to dilate blood vessels and reduce blood platelet stickiness as the reason for ginkgo's efficacy in improving the flow of blood throughout the body. The flavonoids in ginkgo are powerful antioxidants that protect certain parts of the body, such as the heart and nerves, from damage by free radicals.
Usage Information
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. Do not use it as a replacement for the advice of a qualified health care professional.
Ginkgo supplements come as tablets, tea, capsules and liquid extracts. Medline Plus recommends a standardized dosage that contains 24 percent to 25 percent ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpine lactones. Adults may take between 80 and 240 mg of standardized extract, divided into two or three doses per day.
Precautions
Most of the side effects associated with ginkgo are minor, such as headaches and nausea. For some people, ginkgo causes more serious ailments. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health warn that Stevens-Johnson syndrome may occur when using combination ginkgo supplements. This disorder causes skin to blister and slough off. People who are allergic to poison oak, poison ivy, sumac and cashews may also be allergic to ginkgo. The herb's effect on blood makes it a poor supplement choice for people who are diabetic, hypoglycemic or take blood thinning medications. Do not eat ginkgo seeds; doing so may cause seizures or be fatal. Other serious side effects include spontaneous bleeding and hyphema.
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