GINKGO BILOBA SIDE EFFECTS AND BENEFITS

Ginkgo Biloba is a very powerful herbal product that has been
shown to have a number of beneficial attributes. Ginkgo Biloba
is manufactured and sold in Europe under pharmaceutical and
commission E standards, is best known for its ability to enhance
circulation systemically. The extract has been shown in hundreds
of studies to increases the oxygen supply to the heart, brain,
and all other body parts. Most of the market has been
developed around Ginkgo's ability to improve blood flow to the
brain, which increases the oxygen supply and therefore the
potential for improved mental function. Ginkgo's action is directly
related to the vaso- relaxing activity that the herb seems to
have, the active ingredient that performs this action has been
identified to be the nitric oxide (NO). The NO induces
vasodilatation by activating a soluble guanylate cyclase in the
vascular smooth muscle, which relaxes the surrounding tissue.
Ginkgo Biloba by this action can also lower blood pressure; and
in conjunction with this ability it has also been shown to inhibit
platelet aggregation (stickiness).

The studies performed using Gingko Biloba have been especially
promising in the area of senility; this is where most of the
current market is being perpetuated. The region within this field
of study that has shown the most promise is the research on
Alzheimer's disease. If used during the early stages of the
disease, it has been shown that the mental deterioration that is
associated with the pathology can be decreased. Studies show
that taking a standardized Gingko Biloba extract increases the
functionality of the acetylcholine (a nerve chemical) receptors
that are damaged as the disease progresses. The dose rate to
illicit a positive response has been shown to be relatively small,
and the product can be taken indefinitely. The user just has to
make sure they are taking a quality product that contains the
appropriate 24 % flavone glycosides and 6% terpene content.
The user can expect results only after taking the product for 3-6
months on a daily basis. Some users report results in shorter
periods, it all depends on the severity of the symptoms.

Research Findings

Anti-tumor Activities
Chao et al concluded that ginkgo biloba extract significantly
suppressed proliferation and increased cytotoxicity in human
hepatocellular carcinoma.
[Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cell proliferation and
cytotoxicity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Chao et al,
World J Gastroenterol. 2004 Jan;10(1):37-41.]

Xu et al concluded that the effect of Ginkgo biloba on human
gastric cancer was related to the expression of c-myc, bcl-2 and
c-fos genes, which can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis
and differentiation of tumor cells. [Therapeutic mechanism of
Ginkgo biloba exocarp polysaccharides on gastric cancer. Xu et
al, Yangzhou University, China. World J Gastroenterol 2003
Nov;9(11):2424-7.]

Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
Amyloid beta-peptide has been found to have a role in the
free-radical oxidative-stress model of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's
disease. Hydrogen peroxide level was elevated with
AD-associated transgenic cells expressing the amyloid
beta-peptide. Treatment of these cells with Ginkgo biloba
extract significantly attenuated the basal as well as the
hydrogen peroxide-realted reactive oxygen species levels.
[Elevation of oxidative free radicals in Alzheimer's disease
models can be attenuated by Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761.
Smith et al, The University of Southern Mississippi, USA. J
Alzheimers Dis. 203 Aug;5(4):287-300].

WARNING
Ginkgo biloba have anticoagulatn and anti-platelet properties,
high doses may contracindicate in those being treated for
vascular disorder. [1]

Contra indications include not taking the product before surgery,
so you should check with your doctor before undergoing any
procedure. The preferred form as recommended by the
European commission E standards is a Gingko that has less than
5 ppm of Ginkgolic acids. Ginkgolic acids are a naturally occurring
component of the lipid fraction of the extract.

High doses of ginkgo biloba leaf extract may also cause
hemorrhage in patients. [2] Ginkgo biloba may also lead to
ocular side effects. [3]

REFERENCES
[1] Bartlett H. Possible contraindications and adverse reactions
associated with the use of ocular nutritional supplements. Ophthalmic
Physiol Opt. 2005 May;25(3):179-94.[2] Koch E. Inhibition of platelet
activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation of human thrombocytes by
ginkgolides: considerations on possible bleeding complications after oral
intake of ginkgo biloba extracts. Phytomedicine. 2005
jan;12(1-2):10-6.[3] Fraunfelder FW. ocular side effects from herbal
medicines and nutritional supplements. Am J Ophthalmol. 2004
oct;138(4):639-47.

MORE EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES MAY BE NEEDED TO CONFIRM THE RESEARCH
FINDINGS. THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY.

Ginkgo Biloba (白果; bai guo) Side Effects and Benefits
2009

Some people think that ginkgo biloba can enhance cognitive functions, while others use it as blood-pressure
lowering agents. You should consult with your doctor before using any supplements.