Ginkgo Biloba

The ginkgo tree may be the world's oldest living tree species. Scientific estimates show that it has been grown on this planet for over 200 million years. During the ice age due to the expansion and growth of glaciers world wide, the Ginkgo tree was almost lost. However, it fortunately survived in parts of China. The Ginkgo tree shows remarkable resilience and resistance to industrial pollution, insects and diseases and this is one of the reasons that these trees are frequently planted along the major roads and streets in cities throughout the world.

It has been shown that individual trees live as long as 1000 years and reach a diameter of between 3 and 4 ft. The tree bears an ivory-coloured inner seed that resembles an almond. This seed is edible and is sold in many of the market places throughout the world. It is particularly popular in Japan.

The major health care properties of the tree are derived from the leaves, where the concentrations of the major active principles called flavone-glycosides are at their highest. Ginkgo provides all the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba standardised extract plus the dried whole leaf powder. Together, they offer the most potent and effective Ginkgo Biloba capsules available. Ginkgo can help ensure supply of oxygen and nutrients. Ginkgo also contains a substance which acts like Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oils in being able to keep the blood flowing freely in the blood vessels. A double blind study using EEG showed that Ginkgo extract helped keep the balance in the alpha/theta brain rhythms; the alpha rhythm is the bio-feedback frequency associated with mental alertness and the theta rhythm is related to lack of attention as one gets older.

Ginkgo leaf offers protection to the vascular wall because of its strong antioxidant or free radical scavenging properties. Free radicals are chemical entities which are produced within the body which, in excess, can damage the walls of the arteries. Ginkgo leaf has been used in many long-term studies - it has no harmful side effects and it is not addictive. Recent evidence has shown that Ginkgo may help maintain blood flow and hence the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain, important for mental function. Ginkgo also helps maintain circulation to extremities of the body such as the feet and hands, as well as the ear, nose, throat and eye areas.

Ginkgo Biloba is found in the following products:

ANDRO-VITO

APHRO 40+