Ginkgo
Biloba Leaf: Used Clinically for Centuries
The ginkgo biloba leaf comes
from one of the oldest living trees in the world. The ginkgo biloba
tree can live up to 1,000 years and has been known to grow up to
120 feet. Its fruit’s inner seeds, although considered poisonous,
have been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries, but modern
medicine prefers the ginkgo biloba leaf’s extract since it
has been clinically proven to help with circulatory ailments. The
ginkgo biloba leaf’s extract is also thought to be a memory
booster, and it has been used to treat patients with Alzheimer’s
disease. It is thought of as a memory booster since laboratory studies
have found it to improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels
and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.
The ginkgo biloba leaf extract is thought to be beneficial because
of the antioxidants—flavonoids and terpenoids—it contains.
Antioxidants are substances in the body that look for free radicals
in order to eliminate them. Free radicals are molecules that damage
compounds in the body that can cause harm to cell membranes, DNA
and lead to cell death. They can occur naturally in the body, but
they can also grow to an excess amount if a person comes into contact
with environmental toxins like ultraviolet light and cigarette smoke.
The ginkgo biloba leaf’s antioxidants scavenge the free radicals
before they can cause health problems like heart disease, cancer,
macular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf is used to help with:
- Alzheimer’s disease—since ginkgo
biloba leaf extract is thought to improve blood circulation
to the brain. Its antioxidant properties are also a factor.
Past clinical studies have shown that ginkgo biloba leaf extract
has provided an improvement in memory, social behavior and overall
daily life for people with dementia.
- Eye problems—the antioxidants flavonoids
found in ginkgo biloba leaf extract is thought to help lessen
retinal issues. There have been several clinical studies that
have shown improvement in macular degeneration patients who
used ginkgo biloba leaf extract.
- Anti aging—the antioxidants in the
ginkgo biloba leaf extract have long been thought to fight the
hands of time. Some studies have shown that these compounds
protect cells from oxidation caused by free radicals. Antioxidants
like vitamins A, C and E, and beta-carotene have become popular
ingredients in cosmetics since they help with skin repair.
Children less than 12 years old are discouraged
from using ginkgo biloba leaf extract supplements, as well as pregnant
or breast feeding mothers. Although rare, ginkgo biloba leaf extract
can cause dizziness, headaches and gastrointestinal issues. This
herb should be taken under the supervision of your primary physician
since it can interact with other herbs, supplements and medications.
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