• Improves Blood Circulation, Memory and Age-Related Symptoms

Due to the high levels of natural phytochemicals such as terpene lactones, it is among the most recognized, respected, and recommended botanicals around the world. It is the most important plant-based medicine available. Heralded as a mental and vascular stimulant and a powerful protector of the brain, liver, eyes and circulatory system.

The active principles of Ginkgo are believed to have a regulating effect on the entire vascular system of veins, arteries and capillaries. Ginkgo inhibits "platelet activating factor" (PAF) and promote the metabolism of cerebral and neurosensorial cells.  The most common usage of Gingko Biloba is for its widely accepted effects in the regulation of blood flow to the brain, legs and other extremities.  It is also thought Gingko Biloba may act to counteract a number of conditions such as vascular insufficiency or tinnitus. Gingko Biloba has also been indicated in the treatment of intermittent claudication (pain while walking) and allergies.

The better blood flow that it promotes throughout the body, notably the brain, helps protect and nurture memory and mental function, stabilizes irregular heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia), helps in reaction time and helps men to sustain erections. A common application is in the control of the level of various neurotransmitters in the brain thus helping to counteract memory loss, depression and lack of alertness which may occur in old age. A recent study has also indicated the potential use of Ginkgo Biloba in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Ginkgo reduces swelling, reduces the supply of oxygen to tissues, scavenges harmful free radicals from the blood, affects metabolism, reduces blood clotting, and improves circulation in tiny blood vessels. In some European countries, it is approved as a treatment for memory impairment, dementia, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and intermittent claudication (a disease of the arteries that causes pain in the legs when moving but not when at rest).

Findings:
Memory Impairment
"Encouraging data exist, but the evidence for ginkgo as a memory enhancer is not fully convincing," Edzard Ernst, MD, PhD, of the University of Exeter, U.K., writes. There is no evidence that ginkgo improves brain function in normal people.

Dementia
Studies show a small but significant benefit for people with Alzheimer's disease.

Tinnitus
A few small studies suggest a moderate benefit, but the jury is still out.

Intermittent claudication
Ginkgo works as well as the drug Trental, but regular walking exercises are more effective.

Ginkgo may help prevent heart attacks, treats circulation problems associated with diabetes and exciting new research indicates that it may help your body accept transplanted organs.

Has remarkable sexual rejuvenating properties, particularly when combined with Schisandra Berries.

Taking the extract also can be helpful in treating cataracts, retinopathy, macular degeneration, tinnitus (chronic ringing in the ears), vertigo and dizziness, asthma, headaches, PMS and depression.

In one six-month study, people who received 80mg of extract twice daily significantly improved their long-distance vision. Another study suggests that the extract may even reverse damage in the retina.

Try making a herbal tea by combining it with antioxidant mint teas.

• Recommended Dosage

Dosage: Most clinical trials used daily doses of 120 mg to 320 mg of a standardized extract of ginkgo leaf. It usually takes four weeks of treatment for effects to be noticed.

Safety: Most side effects are mild and soon go away. But the herb can cause possibly serious bleeding and brain seizures if too much is taken. People who are taking blood-thinning medications should NOT take the drug.