Gingko today seems to becoming the "herb of choice". It has for Germany, where gingko is ranked the #1 prescribed herb with sales reaching 280 million dollars in 1993. In 1995, gingko was ranked 5th in popularity at U.S. health food stores. European researchers have been constantly studying ginkgo since the 1960's. Gingko is being used for a wide variety of ailments from senility, asthma and allergies, tinnitus ( Ringing in the ears )and Fibromyalgia . Extracts from the Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glycosides, among others, ginkgolides and are therefore used as a pharmaceutical. The extract has many properties but it is mainly used as memory enhancer and anti-vertigo agents. Throughout the past three decades, more than 300 studies have shown Ginkgo that provides a number of benefits. The most important are listed below. 1. Increases blood flow to the brain and throughout the body's blood vessels that provide blood and oxygen to the organ systems 2. Increases metabolism efficiency, regulates neurotransmitters, and oxygen levels in the brain 3. Enhanced circulation in the brain include improved short and long term memory, reaction time and mental clarity 4. Helps control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque associated with the hardening of arteries, and may relax constricted blood vessels 5. Ginkgo has been shown to be a supportive herb for treating infertility or impotence in males 6. Aids in preventing damage to organs from free radicals, and also blocks the platelet activating factor which causes some skin disorders such as psoriasis 7. Helps in the treatment of eye and ear disorders 8. Recent studies have shown that Ginkgo helps reduce altitude sickness. It is also used as an anti oxidant, improve circulation, brain functions and memory. The seeds are said to possibly contain anti cancer properties and are sedative and astringent. A blind study showed positive results in early stages of Alzheimer's Disease over a period up to 3 months. Some improvement showed in 1 month. _______________________________________ Laboratory research on Ginkgo's cardiovascular effects in one test, microscopic particles were injected into the carotid artery of rats, mimicing arterial blockage. Ginkgo protected the unfortunate animals from the destructive effects. increased levels of glucose and ATP were found, thus helping to maintain energy levels within individual cells. it reduced the tendency for thrombus formation in veins and arteries, suggesting a use in the prevention of coronary thrombosis and in recovery from strokes and heart attacks. following injections there may be a hypertensive response, damaging the blood-brain barrier. Initially only small molecules pass the barrier, but eventually larger substances cross over causing cerebral edema. Ginkgo used in the initial stages prevents the later stages developing. Stabilizing the membranes of the blood-brain barrier which are thought to involve a direct impact on ionic balance across the membranes and an indirect effect on intracellular respiration, lessening cerebral edema and restoring function. Clinical research Patients with organic and neurological angiopathy were observed for physiological changes resulting from exercise, after using Ginkgo. Results indicate it would be useful in central and peripheral vascular disease, including diabetic angiopathy. it lowered blood pressure and dilated peripheral blood vessels, in patients recovering from thrombosis. microcirculation in the conjunctiva of patients with disturbances in cerebral blood supply consistently increased. Capillary and venous blood flow to the head increased because of decreased resistance to flow occurred. A toning action occurs as it eases venular spasms that often occur in elderly and arteriosclerotic patients. The herb can combat both vascular spasm and restore tone and circulation in areas subject to vasomotor paralysis. it increases peripheral blood flow with no lessening of cerebral circulation. Chemical vaso-dilators accumulate in the expanded vessels rather than circulate to the veins that feed the central nervous system. Ginkgo, however, increasing blood flow to both the periphery and the brain. in patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency improvement in all experimental measures, including the ability to walk without pain and blood flow to the legs. in Parkinson's disease secondary to cerebral arteriosclerosis, the herb increased blood supply to the brain. 65% successful treatment of focal or diffuse cerebral vascular disease. 80% successful treatment of cerebral circulatory insufficiency, measured as improvement in mental functioning, EEG parameters, and cerebral angiogram. 80% success rate in patients with chronic cerebral insufficiency measured by symptoms such as vertigo, headache. 92% success rate in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency and all pathological findings disappeared after 18 days of treatment. 80% success in treating headache and lesser per cent success in case of migraine. 40% success in elderly patients with arterial insufficiency of lower limbs. 72% success in the treatment of chronic vasculopathies. successful treatment of chronic arterial obliteration. _________________________________________ WARNINGS: The seeds, which are commonly used in Chinese herbology, are toxic and can potentially destroy vitamin B. Do not use unless advised by a certified herbologist. Generalized convulsions after consuming a large amount of gingko nuts. Has caused Spontaneous Hyphema in a rare case. Severe side effects are rare, mild may include GI tract and dermatology reactions, dizziness and headache. Possible interactions with other anticoagulants. __________________________________________ Common prescription drugs that should not be used with ginkgo include: Drugs noted below under drug class toxicity. Warfarin, Heparin, Aspirin or Coumarin derivative - May have additional blood thinning effects. Platelet Interactors - It is a theoretical concern that ginkgo's ability to inhibit platelet adhesion may increase tendencies toward bleeding. Cases and research are limited. MAOI Inhibitors phenelzin sulphate, or phenytoin - "May decrease or completely eliminate the therapeutic effect of the administered drugs, or they may cause a toxic damage to the organism." May effect drug class toxicity: Major Anesthetics - Notify your doctor and discontinue use prior to surgery. SSRI's (Prozac®, Luvox®, Paxil®, Zoloft™, Celexa®) Thiazide Diuretics - Aldoril®, Diachlor®, Diuril, Esidrix®, Hydrodiuril® Possible food interactions: None known at this time. ***SPEND $75 OR MORE AFTER COUPONS AND DISCOUNTS AND REGULAR SHIPPING IS FREE! IN THE COUPON SECTION, TYPE FREESHIP. IT CAN ALSO BE SELECTED IN THE DROP DOWN SHIPPING MENU ON THE ORDER FORM. IF THE ORDER IS $75 OR MORE AFTER COUPONS AND DISCOUNTS, NO SHIPPING WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR TOTAL*** Thank you for visiting our store. We strive to meet your needs and if there is anything we can do to make this a more effective experience, please let us know. We are committed to providing the absolute best quality products along with the best in customer service.