Network Chiropractic     Dr. Jordan L. Michels

Ginkgo for Mental Function and Circulation

Ginkgo biloba or maidenhair tree is an ancient tree species. It was once widespread on the planet, but almost became extinct in the last ice age. It survived in parts of China and has been reintroduced to other areas as a common landscape tree because of its beauty and resistance to disease, insects, and pollution. The leaves are fan shaped and have two lobes (biloba). Individual trees live as long as 1,000 years. The tree is considered sacred to the Buddhists and often planted around their temples.

Its use can be traced back almost 5,000 years. In China the seed has been traditionally used for strengthening the heart and lungs, memory loss and for inflammation.  In modern times extracts of the leaf have been scientifically proven to be effective for improving circulation and brain function. Ginkgo has been widely used in Europe and Asia, and its use is rapidly growing in the U.S.

Ginkgo has a variety of bio-active compounds. The flavinoids have antioxidant properties. Terpene lactones include the ginkgolides and bilobalide which have been shown to improve circulation and protect the nervous system respectively.

Research has shown ginkgo extracts increase blood flow to the brain (including oxygen and glucose), protect against stroke and transient ischemic attacks, reduce platelet aggregation that can lead to stroke, increase alertness, increase circulation to the extremities, ears, nose, throat and eyes, and to generally improve vascular health.

Clinically, it has been found useful in a variety of conditions. Conditions of the brain include: memory loss, attention deficit, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and other aging disorders, and chronic symptoms resulting from head injury. Conditions of the eyes and ears include: cataracts, macular degeneration, retinopathy, vertigo and tinnitus. Conditions of the heart and lungs include: recovery from heart attacks and strokes, and asthma. Conditions of the extremities include: intermittent claudication, Raynaud’s syndrome, cold extremities, and impotence in men.

Side effects are rare and usually mild. Mild headache the first few days of use has been reported. It is safe during pregnancy and has no known drug interactions.

There are many different extracts available. Commonly it is standardized to 24% ginkgoheterosides. At this concentration the recommended dosage is from 80-240mg daily. It is best divided into 2-3 doses. 4-6 weeks may be necessary before improvement is noticed.