GINSENG GINKGO BILOBA HEALTH BENEFITS- RESEARCH FINDINGS Neurological, Cognitive Conditions In vitro Studies Amyloid beta (Aβ or Abeta) is a peptide of 36–43 amino acids that is processed from the amyloid precursor protein. While best known as a component of amyloid plaques. 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. [1] In a study, extracts of ginseng and ginkgo biloba showed a protective effects on rat primary cultured neurons damaged by Abeta(1-40). [A4] Thus, these basic studies suggest extracts of Ginkgo biloba and ginseng may benefit people with certain neurological conditions. Animal Study Petkov et al studied the effects of the ginseng ginkgo biloba extracts on young and old rats using some conditioned-reflex methods. The extracts were administered orally for 7 days before the study. They found that the two extracts and their combination improved the retention of learned behavior. Ginseng ginkgo biloba combination is particularly promising in geriatric practice. [3] The results of this animal study are in line with the findings in the test-tube studies - extracts of ginkgo biloba and ginseng may benefit people at risk of certain neurological conditions. Clinical Trials To further understand how extracts of ginkgo biloba and ginseng may benefit people at risk of certain neurological conditions. Dr. Wesnes and colleagues evaluated the effect of a ginseng ginkgo combination on cognitive function of 64 healthy subjects (aged 40-65) in a 90-day, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. On Day 90 at 1 hour post morning dosing, dose-related improvements were seen on the Cognitive Drug Research tests, the 320 mg dose being significantly superior to placebo.They assessed the subjects' performance on cycle ergometry and various questionnaires before and after dosing. They found that a 80-mg dose produced a significant benefit on the ergometry assessment of heart rate at maximum load. [2] A commercial herbal preparation of ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng (Memo®) was used in a study of mild cognitive impairment. Sixty-six subjects with forgetfulness and mild cognitive impairment were randomly divided into an experimental group treated with royal jelly, ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng combo preparation before breakfast daily for 4 weeks and a control group who took placebo. The researchers in the study found the mean change in the mild "cognitive impairment score" in the group treated with Memo for 4 weeks was significantly greater than in the control group. The authors suggest the combination of royal jelly, ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng may benefit people at risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. [A1] Please, note that royal jelly is present in this extract-preparation. Blood Pressure A preparation containing 60 mg ginkgo biloba and 100 mg ginseng was administrated to 10 voluntary subjects with a mean age of 26. The researchers found their systolic blood pressure decreased significantly at a double dose and single dose. While, diastolic blood pressure decreased only at the double dose.Hemorrheological and circulatory effects of gincosan (a combination of ginseng and ginkgo biloba). [4] Thus, intake of a ginkgo biloba and ginseng combo may benefit people at risk of hypertension, but users should discuss with their medical doctors before taking a preparation containing ginkgo biloba and/or ginseng. ADHD Does ginseng ginkgo benefits people suffered from ADHD? A combination herbal product containing American ginseng extract, Panax quinquefolium, (200 mg) and Ginkgo biloba extract (50 mg) (AD-FX; CV Technologies, Edmonton, Alta.) was tested for its benefits on the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 36 children suffered from ADHD. After 4 weeks of treatment, the 44% of subjects exhibiting improvement for the social problems attribute and 74% for the Conners' ADHD index and the DSM-IV hyperactive-impulsive attribute. Five (14%) of 36 subjects reported adverse side effects. More studies are needed to clarify ginseng ginkgo ADHD. [5] ___________________________________________________________________________________ GINSENG GINKGO BILOBA SIDE EFFECTS Researchers have reviewed 56 articles and found that both ginkgo and ginseng may cause hypertension. [A2] There is also a report that ginkgo biloba and ginseng interact with drugs. [A3] As mentioned in the first section, ginseng and ginkgo biloba have similar biological effects or potential benefits towards our body. Consequently, their combination potentiates their beneficial effects, however, their combination theoretically may also potentiate their side effects. Do not take doses more the recommended dosage. Users should consult with their doctors on the potential benefits and side effects of any supplements, before taking them. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important for readers to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom or the benefits and side effects of a supplement contatining ginseng and ginkgo biloba. Finally, please, do not transfer the article to other website. Thanks. Related Articles: Ginseng benefits, Ginseng Side Effects, Siberian Ginseng Ginkgo Biloba ___________________________________________________________________________________ Reference Ginseng ginkgo biloba benefits: [1] Elevation of oxidative free radicals in Alzheimer's disease models can be attenuated by Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761. Smith et al, J Alzheimers Dis. 203 Aug;5(4):287-300]. [2] Wesnes et al, The cognitive, subjective, and physical effects of a ginseng ginkgo combination in health volunteers with neurasthenic complaints. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1997;33(4):677-83. [3] Petkov et al. Memory effects of standardized extracts of Panax ginseng (G115), Ginkgo biloba (GK 501) and their combination Gincosan (PHL-00701).Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia. Planta Med. 1993 Apr;59(2):106-14. [4] Kiesewetter et al. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1992 Mar;30(3):97-102.Ginseng ginkgo ADHD: [5] Lyon MR, et al, Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2001 May;26(3):221-8. [A1] Yakoot M, et al, Effect of Memo®, a natural formula combination, on Mini-Mental State Examination scores in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:975-81. [A2] Jalili J et al, Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Jan; 131(1):168-73. [A3] Chen XW et al, Herb-drug interactions and mechanistic and clinical considerations. Curr Drug Metab. 2012 Jun 1;13(5):640- 51. [A4] Cong W, et al, [Protective effects of ginseng-ginko extracts combination on rat primary cultured neurons induced by Abeta(1-40)]. et al, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2011 Apr;36(7):908-11. |