Ginkgo Biloba, known as gingko or maidenhair tree, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta as all the rest of the species have already gone extinct. Native to China and Japan, the tree is widely cultivated and was introduced early to human history. It has various uses in traditional medicine and as a source of food. The genus name Gingko is thought to be a misspelling of the Japanese words gin kyo, translating to silver apricot. Nowadays, ginkgo is considered quite a rare plant.

Ginkgo extract has proven benefits to eldrely people. This ancient herb acts to enhance oxygen utilization and thus improves memory, concentration and other mental faculties. The herbal extract has also been shown to significantly improve long-distance vision and may reverse damage to the retina of the eye. Studies have also confirmed its value in the treatment of depression in elderly people. The ginkgo extract may provide relief for those who suffer from headaches, sinusitis and vertigo. It may also help relieve chronic ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.

The herb's medicinal natural covers a lot of modern, imporant ailments and its medicinal properties can be discribed below.

Medicinal Application:

Ginkgo biloba has been reported as demonstrating antioxidant abilities with improvements of the platelet and nerve cell functions and blood flow to the nervous system and brain. It has also been reported as reducing blood viscosity. Its ability to increase vascular dilation may help reduce retinal damage due to macular degradation and may reverse deafness caused by reduced blood flow.

Recently, extensive research on the herb has been conducted on the healing properties of the leaf extract. The extract of the herb has been studied for its effectivenes in the treatment of acrocyanosis, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral artherosclerosis, cerebral insufficiencies, cochlear deafness, dementia, depression, menopause, peripheral and cerebral circulatory stimulation, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's syndrome, retinopathy, senility, short-term memory loss, tinnitus, vascular diseases and vertigo. It is said to be effective in improving the blood flow to the hands and the feet as well as stimulating the brain and reducing short-term memory loss. It increases blood flow to the brain, the uptake of glucose by brain cells and has been said to improve the transmission of nerve signals.

Patients suffering from varying degrees of vascular insufficiency also noted an improvement in mood while taking gingko biloba extract. This has prompted a surge of interest in its use as a treatment for depression, especially in the elderly. Ginkgonbiloba extract is especially helpful in cases of mild depression. Those under the age of fifty may as well benefit from the herb's antidepressant properties.

Ginkgo facilitates better blood flow through out the body, most notably the brain, where it both protects and promotes memory and mental function, even for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It seems that the antioxidant properties of the herb, as well as its vasodilating effects, its potency to increase blood flow towards the brain, indicate the reasons it may seem to help in those cases of Alzheimer's disease.

Gingko biloba's highly antioxidant nature can play an important role in preventing or delaying heart disease, cancer, even halt the damage done in cells and slow the effects of aging, all caused by free radical damage.

Another use for ginkgo biloba is in the treatment of impotency. The main cause of male impotence is poor circulation and imparied blood flow through the male sexual organ, which is often the result of atherosclerosis. Since ginkgo biloba increases blood flow, it has been found to help in treating this issue.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.