Ginkgo Biloba: What The Experts Say
In recent years, Ginkgo biloba has become a hot herb in the medical community, ranking among the most prescribed medicines in France and Germany. This ancient Chinese herb has been linked to treatment of Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma and menopause.
Keep reading below to learn more about how Ginkgo biloba works and how it may be used to treat a host of memory and circulatory diseases.
It Takes Two
According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, two chemicals are responsible for ginkgo biloba's disease-fighting properties: flavonoids and terpenoids. These two chemicals have antioxidant properties that ward off free radicals, which may tamper with DNA or even cause cell death. The number of free radicals in the body increases naturally with age. Free radicals can also appear as a result of a host of environmental factors, including UV light, radiation, cigarette smoke and pollution. The antioxidant properties of ginkgo biloba help to neutralize and/or prevent some of the damage caused by free agents.
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
In ancient China, inkgo biloba was used to treat bronchitis, asthma, high blood pressure and headaches. Now recognized for its role in memory and circulatory functions, Ginkgo has been linked to aiding the following health conditions:
. Memory Loss: Ginkgo biloba is good for your brain-it improves blood flow and nourishes blood cells. For this reason, Ginkgo biloba is a popular prescription for people suffering from memory lapses, dementia or Alzheimer's disease. However, clinical studies of the herb as a treatment for these conditions have produced somewhat conflicting results. While some experts tout ginkgo biloba as an effective treatment in preventing memory loss, others conclude it is no more effective than a placebo.
. Eye-related diseases: Some studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may aid in the prevention of eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
. Multiple sclerosis: Ginkgo has been linked to help improve the functional measures (energy, strength and coordination) in patients with MS.
. Tinnitus: Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear that occurs when no sound is present. One study suggested that ginkgo helped treat tinnitus, while another, larger study suggested it was no more effective than a placebo.
. Menopause: Because ginkgo biloba enhances circulation and memory, it is believed to treat many of the symptoms of menopause, such as mood swing, memory lapses, dizziness, anxiety and depression. The herb also contains plant-based estrogens which mimic the effects of naturally-occurring estrogens when introduced into the female body. Menopausal symptoms are most often caused by hormone imbalance, so herbs that help to restore this balance are often effective aids in treating these symptoms.
Recommendation
Unfortunately, like most herbal remedies, there has been limited clinical study on ginkgo biloba's uses and side effects. You should consult with your doctor before using gingko biloba to treat any health condition.
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