Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba, Compositae

Names: Maidenhair-Tree

Part Used: Leaves. In oriental herbalism the seed kernel is used extensively.

Constituents:

• Lignans, especialliy the ginkgolides.
• Miscellaneous: terpenes, tannins.
• Flavonoids, mainly flavone glycosides including ginkgetin, quercetin and kaempferol deriviertives.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, vasoddilatory, relaxant, digestive bitter, uterine stimulant.

Indications: Traditionally known as an anti-microbial & anti-tubercular agent, new research has shown a profound activity on brain function and cerebral circulation. Clinically it is proving effective in a range of vascular disorders. Ginkgo has been suggested in the following conditions:

• vertigo
• tinnitus
• inner ear disturbances including partial deafness
• impairment of memory and ability to concentrate
• diminished intellectual capacity and alertness as a result of insufficient circulation
• anxiety, depression, neurological disorders o dementia, Alzeimers disease.
• complications of stroke and skull injuries
• diminished sight and hearing ability due to vascular insufficiency
• intermittent claudication as a result of arterial obstruction
• a sensitivity to cold and pallor in the toes due to peripheral circulatory insufficiency
• Raynauds disease o cerebral vascular and nutritional insufficiency
• hormonal and neural based disorders as well as angiopathic trophic disorders
• arterial circulatory disturbances due to aging, diabetes and nicotine abuse
• sclerosis of cerebral arteries with and without mental manifestations
• arteriosclerotic angiopathy of lower limbs o diabetic tissue damage with danger of gangrene
• chronic arterial obliteration o circulatory disorders of the skin, as well as ulcerations caused by ischaemia.

Preparations & Dosage: Ginkgo is becoming available in a number of different forms. The clinically recommended dosage range is 40mg of the dried herb three times a day.