Dear What D'Ya Thinko About Gingko,

First of all, Alice is very careful about recommending any "remedies" that have not been tested, regulated, or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); however, she will gladly share what she knows about these products. Gingko is extracted from the leaves of the hardy gingko biloba tree. Proponents of gingko state consumption of the leaves increases cerebral blood flow and prevents the lumping of platelets in brain tissue. They also believe that gingko is thought to slow memory loss, improve thinking ability, and decrease dizziness.

A study in the October 1997 Journal of the American Medical Association reported that gingko biloba can stabilize and improve dementia. Cognitive function and social behavior improved in patients for six months to one year, although how gingko acts on the central nervous system is not completely understood.

Gingko is also promoted as an antioxidant. Free radicals in the brain attack innocent cells, stealing the cells' electrons. As an antioxidant, ingested gingko provides a target for these hungry cells, stealing gingko's electrons rather than from the body cells. In this way, gingko has been thought to provide protection against macular degeneration (also known as deterioration of the retina of the eye).

Gingko research has provided little information about side effects. No life threatening adverse effects have been reported. However, some complications include mild gastrointestinal upset and temporary headaches. Even though the FDA does not consider or regulate gingko as a drug, it is usually administered in tablets of 40 to 60 mg, three times a day. Twelve weeks or more should be expected before prominent results, if any, are noticeable.

For more information on Gingko Biloba, read Gingko and blood pressure in Alice's Fitness & Nutrition archives.

Good luck with your herbal endeavors.

Alice

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