Ginkgo

Latin name:  Ginkgo biloba

Family: Ginkgoaceae or ginkgo family.

Folk Names: Maidenhair Tree

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DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Part of the Plant Used

Seed kernel is used extensively in TCM, Leaf in western indications.

Dating back over 200 million years, the fruits and seeds have traditionally been used as medicine in the east;  however, use of the leaves has become more popular in Western research. The tree offers separate male and female species which protect nearly every cell in the body. The doctrine of signatures suggests the leaves represent the two halves of the brain which this remedy supports.

Ginkgo is a complex mixture of over 300 compounds. It is often indicated when the individual has debilitated peripheral circulation.  Ginkgo has an affinity for endothelial tissues. It’s very commonly used in the elderly who exhibit decreased physical performance, depressed mood and anxiety. 

Organoleptics

TEXTURE – soft lobed leaves, small round nuts, large deciduous tree.

COLOR – brown bark, green leaves changing to bright yellow.

AROMA + FLAVOR – slightly sour.

CONSTITUENTS

• Flavonoids (24%)
• Diterpene lactones
  • Ginkgolides A, B, C + J
• Sesquiterpene lactones
  • Bilobalide
• Flavone Glycosides
  • Quercetin
  • Kaempferol
  • Isohamnetin
• Volatile oil
• Tannins
• Resin 

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

•  Astringent
•  Expectorant
•  Sedative
•  Antitussive 
•  Increases blood flow to limbs and brain
•  Decreases innervation time of muscles following nerve damage
•  Antioxidant
•  Anti-inflammatory
•  Antithrombotic
•  Antiatherosclotic
•  Antagonist to platelet activating Factor
•  Nootropic
•  Renal protectant
•  Vasodilator and reducing blood viscosity 
•  Digestive bitter
•  Uterine stimulant

Clinical: Ginkgo has been traditionally used for cerebrovascular insufficiency and impaired mental performance based on the EGb 761 and Ll 1370 extracts, not the leaf. The leaf was introduced to western practice in 1965 Germany. It has since been used to increase blood flow to the brain, decrease platelet aggregation factors (PAF)and prevent strokes. It’s been successfully used to treat migraines, senile dementia, depression in all stages of life and may delay mental deterioration in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. It enhances memory. Has been used for treating tinnitus, vertigo and cochlear deafness. It has been used in diabetic retinopathy, retinal insufficiency and macular degeneration with or without presence of cataracts. Raynaud’s disease, diabetic skin lesions, varicose veins and erectile dysfunction related to poor peripheral blood flow in men. Ginkgo is protective to kidneys in both acute and chronic damage. The platelet aggravating factor antagonistic action has been proven useful in sepsis syndrome and bronchial asthma. Additionally, ginkgo may offer protection against radiation induced injuries. Research has shown Ginkgo is able to inhibit estrogen biosynthesis and may potentially increase glutathione levels.

• Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cerebral insufficiency
  • Concentration and memory
  • Absentmindedness 
  • Confusion
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo
• Cochlear deafness
• Diabetic retinopathy (and other diabetic complications i.e. skin lesions)
• Retinal insufficiency
• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Raynaud’s Disease
• Varicose veins
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Sepsis syndrome
• Bronchial allergies + asthma
• Radiation protectant
• May increase glutathione levels
• Hemorrhoids
• Congestive dysmenorrhea and PMS
• Breast tenderness prior to menstruation
• Alopecia
• Altitude sickness
• Intermittent claudication (muscular ischemia due to arterial obstruction)

Folk: Chilblains, coughing, dermatitis, diarrhea, freckles, nasal inflammation, urinary excess, vaginal infection, worms. 

Energetics: Bitter, astringent, neutral, mildly toxic.

 Meridians/ Organ affinity:  Brain, lung, kidney.

HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Gingko may cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches and increased bleeding times. Use caution during menstrual cycles, breakthrough bleeding may also occur. Normal bleeding times may return in 10 to 12 days after discontinuation of the herb. Contraindicated in hemophilia. May also prevent ovulation. The raw leaves have been known to cause headaches. There was one case of contact dermatitis reported. Highly recommend to stay within the recommended dose.

Dosage

Ranges from 100 mg – 600 mg per day although leaves do not have historical usage. Its use is based on standardized extracts. Gingko half life is 6-13 hours.

DRY EXTRACT: 120-240 mg/day, divided multiple times for performance and brain related issues. Cardiovascular issues recommend 120-160 mg/day in 2-3 doses. Most results available in 4-8 weeks, chronic conditions may take 12.

LIQUID EXTRACT: 21-28ml of the standardised (2:1) 

TABLET: 35:1 to 67:1 (usually 50:1).

INFUSION: Make with ⅔ cups dried leaves to 2 cups water to use as a drink or use as a wash for hemorrhoids or varicose veins.

SEED DECOCTION: Combine with herbs such as elecampane or mulberry leaves for asthma or persistent coughs. Three – 4 seeds is enough for 3 to 4 doses.

Combinations: 

• Panax and/or Bacopa for cognition
• Lime flower for circulatory disorders

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