Ginkgo Biloba

 Ginkgo biloba is perhaps the world’s longest living species of tree; for example, some individual trees can live as long as 1,000 years. The leaves of the tree are the part generally used.

Historical use of ginkgo can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. Many of the medical benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) tend to depend mainly on two groups of active components: the ginkgo flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones. The bioflavonoids which are found in Ginkgo biloba, are primarily responsible for the antioxidant activity and ability to inhibit platelet stickiness. Furthermore, it helps to regulate the tone and elasticity of blood vessels. With these two actions, GBE may help prevent many circulatory diseases such as atherosclerosis as well as support the brain and central nervous system.

Ginkgo biloba has strong antioxidant actions in the brain, retina of the eye, and the cardiovascular system. Many believe that ginkgo helps with an oxidation related disorder, known as macular degeneration, which can cause decreased or lost vision. Ginkgo has antioxidant activity within the brain and central nervous system, which may help prevent age-related declines in brain function.