What is Ginkgo Biloba?
The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is remarkable in many ways. Although indigenous to Korea, China and Japan, the tree can be found in parks and along city sidewalks around the world. It may grow as high as 40 meters and live for more than 1,000 years. Ginkgo fossils have been dated as far back as 250 millions years ago, and Charles Darwin referred to the tree as "a living fossil." However, ginkgo's primary claim to fame is the extract obtained from its fan-shaped leaves.

Does Ginkgo really help your memory?
The use of ginkgo leaf extracts can be traced back for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Today ginkgo biloba is perhaps the most widely used herbal treatment aimed at augmenting cognitive functions -- that is, improving memory, learning, alertness, mood and so on. Studies have indicted several classes of biological effects that might contribute to ginkgo's putative improvement of cognitive functions.

Has there been any research done on Ginkgo Biloba?
In the U.S., the National Institute on Aging is currently supporting a clinical trail to evaluate the efficacy of ginkgo in treating the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Research has shown that it may improve blood flow (arteries, veins, capillaries), improve failing memory and information processing in the elderly.

--------------------

Back to Health Living