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Last Updated: Apr 20, 2011 - 9:38:09 AM |
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| from Wikipedia |
What is Ginkgo?
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) also known as the Maidenhair Tree is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives, according to Wikipedia. It is one of the oldest trees in the world. Although use of its leaves is common now, its seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
What is ginkgo used for?
The best known modern use of Ginkgo leaf extract is to treat and or prevent cognitive decline or memory loss or dementia like early stage Alzheimer's disease.
Ginkgo is also intended to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries) and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus among others. The herb is traditionally used to treat other ailments and conditions including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus among others.
How effective is Ginkgo leaf extract in treating Alzheimer's disease?
Previous trials most conducted in Europe have demonstrated the efficacy of Ginkgo in treating cerebrovascular disease and dementia. At least four trials that are believed to be adequately designed showed that ginkgo was comparable with donepezil (Apricept) in terms of their efficacy measured using the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) and other standardized measures of cognition.
Some studies did not indicate that use of ginkgo provided any benefits, but the results often depended upon their designs. For instance, low doses more often failed to show an improvement of cognitive function than high doses.
What does the recent study say about the effectiveness of Ginkgo in preventing Alzheimer's disease?
The new study was conducted by Dr. Steven DeKosky, dean of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and it suggests that Ginkgo may not be effective in preventing Alzheimer's disease.
The study of 3,069 apparently healthy people age 75 or older at five U.S. locations found that taking the supplement at a dose of 120 mg per day for about 6 years did not prevent Alzheimer's disease.
But the results of the study, which only implies that people age 75 may not get helped by taking the supplements, should not be generalized and applied to a general population.
How does Ginkgo work to help treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease?
It is believed that Ginkgo works as a neuroprotective agent, an antioxidant, a free-radical scavenger, a membrane stabilizer, and an inhibitor of platelet-activating factor via the terpene ginkgolide B. It may also inhibit certain enzymes to mediate endothelium relaxation and beta-amyloid deposition.
What are the dosages commonly used?
The dosage indicated for patients who have memory problems and dementia like Alzheimer's disease that is commonly used is 120 to 240 mg per day.
What types of side effects should I expect when I take Ginkgo?
The dietary supplement is generally well tolerated and there is not much of any toxicity. But reported minor side effects may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions.
However people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have schedule surgery or dental procedures may avoid taking the supplement.
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