GINKGO BILOBA

Possible applications:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Allergy
• Atherosclerosis
• Bronchial Asthma
• Cardiac Arrhythmia
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Dementia
• Depression
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Eczema
• Glaucoma
• Impotence
• Inner Ear Dysfunction
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuralgia and Neuropathy
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Retinopathy
• Vascular Fragility

Ginkgo Biloba is the world's oldest living tree species having survived for over 200 million years.  Gingko leaves are in Chinese lore for a capability of 'benefit to the brain' and may relieve asthma, coughs, and eliminate filaria, a worm that causes elephantitis.  It has been shown effective in the relief of short-term memory loss, vertigo, headache, ringing in the ears, and depression.  It does so by increasing blood flow to the brain providing greater oxygen and glucose utililization by the brain.  Gingko stimulates the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and prostacyclin.   It also inhibits enzymes in such a way that smooth muscle of the vessel wall relaxes, allowing greater blood flow to the brain.   This has a profound effect upon platelet aggregation, adhesion and degranulation.   Double-blind studies have shown it effective in the treatment of cerebral and peripheral arterial insufficiency.   This may offer effective protection against Alzheimer's, hearing loss and strokes.   There is no known toxicity but occasional reactions such as gastrointestinal upset and headache have been reported.

ŠJamie Longstreet 1996-2004