Gingo biloba: The smart herb
Gingko Biloba is considered the "smart herb" as it imparts a sense of well-being and mental alertness and is renowned for improving memory. The host of powerful antioxidants can slow down and limit free radicals which are responsible for premature aging and dementia.
A little history…
His tree is unique in many ways. Also known as the "hairy tree", it blooms only at night and sheds its flowers. This is a tree that manages to survive. The ginkgo biloba is often referred to as a "living fossil" since it dates back over 270 million years, from the time of the dinosaurs.
The history of the tree as medicine is also long. Chinese written accounts mention the use of its leaves as early as 2,800 BC, because they improved blood circulation and lung function. Writings from the 15th century mention the use of the leaves to treat skin sores and diarrhoea.
Beneficial substances
Scientists have identified over 40 substances in this tree. So far only 2 – flavonoids and terpenoids – appear to have medicinal properties. Flavonoids are plant antioxidants that have been shown to protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as gingolides) are known to improve blood flow.
Useful for memory
We know from more than 50 research studies that the active ingredients in ginkgo biloba are very effective at increasing blood flow to the brain. Better blood flow means better memory and greater overall alertness. Numerous studies have shown that, in cases of cerebral insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the brain), ginkgo biloba is a valuable and extremely safe treatment. By restoring a smoother blood flow to the brain, ginkgo biloba reduces memory loss, confusion, disorientation and psychomotor agitation. Of course, better blood flow also means less chance of an ischemic stroke. Ginkgo biloba reduces the chances of stroke in another way, by making platelets less sticky, thereby reducing the chances of them forming a clot and blocking blood flow to the brain.
