posted
Gingko was very helpful for me.. It did seem to help brain fog, but that wasn't the only thing it helped. It helped pain in general way, it seemed. I drank tea from gingko s well as taking capsules of the herb. Gingko seemed to accelerate my progress in general, though that could have been by chance. It didn't have any negative side-effects that I could notice. DaveS
Posts: 4567 | From ithaca, NY, usa | Registered: Nov 2000
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Information by Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters
How Does Ginkgo Biloba Work?
The active ingredients in gingko biloba extract are believed to have their beneficial effects by acting as antioxidants, preventing red blood cells and platelets from aggregating to form clots, allowing more oxygen to reach neurons, and improving circulation in tiny blood vessels by inducing relaxation of the muscles surrounding blood vessels.
Even circulation to the eyes improves when subjects are given ginkgo.
What Dosages of Ginkgo Biloba extract Are Best?
The majority of the studies done thus far with ginkgo have used daily dosages of 120 to 160 mg (50:1 concentration, 24% flavonoids).
Patients generally took ginkgo biloba 40 milligrams three to four times a day.
Treatment may be needed for a few weeks before positive results can be fully appreciated.
Most manufacturers have pills that contain 40 or 60 mg of ginkgo. You may wish to start with one 40 mg pill a day to see if there is any improvement in memory or thinking. Ginkgo biloba extract is best taken early in the day, and no later than afternoon.
Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects
The most common ginkgo biloba side effects are stomach or intestinal complaints, headache, and allergic skin reactions. A rare ginkgo biloba side effect is seizure. Seizures have been mentioned in the media in very old individuals taking ginkgo biloba extract. High doses of ginkgo biloba extract may aggravate seizures in those with a history of epilepsy.
An infrequent but potentially serious ginkgo biloba side effects is internal bleeding when ginkgo biloba is combined with other blood thinners such as aspirin or coumadin (and even ibuprofen).
Ginkgo biloba extract has anti-platelet activity and hence may prolong the time it takes to form a blood clot. However, a study published in April, 2003 indicates that Coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba do not influence the clinical effect of warfarin.
An additional study did not find ginkgo to alter platelet function or coagulation time. Just to be cautious, at this time those who take aspirin or coumadin should be very careful and discuss with their doctor before they use ginkgo biloba extract or any product that contains ginkgo.
Ginkgo Biloba benefit Summary
Ginkgo biloba appears to benefit some people with memory loss due to aging or Alzheimer's disease, but is probably of little benefit in the young who have normal brain function and memory. Middle aged and older individuals may find the use of ginkgo to be helpful in sharpening the mind.
Because of its antioxidant properties, ginkgo biloba extract may be useful in individuals with cerebrovascular disease. Due to its blood thinning properties, a dose of 60 mg a day should not be exceeded on a daily, long-term basis unless a health care provider monitors you. Keep in mind that other nutrients and drugs have blood-thinning properties including coumadin, aspirin, fish oils, and vinpocetine.
Additional potential benefits from Ginkgo Biloba
May help reduce the risk for cataracts as shown in a rat study. Ginkgo biloba may help preserve vitamin E levels.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract_Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is available in various potencies, including 24% / 6%, 24% / 4%, 28% / 8%, 30% / 10% ginkgoflavoglycosides / terpene lactones._
Ginkgo biloba normalizes stress- and corticosterone-induced impairment of recall in rats.
Pharmacol Res. 2005 Oct 19;
Exposure to chronic restraint stress in rats and psychosocial stress in humans has been shown to alter cognitive functions such as learning and memory and has been linked to the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. Antianxiety or sedative agents used in the management of stress have several disadvantages and side effects.
Therefore, in this study, we investigated efficacy of a natural medicine, the extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB 761), in prevention and treatment of the post-stress memory dysfunctions.
The results showed that chronic restraint stress (2h for 21 days) or an 'equivalent' dose of exogenous corticosterone (5mgkg(-1)) decreased re-entry latencies in the passive avoidance situation showing thus impairment of recall.
Preventive doses of ginkgo biloba, given 30min before each restraint stress episode or corticosterone injection, abolished cognitive deficits seen in unprotected rats.
Emails about Ginkgo biloba benefit and side effects_
Q. I found that flax oil / fish oil along with vinpocetine in a small dosage and as well ginkgo biloba, again in a small amounts to benefit the symptoms of Meniere's disease. I had all the symptoms for about a yr and a half. and finally i decided i would do something myself as i could not function and was offered no solution other than a lot of very expensive tests and procedures. "yep, you got a problem!" or expensive words to that effect.__
Q. Just thought I would mention that I have found ginkgo biloba to be a wonderful supplement for the treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that was do to exposure to loud noise as a teenager. I would notice a significant improvement a day or two after taking the gingko biloba (100mg 2x daily 24% standardization) and the ringing would gradually return after I would stop taking them. After using it on and off for several years the problem has faded into the background and they are now unnecessary. I observed no improvement in memory or concentration, though I might have been taking too little._
A. Thanks for your feedback. Some studies do show ginkgo biloba benefit for tinnitus, although my clinical experience with this herb for tinnitus has not shown a consistent beneficial response.
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Vermont_Lymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9780
posted
Gingko has been helpful for me with neuro- issues. I like the Vitamin Shoppe brand of Gingko with Huperzine A, which is one of Buhner's recommended supplements for cognitive issues. Gingko is good for increasing blood flow to the brain.
His book Healing Lyme has several good suggestions for brain fog, I recommend it!
Posts: 2557 | From home | Registered: Aug 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
I think you said you plan to take your first pill TONIGHT.
-- from post above: . . . You may wish to start with one 40 mg pill a day to see if there is any improvement in memory or thinking. Ginkgo biloba extract is best taken early in the day, and no later than afternoon. . . .
---- you might check the directions.
Gingko is stimulating. If I were to take it at night, I'd get no sleep.
so, if you've already taken it (now 5 pm your time) you might be okay.
On the first try, I'd take it in the A.M. or around noon. Just in my experience.
I'd also be careful not to let it "push or pull" you into alertness but to "guide and support" you to that.
Good luck. Hope it helps.
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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He said it must be standardized or it won't do much good.
-------------------- "Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead Posts: 290 | From New York | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Well i have taken 2 60mg pills a day for like 4 or 5 days now
Either they are working wonders or im just going through one of my good weeks.
I honestly haven't even thought about how i feel (which is good because it means i'm feeling normal)
The only side effect i have noticed is yes it does make it hard to sleep if taken at night... very hard!
I think this is the most/fastest success i have had with anything in 6 years of infection:)
I have been on abx for 9 months and mep for almost 4 and most of my symptoms have been minimized or gone away all together.
The last thing that seems to be constant was the head fog, cognitive issues, and memory problems and ginkgo seems to have destroyed them!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't even convey how much better i feel mentally with the ginkgo and if its true that it takes weeks for the full effects to kick in then I am looking forward to the next few weeks.
Theres no telling how great I'l feel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 40 | From AZ | Registered: Oct 2006
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