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Memory and Cognitive Function
Many research studies show that this herb improves memory function in
healthy older people who show some level of memory problems.
Other studies show that ginkgo improves memory of people who
are healthy.
One
study done by Elsabagh (2005) showed that, "the acute dose of ginkgo
significantly improved performance on the sustained-attention task and
pattern-recognition memory task...". But after 6 weeks of treatment,
"there were no significant effects of ginkgo on mood or any of the
cognitive tests." the researcher suggested that you can become tolerant
to its benefits.
Not
all results are positive. One randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study done by P.R. Solomon et al.
(2003) show
that ginkgo was not effective when taken for 6 weeks in healthy adults
over the
age of 60.
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Dementia
/ Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
In Germany, this herb is often prescribed as a treatment for dementia.
A
randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study conducted by
researchers M. Mazza et al. (2006) showed that efficacy of G.
biloba helping with Alzheimer's Disease was comparable with
donepezil (Aricept) a prescription drug.
However,
researcher M. van Dongen (2003) found that the, "results do not support
the view that G. biloba is beneficial for patients with dementia or
age-associated memory impairment."
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Increase
Coronary Blood Flow
In
a randomized placebo-controlled studying involving 80 patients,
researchers Wu et al. (2008) showed that G. biloba extract
improved the
blood flow in the coronary arteries. They showed a significant increase
in nitric oxide production, a substance that allows the blood vessels
to dilate.
Several other studies also show positive effects in improving coronary
blood flow.
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Erectile
Dysfunction (ED)
One clinical study showed that over half of the men taking this
supplement showed improvements in erection.
Click
here for a list of other natural remedies can be used to help
treat ED.
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Intermittent
Claudication / Leg Pain
This herb seems to reduce the pain and increase the distance a person
can walk. (Pittler 2005 & 2000, Pokrovskii 2005, Thomson 1990,
Bauer 1986).
Pittler (2000) concluded that, "G. biloba extract is superior to
placebo [sugar pill]
in the symptomatic treatment of intermittent claudication."
Researcher
Jacoby (2004) concluded that, "G. biloba, available as an
over-the-counter extract, provides symptom relief comparable to
pentoxifylline, [a prescription drug]"
As well, researcher Blume (1996) concluded that, 'treatment with
G. biloba special extract EGb 761 produces [an]... improvement of the
walking
performance in trained patients suffering from intermittent
claudication."
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Raynaud's
Phenomenon / Raynaud's Syndrome
Researcher A.H. Muir (2002) showed that G. biloba,
"may be effective in reducing the number of Raynaud's attacks per week
in patients
suffering from Raynaud's disease."
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Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS)
Researchers
Tamborini (1993) showed that G. biloba, "was effective against the
congestive symptoms of PMS, particularly breast symptoms." As well,
"neuropsychological symptoms were also improved."
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Dyslexia
A study conducted by Donfrancesco (2007) showed
that G. biloba can be effective in decreasing dyslexia difficulties.
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Elevated
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) / Glaucoma
A recent study by Jia (2008) show that this herb significantly lowered
steroid-induced intraocular pressure in rabbits.
Researcher Ritch (2005) concluded that G. biloba's, "multiple
beneficial actions, including increased ocular blood
flow, antioxidant activity, platelet activating factor inhibitory
activity, nitric oxide inhibition, and neuroprotective activity,
combine to suggest that GBE could prove to be of major therapeutic
value in the treatment of glaucoma."
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Acute
Mountain Sickness / Altitude Sickness
Researchers
F.A. Moraga et al. (2007) showed that G. biloba was very helpful in
preventing altitude sickness compared to either nothing (placebo) or
acetazolamide, a standard prescription medication taken for that
purpose.
However, researcher T. Chow (2005) showed
that this
herb does not work any better than taking a placebo (sugar pill).
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Stress
Reduction / Blood Pressure Control
In
a double-blinded study done by Jezova (2002), taking G. biloba
prevented the increase in blood pressure when volunteers were placed
under stressful conditions.
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Tinnitus - Probably Not Effective
Most studies do not support the benefit of using this herb for treating
tinnitus. (Rejali 2004, Drew 2001, Holgers 1994)
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Alzheimer's
Disease Prevention
- Probably Not Effective
A well-designed clinical
study
completed in 2008 showed that Ginkgo was not effective in preventing AD
in healthy adults over the age of 75. This clinical study was conducted
in 5 centers and tracked 3000 volunteer participants over 6.1 years.
This is one of the largest study conducted on this herb.
Other
studies also show that G. biloba was not helpful in preventing AD.
Further studies are being conducted to reveal the benefits of ginkgo
biloba for treating this debilitating condition.
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