Don’t forget to take your Ginkgold
Best exemplifying the vast potential of plant remedies within the standards of modern medicine is an extract made from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree.
With over 400 published studies-primarily in the management of cerebrovascular and peripheral circulatory disorders-Ginkgo biloba extract is one of the most frequently prescribed herbal remedies both in Europe and Worldwide.
Modern pharmacological research into the active constituents of Ginkgo leaves began in the late 1950s. Spearheaded by the Dr Wilmar Schwabe GmbH company of Germany. Twenty years of research resulted in a standardized concentrated extract of Ginkgo leaves known internationally as EGb761 (sold in New Zealand as Natures Way® Ginkgold® )the twenty seven step extraction process requires 50 kgs of ginkgo leaves to make one kilo of the extract and takes up to two weeks to complete.
UNIQUE PROCESS
Most critical to the extraction process and final product is the standardization of the two groups of active components: ginkgo flavones glycosides and terpene lactones. The 24% ginkgo flavones glycosides content of EGb761 constitutes a carefully measured balance of three bioflavonoids known as quercetin, kaempherol and isorhamnetin. This group of constituents is primarily responsible for EGb761’s antioxidant activity and its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation.
The groups of constituents most unique to EGb761, however, are the terpene lactones – which constitute 6% of the final extract. One group known as ginkgolides, improves circulation and has platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonistic properties. The other terpene lactone, bilobabide, has been shown to have neuroprotective properties and may actually stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerve cells.
CONFIRMED EFFECTIVENESS
The primary use for EGb761 in Europe is for cerebrovascular insufficiency and intermittent claudication. EGb761 is also license in Germany for the supportive treatment of sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, head injury, macular degeneration and impotence.
Encompassed under the designation of cerebrovascular insufficiency are dementia, resistant depression, vertigo and tinnitus. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EGb761 in the management of cerebrovascular insufficiency. Using daily doses of 120 to 240mg of EGb761, research has indicated an improvement in the symptoms listed above within six to twelve weeks. Studies have ranged in length from six weeks to twelve months.
The potential for EGb761 in the area of dementia of arteriosclerotic origin and also for people recovering from strokes is also notable. EGb761 is a common prescription for geriatric depressed patients who are not responding to standard drug therapy. Current research is also showing promising results in using EGb761 in the early stages of senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.
IMPROVES CIRCULATION TO THE EXTREMITIES
EGb761 is used as an intervention for persons with intermittent claudication (pain in the legs with walking) Using doses of 120-160mg daily for three to six months; EGb761 has lead to an increase in pain free walking distance and improved blood flow to the affected limbs. EGb761 is being considered in the long term treatment of Reynaud’s syndrome.
For preventative use and for circulation problems to the extremities, EGb761 is recommended at a daily dose of 120mg in divided doses. Daily dosages of 240mg are required for cases of cerebrovascular insufficiency, early stage Alzheimer’s disease, resistant depression and impotence. An initial six to eight week period is recommended to ascertain the effectiveness.
Side effects are very rare. Some people with cerebrovascular insufficiency may experience a mild transient headache for the first one or two days due to an increase in blood flow.
Nature’s Way® Ginkgold® available from all good health stores and pharmacies throughout New Zealand.