Dr. Mercola March 18 2008 38,436 views
Taking the herbal supplement ginkgo biloba may delay the onset of cognitive impairment in elderly adults. However, the study also showed a higher incidence of strokes and "mini-strokes" in ginkgo users.
In a three-year study of more than 100 people age 85 and older with no memory problems, half took ginkgo biloba extract three times a day, and half took a placebo.
During the course of the study, 14 of those who took the placebo developed memory problems, but only 7 of those who took the ginkgo extract did. When the researchers took into account whether people followed directions in taking the study pills, they found that people who reliably took ginkgo had a 68 percent lower risk of developing memory problems.
Seven people taking ginkgo had strokes, while none of those taking placebo did.
Ginkgo biloba is believed to be one of the oldest trees in the world. It can be traced back some 250 million years, which is why it’s often referred to as a living fossil.
What Can Ginkgo Biloba do For You?
Ginkgo is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for ailments related to poor blood circulation to your brain, such as dizziness, tinnitus and memory loss.
Ginkgo biloba causes blood vessel dilation and has a blood thinning effect, which increases your cerebral blood flow and appears to be able to protect your brain from degeneration over time.
It also has some antioxidant effects, which help protect nerve cells against oxidation -- the biological equivalent of rusting -- which also suggests it might slow down the degenerative process. It is also a very powerful adaptogenic herb.
Many studies have looked into its effectiveness in treating degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and age-related dementia. One Italian study published in the European Journal of Neurology in 2006 actually concluded that ginkgo biloba works just as well as prescription drug Aricept (donepezil) in treating mild or moderate Alzheimer's, stating:
“Our study suggests that there is no evidence of relevant differences in the efficacy of EGb 761 [ginkgo biloba] and donepezil in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia, so the use of both substances can be justified.”
Potential Side Effects of Ginkgo
As with most supplements, you should always use caution and read up on potential side effects before self-medicating. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it can’t cause potential problems.
For example, in addition to the ginkgo biloba leaves, the seeds are also used medicinally, but should be used with caution as uncooked seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures, and in large quantities, death.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the most common side effects of ginkgo biloba include:
There’s also some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so never take ginkgo biloba if you are on any kind of anticoagulant drugs or have any kind of bleeding disorder.
You also should not take ginkgo before undergoing surgery or dental procedures, for the same reason.
Even Safer Options to Keep Your Mind Sharp
Ginkgo is clearly a safer option than pharmaceutical drugs for keeping degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s at bay, but just like drugs, it doesn’t address the underlying cause of mental decline.
To really boost your brain health, don’t forget to incorporate these essential lifestyle changes:
I should start my own thread but it's a real hassle on this computer. Among the electrosensitive people I am in touch with, gingko biloba has found some favor. I am aware of effects from cell phone radiation which include dizziness and memory impairment, and have found gingko uniquely helpful as a quick solution. I don't rely on it, but it is nice to know about in case I get stuck with not-so-nice guests. As Dr. Mercola says, everyone is different. This seems uniquely suited to me and people with similar problems, who have all made a commitment to getting well and staying well.
None of the factors you cite are relevant. This study was randomized, which means that any of the confounding factors you mention would be equally (or at least randomly) mixed between the two groups. But I do agree that the only thing scientific medical evidence ever proves is the need for more scientific medical evidence.
Six years ago my husband developed an aggressive Bladder cancer, (he has since had four recurrences. He had six months of chemo (CARBOPLATIN with OTHERS). Gradually his mental health started to decline I put his mental problems down to the treatment. I have a natural dislike of "pharma" drugs so, because I was "stressed out of my brain" I started taking St.Johns Wort, the capsule also contained Gingko Biloba. A little later he was diagnosed with Alzheimers, by the hospital. Terrific! He was becoming extremely abusive and as I did not want to have him assessed (it would have made him worse) I started him on my "happy pills"
Great result! His condition is deteriorating at a much, much slower pace. By the way the cancer is back, both kidneys are malfunctioning, because of the Carboplatin I guess. We have to wait to see what treatment he will be receiving his Oncologist has advised me that they will not be removing the bladder. If ever I have a return visit from the "Mighty C" I will never undertake Chemotherapy. By the way my husband would NEVER NEVER EAT canned or frozen foods,BUT HE DID SMOKE 6 PACKETS OF CIGARETTES A DAY. SORRY FOR THE LENGTH IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN.
As with all herbs in Chinese medicine and traditional medicines, they're meant to be taken in tea form or typically some kind of liquid form where the medicinal properties are extracted from either hot water, alcohol or such. Also they're meant to work slowly over time, which is why Chinese medicine is superior for non communicable diseases and age related degeneration.
Combined with exercises, deep breathing, meditation, proper nutrition, fasting and such, your brain will keep working well till your last day.
My mother was dignosed with stage 1 breast cancer and opted to have it removed. She had a mini stroke the day before the surgery which postponed it about 6 weeks. She learned her lesson after that and finally started doing what I've said for 20 years. She's now taking multi vitamins, lots of vitamin C, zinc, magnesium other nutrients and herbs. I juice for her several times a week, she gets more rest, started drinking water daily which she never did, got off the Coke and frozen meals she was having for dinner all the time.
At 75, her memory has improved, her moods are noticeable better and she's developed an almost wicked sense of humor now and a bit of a practical joker which she never was, lol. She also de-aged about 10 years. 3 months after surgery at her first check up the doctors and nurses that did surgery on her didn't not recognize her though she was standing right at the counter waiting for her turn.
I even got her to start working out with light weights too, something she said that she would never do. I also make her herbal teas such as Burdock with some Schizandra extract, wormwood, astragalus and others. Too bad it took all that to wake her up, but better late then never.
The MOA (Mechanism of Action) for Gingko is that it redirects blood flow from peripheral to the central vascular system, thereby increasing blood flow to the brain. It does not address underlying issues such as arteriosclerosis or other causes of nerve degeneration.
An all natural diet, high in fruits and vegetables is a natural "blood thinner". People on all natural diets have a prothrombin (blood clotting) time about double the typical lab value. The "typical" is actually accepted as a "normal" time. Many people are directed away from good natural foods by their M.D.s, because it may "interfere" with pharmaceutical "blood thinners". This is considered the most "dangerous" drug/herbal interaction.
Gee, ya couldn't just quit the drug, couldya?
Ya gotta use your brain, think for yourself, and make disciplined choices......
......nah, that'll never work