All About Ginkgo BilobaGinkgo Biloba Supplement Gingko Biloba Benefits
The ginkgo biloba supplement is one of the top-selling medicinal herbs in the United States and Europe, with estimated sales approaching 1 billion annually. However, millions of people around the world use Gingko on a daily basis. Historically, both the leaves and seeds were used for medicinal purposes. In fact, the ancient Chinese and Japanese roasted ginkgo seeds and used it to aid digestive disturbances and to prevent drunkenness. Even today, some bars in Japan practice its old traditional use and serve the roasted seeds to prevent intoxication. In the 1930's a compound in the leaves was identified known as flavonoids. However, the extract of the leaves was not developed until the 1970's. Today, both the United States and Europe use the leaves medicinally with concentrated extracts standardized to a potency of 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. This extract is known as GBE - the ginkgo biloba extract. 
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
It's an herb that comes from the oldest surviving tree on the planet earth, dating back to the dinosaur age of somewhat 200 million years. The ginkgo biloba tree - also known as the Maidenhair tree belongs to the Ginkgoaceae family. During the Ice Age, every member of its family was destroyed except for ginkgo biloba tree. The Gingko tree is well noted as one that has an extraordinary resistance to viruses, insects, fungi, pollution, and even radiation. Moreover, the gingko tree can live for 1,000 years. Ginkgo Biloba Benefits How can it Benefit You? Ginkgo has been blessed with very powerful antioxidant effects that researchers attribute to Ginkgo flavone glycosides. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive substances that can attack and damage cells, resulting to premature aging and disease if left unchecked. Many researchers believe that Ginkgo produces more antioxidant activity than the well-known antioxidant vitamins, which are vitamins E and C, including beta carotene. Another exciting benefit of Ginkgo is its extraordinary ability to enhance circulation to the brain and other parts of the body. In fact, Gingko is best known as a brain booster as it has shown to enhance memory and even relieve signs of senility. Ginkgo is also touted as one that can improve mental alertness and concentration. Researchers attribute Ginkgo's ability to increase blood circulation to the brain and other parts of the body due to its terpene lactones properties. Other health benefits of Gingko Biloba are that it inhibits excessive blood clotting and it may exert a protective action on nerve cells. Ginkgo Biloba Benefits Possible Therapeutic Benefits
Ginkgo Biloba benefits are used to treat memory loss and degenerative disease conditions of the brain and central nervous system. It is also used to aid in the treatment of a variety of conditions such as ringing in the ears and impotence. Some of these conditions include: Alzheimer's disease, memory impairment dementia, depression, tinnitus, intermittent claudication, tinnitus (chronic ringing in the ears), cerebral insufficiency, impotence, and others. Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects Dangers of Ginkgo? Overall, the herb appears to be safe with no serious side effects reported. However, mild side effects such as stomach upset, headache, and rash are possible. Some people reported irritability, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting after taking large doses. Because gingko has natural-blood thinning effects, people on blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin should consult a physician before taking ginkgo because of the increase risk of severe bleeding. In addition, it is advised that if you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia - the use of this herb should be avoided. Health care professionals advise women that are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid the use of ginkgo. In addition, if you have a health condition or are on any prescribed medications, it is advised that you consult a physician before taking a ginkgo biloba supplement. Nutritional - Supplement- Educational- Centre's Opinion Ginkgo is one of the most widely used and best researched herbal medicines. However, in recent year's ginkgo has received a great deal of attention for its potential to boost memory. There is little research that ginkgo will increase mental clarity or boost memory in otherwise healthy people. Ginkgo has shown to be more helpful with age-related memory loss and diminished mental functioning in this regard. Overall, it is a supplement well worth checking out.
Tips on Choosing a Ginkgo Biloba Supplement Maximize your ginkgo biloba benefits through the recommended following steps! 1. Be sure to look for GBE (Ginkgo Biloba Extract) standardized to a potency of at least 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones – because this is the type of extract that has been shown to be effective in virtually every clinical trial. 2. Buyer beware that many supplements on the market today do not contain what's stated on the label and, as such, potency may be an issue. Some even harbor harmful contaminates! 3. Select a supplement that is formulated by a company that follows strict GMP compliance to ensure quality, potency, and purity. These facilities adhere to the strictest regulatory standards for the manufacture of dietary supplements. We hope this Ginkgo Biloba web-page was useful to you. To Your Health! The Editors
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