Changsha Organic Herb Inc.

Active Ingredient: Flavonoids
Specification: Learn Product Details
Test Method: UV-VIS

Also named: Fossil tree; Kew tree; Maiden hair tree; Folium Ginkgo Biloba; Maidenhair Tree; GBE Ginkgo biloba
ACTIVE SUBSTANCES :

• ginkgoflavoglycosides: kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, proantho-cyanidins
• ginkgo terpenes: Ginkgolides, bilobalides

Overview

Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba ) is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. Unlike many other medicinal herbs, ginkgo leaves are not frequently used in their crude state, but rather, in the form of a concentrated, standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications and it consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany.

Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years lend support to these traditional uses. Emerging evidence suggests that GBE may be particularly effective in treating ailments associated with decreased blood flow to the brain, particularly in elderly individuals. Laboratory studies have shown that GBE improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.

Ginkgo leaves also contain two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals --damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to a number of health problems including heart disease and cancer as well as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Antioxidants such as those found in ginkgo can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Plant Description

Product Origins: OHI Ginkgo Biloba Extracts are extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree dating from the
Palaeozoic era (350 million years ago). The Ginkgo Biloba tree, which is notable for high resistance to both pollutants and pests, has a long tradition of use in Oriental medicine; in particular for the treatment and control of respiratory and circulatory ailments and for brain function.

Among the pharmacological active constituents those compounds with great importance are the flavonoids (ginkgo flavonol glycosides) and the terpene trilactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide). Different kind of flavonoids has been isolated from the ginkgo extracts. Those of therapeutic interest are glycosyl derivitives of quercitin and kaempferol respectively. Kaempferol is considered particularly relevant for the therapeutic efficacy.

What's It Made Of?

More than 40 components isolated from the ginkgo tree have been identified, but only two are believed to be responsible
for the herb's beneficial effects in humans -- flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids (such as quercetin and rutin) have potent antioxidant effects.

Laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina
from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of
platelets.

Medicinal Uses HISTORICAL USE

• Cerebral vascular insufficiency, vertigo, headaches, tinnitus
•  Mental performance, brain function, concentration problems
• Senility, memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer's, dizziness
• Peripheral arterial insufficiency
• Peripheral vascular diseases, Raynaud's syndrome, numbness, tingling
• Ischemia
• Edema
• Hypoxia
• Impotence and erectile dysfunction
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammation
• Migraine
• Inflammation
• Allergies
• Asthma