Jack Challem
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 However, other compounds are highly distinctive and found only in certain herbs, such as the ginkolides in ginkgo and the ginsenosides in ginseng.
How to Take Flavonoid Supplements
As with carotenoids, the best way to obtain a diverse selection of flavonoids is by eating a diet with a healthy range of vegetables and fruits. The reason is simple: no supplement can provide the variety of flavonoids found in foods.
• People at risk of inflammatory diseases, heart disease, or cancer may wish to take extra flavonoids in the form of supplements. |
| These genetic changes underlie the more obvious improvements in cognition and memory that occur after taking ginkgo.
Antioxidants Disable Genes in Cancer Cells
Antioxidants also help regulate the "cell cycle," which is comparable to a biological clock that regulates cell growth, the replication of DNA, and the creation of new cells. Nearly all cells have a built-in suicide program, called apoptosis. When cells reach a certain age, this suicide program literally stops the clock, triggering the cell's death and preventing its genetic program from turning cancerous. |
| When the men stopped taking the ginkgo supplements, about one-third of them had an increase in genetic damage, indicating that they needed continued supplementation.
Antioxidant Synergy
The antioxidants that protect us and limit free-radical damage come from two sources, and both are intertwined. Our bodies make a number of antioxidant enzymes, including various glutathione compounds (such as glutathione peroxidase), superoxide dismutase, and catalase. These antioxidants are produced to quench as many free radicals as possible close to their origin, so they do not cause much damage. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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 Evening primrose oil
(page 511)
Magnesium (page 551) Multiple vitamin-mineral (page 559) Potassium gluconate
(page 572)
Vitamin E (page 609)
Fiber (page 512) Progesterone
(page 577)
Vitamin A (page 595) (see dosage warnings) Vitamin B-complex
(page 603)
Black cohosh
(page 637) Dong quai (page 668) ginkgo biloba (page 681) Peony (page 724) Yarrow (page 763) the best recognized herbs in Europe for promoting lactation. |
| A controlled trial used a highly concentrated tinctute of ginkgo leaf and found this preparation helped decrease asthma symptoms.87 For asthma, 120 to 240 mg of standardized GBE or 3 to 4 ml of regular tincture three times daily can be used.
In three preliminary trials on people with asthma, a traditional Japanese herbal formula known as saiboku-to has been shown to reduce symptoms and enable some people to reduce their use of steroid medication.88' 89'90 Saiboku-to has been extensively studied in the laboratory and has been shown to have numerous anti-inflammatory actions. |
| In yet another double-blind trial, two doses of ginkgo extract were compared for six months.30 The researchers studied 60 vs. 120 mg twice daily and found that, while both amounts resulted in significant improvements in pain-free walking distance, the improvements were more pronounced at the higher dose.
A standardized extract of garlic (page 679) has been tested as a treatment for intermittent claudication. |
| Herbs that may be helpful
Most62'63'64' 65>66'67'68 but not all69 clinical trials, many of them double-blind, have found ginkgo (page 681) supplementation to be a safe and effective treatment for ARCD.
Huperzine A, an isolated alkaloid from the Chinese medicinal herb huperzia (page 694) (Huperzia serrata), has been found to improve cognitive function in elderly people with memory disorders. |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
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 Flavo-noid compounds, along with other compounds, are responsible for this activity (see Chapter 7 for a more detailed discussion of ginkgo's actions). An example of one of the vascular-protective flavonoids is quercetin, which is also found in numerous other plants (see Figure 4.21). The chief structural difference between flavonoids and anthocyanidins (and anthocyanins) is that in the latter, the oxygen in the middle ring bears a positive charge. The medicinal activity of the anthocyanidins and anthocyanins appears to be similar to the flavonoids. |
American Medical Publishing
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| No long-term adverse effects are known.
• ginkgo biloba — This herb is generally very well tolerated. ginkgo may potentiate MAO-inhibitors, so consult your physician if you are using an anti-depressant and are not sure if it is in this class of drugs. In large amounts, ginkgo can cause diarrhea, irritability and restlessness. Gingko is also well known to cause heartburn and stomach upset in many people.
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) - This should not be used during pregnancy. Do not take for more than two weeks at a time. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| Among the problems that ginkgo is said to cure are short-term memory loss, vertigo (dizziness), hearing loss and the ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.
Ginkgo is believed to be effective in a concentrated extract form, not in leaf form. So drinking a tea or similar herbal concoction made from leaves probably won't give you the possible benefits of the extract. ginkgo extract is available in the United States and is labeled as a food or dietary supplement. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Super Prescription #3 ginkgo biloba (24 percent flavone glycosides)
Take 120 mg two to three times daily. It improves circulation to the brain, improves memory, and has antioxidant benefits.
Super Prescription #4 Club moss (Huperzia serrata)
Take a product standardized to contain 0.2 mg of huperizine A daily. This compound has been shown to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain and to improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.
HA is the primary component of the cell membranes of neurons. |
| Super Prescription #7 ginkgo biloba
Take 60 to 120 mg twice daily of a standardized product containing 24 percent flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones.
This popular herb improves circulation, has potent antioxidant properties, improves memory, and reduces one's tendency to get blood clots.
General Recommendations
Enzymes aid in the digestion of food and are essential for all the metabolic activity in the body. Take 1 to 2 capsules with each meal.
Cordyceps sinensis is a revered fungus used in Chinese medicine as a supplement to combat fatigue and the aging process. |
Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki
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 Scientists have found support in several randomized, protective studies and ginkgo is already on the German Commission E list as a safe treatment for dementia. 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 Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| Still, they're optimistic that ginkgo may be able to counteract the effects of stressful events, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, in people's lives.
Supplementation with ginkgo is generally safe, according to Dr. Haas, although some people have reported experiencing restlessness or digestive upset while taking the herb. Also, since ginkgo affects blood clotting (because it suppresses PAF), be sure to check with your doctor if you're currently taking aspirin or another anti-clotting drug or if you have a clotting disorder. |
Ray Strand, M.D.
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 Several studies have shown that ginkgo biloba helps increase the circulation of blood in the brain and extremities. Many herbalists and researchers believe it improves one's ability to think and boosts stamina as a result of this increased blood flow. But ginkgo biloba has an additional effect of thinning the blood, which can lead to serious complications if a person is also taking aspirin or Coumadin.17
Many herbs that patients use work very similarly to prescription sedatives such as Ativan, Xanax, and Librium. The two most common herbs are valerian root and Kava Kava. |
American Medical Publishing
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| Ginkgo biloba — This herb is generally very well tolerated. ginkgo may potentiate MAO-inhibitors, so consult your physician if you are using an anti-depressant and are not sure if it is in this class of drugs. In large amounts, ginkgo can cause diarrhea, irritability and restlessness. Gingko is also well known to cause heartburn and stomach upset in many people.
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) - This should not be used during pregnancy. Do not take for more than two weeks at a time. Eating the fresh plant can cause inflammation of mucous membranes. |
Dianne Onstad
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 Culinary Uses
The ginkgo nut is only edible cooked, when it has a pleasant flavor similar to mild Swiss cheese. The color also changes, from a soft pale yellow to a pale yellowish green. Not yet popular among westerners, ginkgo nuts are consumed for the most part by the Chinese and the Japanese. Most are eaten as appetizers, but they also appear in any "eight-jeweled" Chinese dish. Skewered and grilled, or fried and added to other dishes, they contribute color and a mild, sweet, crisp flavor. |
Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki
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| Most of us have also heard of the potential protective effect of the herb ginkgo biloba against dementia. It's thought to decrease free-radical damage to the brain and increase the flow of blood to vital areas responsible for memory. Scientists have found support in several randomized, protective studies and ginkgo is already on the German Commission E list as a safe treatment for dementia. Interestingly, ginkgo nuts have been a common food in Japan for centuries and are a common find in the typical Japanese pantry. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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 Bi PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
Policosanol, Super ginkgo Extract, Vitamin E, Gamma E Tocopherol/Tocotrienols, Essential Fatty Acids (Super GLA/DHA, perilla oil, flaxseed oil), DHEA, trimethylglycine, methylcobalamin (B j2) > folic acid, vitamin Bg, vitamin C, btomelain, Kyolic Garlic, Pure-Gar, Super K, Healthprin (low-dose aspitin), quetcetin, curcumin, gteen tea extract, Super Lycopene, gtape seed-skin exttact, and Life Extension Mix are available by calling (800) 544-4440 or by ordering online at www.lef.org. |
| PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
Super GLA/DHA, Life Extension Mix, calcium citrate capsules, vitamin E, gamma tocopherol, ginkgo extract, varying strength niacin capsules, inositol hexanicotinate (No-Flush Niacin), magnesium capsules, evening primrose oil, Healthprin tablets (aspirin), and other supplements discussed in this protocol are available from the Life Extension Buyers' Club by calling (800) 544-4440 or by ordering on-line at www.lef.org. Pentoxifylline and conventional therapies, such as calcium-channel blockers, described in this protocol are prescription drugs. |
| Take one 120-mg capsule of Super ginkgo Extract daily.
11. Grape seed extract has powerful, natural free radical scavengers. It can act as a relaxant for blood vessels to combat hypertension. One to two 100-mg capsules of grape seed extract daily are suggested.
12. Green tea has demonstrated many protective qualities, including its antioxidant benefits (neutralizing cancer-causing agents and protecting against free-radical damage); reducing cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure levels; and inhibiting viruses and bacteria. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND
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 One single-blind, randomized cross-over study in 10 patients found that ingestion of 240 mg of ginkgo biloba extract (BN 52063) 1 hour prior to induction of bronchoconstriction by hyperventilation with dry cold air did not result in any reduction in bronchoconstriction. However, an inhibition of PAF- induced platelet aggregation was noted after oral administration of BN 52063. On the third day of treatment with either BN 52063 or placebo, asthma was induced by exercise in these patients. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| The herb ginkgo biloba isn't just great for improving blood flow to the brain and improving memory, it improves blood flow everywhere! Let's find out more about natural remedies for impotence.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR IMPOTENCE
Even if you haven't been diagnosed with atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), impotence is nearly always a sign that circulation in the penis isn't as good as it could be. See Chapter Nine on drugs for heart disease for natural remedies for better circulation. |
David Heber, M.D., Ph.D.
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 This common form of memory loss usually doesn't respond to ginkgo biloba. The usual dose per day is 120 to 240 milligrams containing 22 to 27 percent ginkgo flavone glycosides and 5 to 7 percent terpene lactones.
Kava Kava
Kava kava has been used safely in Polynesian societies for centuries. Its official Latin name is Piper metbysticum, meaning "intoxicating pepper," and it was discovered on Captain Cook's second expedition to the South Seas in 1772. In European herbal medicine kava kava has been used for mild anxiety states, nervous tension, muscle tension, and mild insomnia. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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| Trauma involving massive bleeding may preclude the use of flavonoids, such as ginkgo that could accelerate hemorrhaging.
HOPS
See Valerian.
HYDERGINE
Liquid hydergine should be avoided in treating hemorrhagic stroke because of hydergine's high alcohol content.
>HTP
(5-HYDROXYTRYPTOPHAN)
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur at higher dosage levels. Avoid by increasing dose slowly.
1MITREX
Imitrex, a drug used to block migraine headaches, may have dangerous side effects in the middle-aged and the elderly. |
Ray Strand, M.D.
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| Many herbalists and researchers believe it improves one's ability to think and boosts stamina as a result of this increased blood flow. But ginkgo biloba has an additional effect of thinning the blood, which can lead to serious complications if a person is also taking aspirin or Coumadin.17
Many herbs that patients use work very similarly to prescription sedatives such as Ativan, Xanax, and Librium. The two most common herbs are valerian root and Kava Kava. |
| Herbal medicines to avoid while taking Coumadin are angelica root, anise, borage-seed oil, devil's claw, papain, ginseng, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, alfalfa, red clover, clove oil, feverfew, passionflower herb, salvia root (danshen), willow bark, cinchona bark, turmeric, garlic, coquinone, and dong quai.
Occasionally patients on Coumadin suffer a serious adverse drug reaction, possibly even a life-threatening bleed. How often does your doctor or pharmacist give you an entire list of drugs to avoid if you are taking this medication? |
Patrick Quillin, PhD,RD,CNS
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 Stroke, heart attacks, and cancer metastasis are fueled by sticky cells which are generated by Platelet Activating Factor (PAF). ginkgo inhibits PAF.18 By modifying PAF, ginkgo helps to reduce inflammation and allergic responses. 0 Antioxidant of exceptional efficiency.20 Slows down free radical destruction of healthy tissue, therefore protects immune cells in their semi-suicidal quest to kill cancer cells and also protects the favorable prostaglandin, PGE-1. This antioxidant activity also helps to stabilize membranes, where the lipid bi-layer is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND
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| In the interim analysis (after 26 weeks of data collection), ingestion of ginkgo (40 mg three times daily of EGb 761) was associated with a significant improvement on both the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) (26% of patients achieved at least a 4 point improvement) and the Geriatric Evaluation by Relative's Rating Instrument (GERRI) (30% showed improvement) compared to placebo according to an intent-to-treat statistical analysis. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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| In human studies, it was shown in patients who had cerebrovascular insufficiency (a common condition associated with normal aging) that ginkgo extract produced a significant improvement in the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, headache, and forgetfulness (Holstein 2001; Morgenstern et al. 2002).
Melatonin
Rosenberg et al. (1998) evaluated a treatment for subjective tinnitus at the Ear Research Foundation in Sarasota, Florida. Patients were given 3 mg of melatonin nightly for 30 days. |
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