posted
I read in a book that Ginko Biloba helps circulation and the nervous system....sound like it might be useful in fighting off the effect of lyme in my arms and legs. Anyone know if it really works?
Posts: 40 | From Lancaster PA | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
All I know is my LLMD recommended that I take it, but only take standardized gingko. He said it protected the brain. It can't hurt!
-------------------- "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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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Ginseng and Ginkgo at Recommended Doses Do Not Impair Drug Absorption
Daily use of ginseng or ginkgo biloba supplements at the recommended doses--or the combination of both supplements--are unlikely to alter the way the majority of prescription or over-the counter drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body, researchers reported at the Experimental Biology 2007 conference.
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most well researched herbs in the world and is full of antioxidants and flavonoids. Ginkgo supports healthy circulation to both the brain and extremities of the body.
Studies suggest that this traditional Chinese remedy is capable of improving cognitive function as demonstrated by increased mental sharpness, better concentration, and improved memory.
. . . (standardized is important)
"Does an ancient tree hold the secret to staying young?
Not exactly, but an extract derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree does show promise for a range of age-related ailments. Ginkgo exerts an antioxidant effect, inhibits blood clotting, and improves circulation by making the membranes of red blood cells more elastic." . . . Andrew Weil, M.D.
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GINKGO. by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D. and Heiner Fruehauf, Ph.D. Dec. 1997
Although a focus of attention has been on brain circulation, the extracts of ginkgo have also been shown effective for peripheral arterial occlusion (affects the legs) and for angina pectoris and heart attack (affecting the main cardiac arteries and the heart).
The mechanisms of action for all these include inhibiting platelet activating factor (PAF, which leads to clotting of blood), antioxidant activity (which helps to prevent further development of atheromas), and alleviating spasms of the muscles surrounding the vessels (by inhibiting nitric oxide and increasing release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and prostcylin).
PAF is released from cell membranes and causes inflammation and allergy type reactions, as well as platelet sticking.
The pharmacological effects of administering ginkgo extract include: reduces accumulation of harmful metabolites of respiration (lactates and carbon dioxide), enhances glucose uptake and normalizes cellular respiration (to maintain cellular energy metabolism), improves vascular tone, and reduces cerebral edema.
Clinical trials have reportedly found positive influence of ginkgo on vertigo, hearing disturbances, macular degeneration, and depression (14, 15).
However, the quality of clinical trials has been variable. In a 1992 review of 40 papers reporting on clinical efficacy of ginkgo extract, most of them carried out in Germany and France, 8 were found to be well-designed and conducted with randomized placebo control.
Since that time, the frequency of studies with good quality has increased and one can expect further work on sensory phenomena (hearing, sight, balance, perhaps also smell), psychological disturbances (depression, schizophrenia), and other applications.
The clinically effective dosage of the standardized commercial extract is about 120-240 mg/day.
Treatment time of 4-6 weeks is considered a minimum duration to observe improvements, with 3-6 months as a standard course of treatment for existing symptomatic disease (6 months is usually the maximum duration of a clinical trial; longer term use may be necessary to maintain the desired effects).
Higher dosages, up to 600 mg, were used to evaluate immediate effects on short-term memory, with positive results. It is not known whether such high dosages would be safe for daily use over a period of several months.
The standard dosages of ginkgo extract do not cause adverse effects, except that a few people report mild gastric disturbance or headache.
While ginkgo has been made popular as a result of commercial investments in preparing extracts and sponsoring research, similar activities are attained from other Chinese herbs that have not yet been developed in the same way. For example, cerebral circulation is improved with the flavonoids from pueraria (kudzu), used in a similar dosage range.
- full article, illustrations and citations at link above.
posted
Thanks guys, sounds like I'm on the right track.
Posts: 40 | From Lancaster PA | Registered: Aug 2007
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clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
I have always read it to be very good for brain function/health, though I have yet to try it. I have never heard of Ginkgo being used as a lyme bug killer. But if it can improve circulation, perhaps it can help bring the medicines or remedies for killing LD bugs in deeper.
Note that there have been some who have shown allergies to it, so if it were me, I would make sure to monitor it carefully in the beginning.
Comments are based on personal opinion, not medical advice.
Claire
[ 28. January 2008, 11:23 AM: Message edited by: clairenotes ]
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
Link to comments about allergic reactions to ginkgo, (see the link Marnie provided in her post, page three):
posted
One of my two LLMD's recommends it specifically for the Fog.
I've only taken it hit or miss so I cannot accurately judge it's effectiveness with me.
Too much can cause too thin blood and lead to easy bruising. Extreme cases of Ghingko use has been reported to cause iris bleeds. These clear after cessation.
bt
Posts: 299 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jul 2007
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