Extract of ginkgo leaves demonstrated an ability to prevent fibrosis in animal and test-tube research studies. Medical researchers think this is due to ginkgo's potency in reducing oxidation, which can lead to fibrosis. Fibrosis, or internal scarring, is the body's attempt to repair injury in the affected organ. In most cases of fibrosis, connective tissue proliferates and replaces healthy tissue, thus interfering with normal organ functioning. Speak with your doctor to find out if ginkgo is an appropriate herb for you.
Three Types of Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited metabolic disease usually diagnosed in childhood that leads to over-production of mucous. This mucous eventually clogs the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract, seriously affecting breathing and digestion. Liver fibrosis occurs when chronic inflammation causes overactive liver cells to spur excess connective tissue production. Chronic liver disease, such as viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease, often causes fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis develops from infections, environmental pollutants, radiation therapy, medications and chronic medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Ginkgo
Extract of ginkgo biloba is the standardized medicinal form of ginkgo and is derived from the tree's broad, double-lobed leaves. In the last 25 years, Western scientific research on ginkgo has greatly increased, according to Deepak Chopra, M.D., in his 2000 book called "The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook." Ginkgo has exhibited beneficial effects on fibrosis, memory and coordination. It also appears to protect against high-altitude sickness and frostbite. In addition, it has shown therapeutic potential in ulcerative colitis, premenstrual syndrome and asthma.
Scientific Research
Bleomycin is an antibiotic used to combat cancer tumors, including those associated with lymphoma, and cervical and head and neck cancers. It has a serious drawback, however, in that it causes pulmonary fibrosis in 10 percent of patients, according to Timothy D. Milligan, M.D., on the UpToDate web site. In a research study in the March 2006 issue of "Pharmacology Research" scientists theorize that oxidative stress may cause bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Oxidative stress happens when unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals injure cellular DNA. Ginkgo is a potent antioxidant capable of disabling free radicals. It proved effective against lung fibrosis in this particular study.
Cautions
Raw ginkgo leaves possess allergens that can set off severe reactions. Ginkgo extract is safe, because the allergen-causing chemicals are eliminated during processing. Chopra cautions against ingesting ginkgo extract if you take blood-thinning drugs, including aspirin, or if you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
References
- UpToDate; Bleomycin-induced Lung Injury; Timothy D. Milligan, M.D.; May 2011
- "Pharmacology Research"; Ginkgo Biloba Inhibits Bleomycin-induced Lung Fibrosis in Rats; M. Iraz, et al.; March 2006
- "The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook"; Deepak Chopra M.D., et al.; 2000
