Ginkgo biloba - the Millennium Tree

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species, believed to be 200 million years old. It is well known for its longevity – scientists have established that Ginkgo biloba trees can live as long as 1,000 years!

The use of Ginkgo to improve brain functions and relieve respiratory problems including asthma, coughs and phlegmatic conditions was recorded nearly 5,000 years ago in the Chinese materia medica Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Today, Ginkgo biloba is widely prescribed in Europe for problems associated with poor blood circulation.

Studies have shown that standardized Ginkgo biloba extract increases blood flow to the brain and to the extremities of the body including the ears, fingers and toes.

The healing properties of Ginkgo biloba have been attributed to Ginkgo flavone glycosides and Terpene lactones. The glycosides are powerful antioxidants. They prevent blood platelets from sticking together – a major factor of poor blood circulation due to increased thickness of blood. They also help keep the large and small blood vessels elastic and healthy.

Terpene lactones include ginkgolides, found only in Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgolides improve blood circulation and help prevent blood clots from forming. Strokes, allergies, asthma and poor eyesight due to deterioration of the retina, ulcers of the stomach and intestines, and acute inflammation of the kidneys have been attributed to the release of Platelet-activating Factor (PAF) in our cells. Hundreds of studies have proven that ginkgolides are potent, specific, fast-acting inhibitors of harmful PAF. They produce long-lasting results without any side effects.

The other Terpene lactone, the Bilobalide, protects brain cells and may stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. Terpene lactones protect the nerve cells of the central nervous system from damage when there is a lack of oxygen to tissues in the body, for example brain cells following a stroke.