Ginko biloba

ginko biloba is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. unlike many other medicinal herbs, ginkgo leaves are not frequently used in their crude state, but rather, in the form of a concentrated, standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). In europe and the united states, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications and it consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany.

a single tree can live as long as 1,000 years and grow to a height of 120 feet. it has short branches with fan-shaped leaves and inedible fruits that produce a strong odor. the fruit contains an inner seed, and there has been a report of a human poisoning from ingesting the seed.

more than 40 components isolated from the ginkgo tree have been identified, but only two are believed to be responsible for the herb's beneficial effects in humans -- flavonoids and terpenoids. flavonoids (such as quercetin and rutin) have potent antioxidant effects. laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

ginkgo is widely used in europe for treating dementia. it's use is primarily due to its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and because of its antioxidant properties. the evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking, learning, and memory in people with alzheimer's disease (AD) has been highly promising.

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