Ginkgo or ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest and most well researched medicinal plants in the word. It has been used for thousands of years in oriental medicine, particularly for circulatory system disorders and memory enhancement, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. These days, the main indications for using ginkgo are Alzheimer's disease, circulatory problems, glaucoma and ringing in the ear. If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition and consider taking ginkgo supplements, you should first talk to your health-care provider.
Research
The National Institutes of Health's online PubMed service includes a significant number of studies that evaluated ginkgo for cardiovascular conditions. For example, two research studies, one published in January 2011 issue of "Journal Phytotherapy Research" and the second published in 2002 in "Acta Pharmaceutica Hungarica" analyzed the effect of gingko biloba on the heart muscle affected by ischemia. Ischemia is characterized by lack of blood supply and is been seen in angina and heart attacks. Both studies were conducted in animal subjects and the authors concluded that supplementation with ginkgo reduced the damage to the heart that would normally result from ischemia, and it also improved the recovery time.
The UMMC also notes various laboratory and animal studies that tried to identify the benefits of gingko, particularly its active ingredients flavonoids and ginkolides. Flavonoids appear to help to protect the optimal function of the nerves, heart muscles and blood vessels from free radicals. Ginkolides help to keep the blood vessels open, improve the blood flow and prevent blood clots.
Choosing the Supplement
Ginkgo is available in various forms and brands. In Europe, a standardized extract from ginkgo called EGb 761 is available by prescription from medical doctors only. In North America, gingko is available as an over-the-counter supplement. Choose a standardized supplement containing at least 24 percent flavonoids and 6 percent terpenoids, or ginkolides, from a reputable company to ensure you get a high-quality product.
Safety
Ginkgo is generally considered a safe and well tolerated supplement. In rare cases, mild side effects such as stomach upset, headaches and dizziness may occur. Ginkgo should not be used for children, or during pregnancy and lactation.
Gingko may interact with several conventional drugs, including blood thinners, anti-depressants and water pills.
Considerations
Consult a health care provider to find out optimal dosage of ginkgo and other natural supplements that may help your condition. Keep in mind that ginkgo does not replace and should not be used to replace conventional drugs prescribed for heart conditions.
References
- Univeristy of Maryland, Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
- "Phytotherapy Research";The Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation in the Normal and Ischemic Rat Heart; J.Bernatoniene et al; January, 2011
- "Acta Pharmaceutica Hungarica"; The Protective Effect of EGb 761 in Isolated Isochemical/reperfused Rat Hearts; E.Varga; 2001
