In a study published in Journal of American Medical Association, 202 patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were evaluated. The study showed that patients who had take 120 mg of Gingko Biloba extract a day had improved mental and social functions compared to those given the placebo. Though the effects of this study were modest and for limited duration, the findings provided a promising new insight into management of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Ginkgo is an herbal remedy which was an integral part of Chinese medicine and is available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and powdered forms. This memory booster herb has several other health benefits.
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| Ginkgo can help treat Depression |
Mental Health Benefits of Ginkgo: Improves Memory and Manages Depression and Anxiety
The primary action of Ginkgo is on the circulatory system and the central nervous system. Ginkgo improves the blood circulation to the brain and also has several anti-oxidants that prevent free radical damage of the body cells. Research studies indicate that Ginkgo plays a crucial role in enhancing supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves and thereby has a potent action on the nervous system. Some of the key mental health benefits of Ginkgo herb include,
- Though there is inadequate scientific information available on the same, Gingko plays a crucial role in managing age related memory loss. Studies have however been conducted on individuals who already suffer from diminished blood flow to the brain and have not been conducted on healthy volunteers.
- Diminished blood flow is considered to be primarily linked with Alzheimer’s disease and age related memory loss. Ginkgo improves blood circulation to the brain and thereby increases oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. Studies are tying to explore the possible role that Ginkgo plays in prevention of clots and atherosclerosis
- In addition, this potential action of Ginkgo makes it a crucial herb in management of depression, anxiety, confusion, headaches and tinnitus.
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| Gingko Tree |
Other Health Benefits of Ginkgo: Prevents Cramps
With primary action of improving blood flow to the different parts of the body, Ginkgo is beneficial in the management of a wide range of health problems,
- It is effective in the management of macular degeneration and retinal degeneration of the eye- both the condition responsible for blindness. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy eyesight
- It reduces pain and cramping caused due to narrowing of arteries of the legs and helps in management of painful cramps and claudications
- It is also beneficial in the management of Raynaud’s disease and chilblains and frost bites
- It hastens recovery from stroke or head injury and also helps in management of nerve damage and neuropathies associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis
Precautions while using Ginkgo: Guidelines for Use
Ensure that you purchase Ginkgo supplements which contain a minimum of 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Avoid using Ginkgo leaves directly as it may contain potent chemicals which might trigger allergic reactions.
When used as a memory booster, Ginkgo supplement in the tune of 1000 mg per day is adequate however when used for management of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or depression the recommended dosage is 2000 mg twice a day.
Certain side effects associated with over consumption of the herb include irritability and restlessness, nausea and vomiting along with diarrhea. Most of these symptoms are transient and resolve spontaneously. Ginkgo should be taken with food and the herb is a slow acting herb so ideally weight for 12 weeks before you can report the benefits of the same.
