Increasing Brain Performance with Gingko Biloba
Posted: Monday, May 21, 2007
by Colin Albert
Merchant Account Explorer
Gingko Biloba is well known amongst those concerned with memory loss and other cognitive impairments. Many research studies have confirmed its value in providing a wide range of health benefits.
Also known as the maidenhair tree, the Gingko (or Ginkgo as it is sometimes called) is a large deciduous tree that has been known to reach over 150 feet in height. It has a very long life span – in rare incidents over 2,500 years - and is also very resistant to infestation by insects and to disease.
From a medicinal standpoint, the Gingko is valued due to its surprisingly dense chemical makeup, which includes diterpenes, flavonols, flavones, biflavones, sterols and 6-hydroxykynurenic acid.
Numerous studies have been made to address and measure the health effects that can be attributed to Gingko Biloba. The major areas of benefit are threefold. First, Ginkgo extract can assist blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to most tissues and organs, including the brain. Second, it inhibits blood clotting. And third, Gingko can inhibit oxidative cell damage caused by free radicals.
In addition, researchers have found that Gingko Biloba can be beneficial in dealing with a number of medical conditions:
1) Alzheimer's patients have encountered improvement with visual and verbal cognitive impairments. The herb can help the brain work better even after succumbing to some of the effects of Alzheimer’s deterioration. It may also help further deterioration of the mental faculties of patients with mild multiple sclerosis.
2) Ginkgo Biloba can improve memory and brain function in people with dementia and age-associated memory loss, likely due to the improved oxygen flow to the brain. Raising the level of the brain’s oxygen helps the brain’s cells function more effectively, which can boost concentration, memory, reaction time and the thinking processes. Ginkgo Biloba also thins the blood, making it less vulnerable to clotting.
3) Ginkgo Biloba may well have beneficial antioxidant properties which help defend cells against free radical damage. Studies in mice suggest it may aid in fighting breast and brain tumors. Ginkgo leaves may be beneficial in fighting some early-stage cancers, and prevent them from spreading.
4) Hypertension may be treated with Ginkgo extract because of its resultant improvement in blood flow. It may also reduce the symptoms of those suffering from vertigo as well as altitude sickness.
5) Gingko Biloba can produce improvements in erectile dysfunction, due to increased blood flow to the penis.
6) Ginkgo can also be effective when incorporated into skin rejuvenation products, as it may increase blood circulation through the skin, activate cell metabolism, and act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
As regards side effects, there is a risk of diarrhea, headache, dizziness, bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Should any of these arise, one should cease taking Ginkgo. Also, Ginkgo should be avoided by pregnant women.
The typical dose, which may vary depending upon the reason for taking it, is between 40 and 220 milligrams daily. Most herbalists and medical professionals agree that the most effective results of a regimen of Gingko Biloba, in particular when utilized to improve one’s cognitive abilities, would be seen over a long period of time, and not merely a month or two.
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Michael Rupkalvis manages the Clearer Thinking website. The website centers around how to improve memory, stress reduction and increasing concentration by utilizing a newly released product called the ThinkStraight supplement, which is a supplement containing natural ingredients including Gingko Biloba, created to reduce stress and optimize the overall health of the brain.
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