John Heinerman
See book keywords and concepts |
 It was explained to me by this patient, old fellow that ginkgo helped to increase the vital "life energies" passing through the brain. He said it wasn't enough to lift a man's copulating organ—holding up a drooping, bony finger that quickly became firm and elevated as he spoke—but it was also necessary to raise his mental powers of sex as well. This, he believed, is what ginkgo essentially accomplished with the mind, while the other two ingredients worked on the reproductive organs themselves. |
| But I couldn't for the life of me figure out why he included one-third ginkgo leaves and seeds along with his other one-third schizandra fruit. It was explained to me by this patient, old fellow that ginkgo helped to increase the vital "life energies" passing through the brain. He said it wasn't enough to lift a man's copulating organ—holding up a drooping, bony finger that quickly became firm and elevated as he spoke—but it was also necessary to raise his mental powers of sex as well. |
| YOHIMBINE {Corynanthe yohimbe) SCHIZANDRA FRUIT (Schizandra chenensis) ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Brief Descriptions
These three are included together because of their remarkable sexual rejuvenating properties, particularly when used in conjunction with each other.
Yohimbine is the popularized name of a real tongue-twisting chemical known officially as 17 alpha-hydroxyyohimban-16 alpha-carboxylic acid methylester. Yet it has clinically verified aphrodisiac effects to it and is obtained from the bark of an African evergreen by the same name and growing in Cameroon, West Africa. |
National Women's Health Network
See book keywords and concepts |
 A recent summary of all published articles in which ginkgo was given for dementia shows it may be helpful in early Alzheimer's disease.21 The trials included in the analysis were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. The analysis excluded patients with depression or other neurologic disease, excluded use of other central nervous system-active medications, included use of standardized ginkgo extract at any dose, had at least one outcome measure that was an objective assessment of cognitive function, and contained sufficient statistical information for meta-analysis. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
See book keywords and concepts |
 There are only a few herbal preparations, however, for which safety and efficacy have been adequately proven: hawthorn leaf and flower extract (heart failure and coronary insufficiency), garlic (atherosclerosis), ginkgo extract (peripheral arterial occlusive disease), and horse chestnut extract (chronic venous insufficiency). Therefore, the bulk of this chapter is devoted to these four herbs and their preparations. |
National Women's Health Network
See book keywords and concepts |
| Based on this, we think ginkgo extracts should probably be avoided by patients with hemophilia or who are taking anticoagulants. Other side effects include nausea, headache, stomach problems, diarrhea, allergy, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.
A recent summary of all published articles in which ginkgo was given for dementia shows it may be helpful in early Alzheimer's disease.21 The trials included in the analysis were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 Depression
One randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 40 patients diagnosed with resistant depression (aged 51 to 78 years) found that ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) was significantly more effective than placebo. Patients in the trial had shown insufficient improvement on tri- and/or tetracyclic antidepressants for a minimum of three months prior to being enrolled in the trial. During the trial, patients continued to take anti-depressant therapy, but were also given either EGb 761 (80 mg) or placebo three times daily. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 He had been given antioxidants and ginkgo biloba, as well as many standard medications. But nothing stopped the progression of his illness.
By the time Mary brought Jim to see Dick, he was unable to finish sentences and was constantly drifting off to sleep. He was so disoriented that he required 24-hour supervision.
Dick treated Jim with a special formula called Clear Mind, which contains a blend of Rhodiola rosea, hydroxycinnamic acid from blueberries, and Rhododendron caucasicum. |
| These include aloe vera, black cohosh, echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and valerian, among numerous others. Most of these herbs have achieved their prominence in the marketplace because they have been the subjects of the most clinical research.
The past 10 to 20 years have witnessed an explosion in the scientific study of herbal formulations. |
Jack Challem
See book keywords and concepts |
 John's wort, ginseng, ginkgo, or any other?
Add 1 point _
Your score on quiz 3: _
Initial interpretation and ranking:
0 Low. You do not take any anti-inflammation supplements, either because you do not need them or because you are not aware of them.
1-3 Moderate. You take some anti-inflammation supplements, which offer some protection.
4-8 High. You take numerous anti-inflammation supplements, suggesting that you are trying to reverse a chronic inflammatory condition. |
| Because Susan had large numbers of "activated" blood platelet cells, Kunin also recommended that she take supplements of the herb ginkgo biloba, which inhibits platelet activity. Among the other supplements were B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, and the amino acid arginine.
Susan's health has improved considerably. Her blood pressure has been reduced, and she no longer has arrhythmias or muscle aches.
Vitamin E and Heart Disease
The role of vitamin E in preventing and reversing :ardiovascular diseases was first reported by Canadian physicians Evan V. Shute, M.D. |
| Ginkgo serves as both an antioxidant and as a dilator of blood vessels in the brain, improving blood circulation to neurons.
Some research indicates that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fish oils also can reduce the risk of neuroinflammation. Given the progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease, the emphasis should be on prevention or reversing its early stages. It is not likely that advanced Alzheimer's disease can be reversed because of extensive damage to brain cells.
What Else Might Help? |
| Among these are the herb ginkgo biloba and garlic. Lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color, has been associated with a relatively low risk of stomach cancer, though this association does not directly prove prevention. In addition, animal experiments suggest that food allergies also might irritate the stomach and lead to gastritis and ulcers.
An estimated 30 percent of people over age sixty-five suffer from atrophic gastritis, a chronic inflammation of the stomach associated with a wasting away of stomach tissues. |
| In addition, the blood-thinning effect of fish oils may be magnified if you take several other blood thinners, including vitamin E, ginkgo, or Coumadin.
Ask your physician to monitor you, especially if you are taking Coumadin, a prescription anticoagulant drug.
Nelda: Fish Oil to Relieve Pain
Back in 1980, at age sixty-three, Nelda was displaying all the signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Her fingers, which hurt all the time, were becoming red and deformed. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 In another study of lower limb claudication symptoms, ginkgo helped reduce pain and improve walking tolerance over the placebo group. Thus, the use of Gingko biloba extracts, which have been marketed in Europe for years, appears to help in both cerebral and peripheral arterial insufficiency.
Ginkgo biloba is easily absorbed and has no known toxicity. Either extracts or capsules can be used. Therapeutic amounts range from 40-200 mg. taken three times daily.
More research is needed to test the therapeutic value of Gingko biloba. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
See book keywords and concepts |
| Two randomizations were done at 4 and 12 weeks, and by the end of the 24-week study period only 123 patients (79 ginkgo, 44 placebo) were available for final evaluation. The study population included patients with mild to moderate dementia not further specified as well as patients with age-associated memory disorders. The testing procedures did not include the ADAS-Cog scale. No significant differences were found between any of the treatment groups or treatment levels. The results are very difficult to interpret, however, due to problems of methodology (Le Bars, 2002). |
National Women's Health Network
See book keywords and concepts |
| A simple explanation is that ginkgo may work best as a preventative agent than as treatment.
Ginkgo may help relieve forgetfulness and other less specific symptoms. A double-blind study of thirty-one patients over age fifty with mild to moderate memory impairment found a beneficial effect on some but not all other tests of cognitive function. |
Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |
| Some practitioners suggest low-dose aspirin, vitamin E, and garlic, along with ginkgo and green tea extracts to protect against a fibrinogen-induced arterial blood clot, which could cause a stroke.
Detoxifying Homocysteine
Conventional medical journals have published hundreds of studies in recent years that unequivocally link elevated homocysteine to a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. As a result of these findings, some cardiologists suggest that coronary artery disease patients take a multivitamin supplement to lower their homocysteine levels. |
Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis
See book keywords and concepts |
 Arizona's "Rx Memory Elixir," which contains ginkgo biloba, and is labeled as "mind enhancing." ginkgo biloba can be a blood thinner in large dosage and can counteract anticoagulant drugs and increase the risk of excessive bleeding or stroke.
UNSAfb A 1 AN i M H A L
COMMENTS AND CAUTIONS Although the herb itself has been known to aid in mental functioning, it should only be taken as a standardized herbal extract. Taking it with aspirin may result in bloodshot eyes.
?Procter & Gamble's "Spire Energy with VitaLift Green Tea and Juice Beverage," which contains guarana extract. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ginkgo Extracts prepared from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree appear to expand blood vessels, improve blood flow to the brain, and treat circulatory disorders and impotence. Used primarily to treat problems of the elderly, this serious medicine should be taken only under physician supervision.
Ginseng Commercial promotion has created the public image of ginseng as a wonder drug, capable of raising energy levels and modifying the effects of stress. There is no scientific evidence in support of these claims. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ginkgo biloba extract (24% ginkgo heterosides) 40 mg thrice daily and Blueberry extract (25% anthocyanidins) 100?50 mg thrice daily; Beta carotene, vits C, E, and selenium, and lutein; antioxidant enzymes (SOD, glutathione, etc); Hmp: Syphilinum.
Manic Depressive Disorder (see Bipolar Disorder).
Mastitis: Continue nursing, or pump breast; Hmp: Phytolac 30C or 200C, sometimes Belladonna 30C; Hrbl: also Phytolac (Poke Root) as poultice or internally in small doses (e.g., MT 10?0 drops 3? |
| Acupuncture; elim: alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and medications; learn to enjoy sex without ejaculation; zinc 50 mg daily; Hrbl: ginkgo biloba 60 mg daily (of extract containing 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides); also Yohimbine and Muira pauma; FE: Larch, also: Basil, Hibiscus, Sticky or Pink Monkeyflower; progesterone cream or oil; CPM: Kang Wei Ling (NV), Nan Bao (NV), or, if acmpd by cold hands and feet, low-back pain and weak digestion, Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan.
Infertility: Is there room in your life for a child? Is parenting really your path? |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
See book keywords and concepts |
 In addition to its ability to counteract free-radical damage and inhibit blood clotting, ginkgo may have some ability to assuage Alzheimer's disease, although there have been no definitive studies demonstrating this effect. No toxicity from ginkgo has been reported in the literature, even after prolonged treatment.
Echinacea
Echinacea is another herb I frequently recommend. Echinacea is one of the many coneflowers, a group of native American wildflowers in the sunflower family. |
Barnet Meltzer, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ginkgo biloba (24% ginkgo flavoglycosides): 60 mg three times daily for those over 55
ANTI-ANXIETY NUTRITIONAL TRANQUILIZERS
Those suffering from depression often find it difficult to muster up the energy to do much of anything, and they generally feel emotionally exhausted. If depression is characterized by lethargy of the mind, body, and soul, anxiety is all about tension. Anxious individuals are tightly wound, apprehensive, even panic-stricken. It's an unpleasant state, and we've become accustomed to medicating it with Valium or Xanax. |
Michael Janson, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Most of the scientific studies on ginkgo biloba have been done with a 24% standardized extract, not the plain powdered leaf. Capsules of the powdered leaf are also available, but the level of active components is not as consistent as in the standardized product.
Capsules of the 24% standardized ginkgo biloba extract are available in 40- to 60-mg sizes. I usually recommend taking about 120 mg per day (two or three capsules depending on the size), although I have sometimes recommended higher doses. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
See book keywords and concepts |
 But ginkgo is also a free-radical scavenger that stimulates the immune system, is anti-inflammatory, inhibits histamine release, and is fibrinolytic. ginkgo extract enhances the cytotoxic effects of radiation while reducing the overall toxic effects.78
Goldenseal [Hydrastis]
Indications for use of goldenseal are a broad, indented, and lightly coated tongue and evidence of dyspepsia, constipation, flatulence, and distress in the bowels. Goldenseal is also used to treat breast and stomach cancers. |
Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki
See book keywords and concepts |
 Interestingly, ginkgo nuts have been a common food in Japan for centuries and are a common find in the typical Japanese pantry.
Keep in mind, however, that current therapies including vitamin E, ginkgo, and the medication Aricept only delay the progression of dementia by about six to twelve months. The best potential for natural therapies is early on—for prevention—and to stick to the protective factors we outlined previously for arterial health, since your body's arteries are crucial for maintaining the health of your mind as well as your body. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ginkgo biloba: ginkgo biloba might help increase oxygen flow to the brain and protect brain tissue from free-radical damage. This herb also might help relieve mild dementia, and a 120-milligrams daily dose might slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Look for products standardized to 24 percent flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones. Guarana: This Brazilian plant is believed to stimulate brain function; however studies have found it ineffective. |
Email this page to a friend
