To date, two groups in Ginkgo biloba have been identified as containing the most active ingredients: the flavonglycosides (containing flavones, a chemical substance, and glycosides, compounds consisting of a sugar and a nonsugar component) which include bioflavonoids like quercetin, and the terpene lactones which include the ginkgolides and bilobalides.

What makes Ginkgo biloba an antioxidant?

The bioflavonoids in Ginkgo biloba are responsible for its potent antioxidant activity in the brain, cardiovascular and immune systems. They’re also involved in reducing platelet aggregation, which leads to the formation of blood clots in the arteries and, often, to deep- vein thrombosis, stroke, lung embolism (blood clots moving from deep veins like the femoral vein to the lung, cutting off the blood supply to some areas of the lung) or heart attacks. The best-known bioflavonoids in Ginkgo biloba are quercetin, proanthocyanidin, isohamnetin and campherol.

Herbal Beauty

Why is it important to neutralise free radicals in the brain?

The phospholipid membranes of nerve cells in the brain are particularly sensitive to free-radical damage. Ginkgo biloba can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and the antioxidants it contains can then neutralise free radicals inside the brain to prevent lipid peroxidation (oxidation by free radicals — abnormal oxygen molecules causing damage to the cell membranes) of nerve cell membranes. The damage caused by free radicals has more impact on the deterioration of intellectual functions in Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia than the degeneration of nerve tissue.

Which ingredients make Ginkgo biloba so unique a herbal remedy?

Terpene lactones, namely the ginkgolides and bilobalides, are the ingredients that give Ginkgo biloba its unique ability to improve mental function and peripheral blood flow (to the extremities). They increase blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body, ensuring that the tissues get more oxygen and nutrients. They also protect neurons (nerve cells) throughout the body, which leads to improved memory and concentration. This is very important to

Older people who display a decrease in cognitive function (the mental process whereby knowledge is acquired, including memory and perception). Ginkgolides and bilobalides also prevent platelet aggregation (and thus blood clotting) by suppressing PAF (platelet activation factor). PAF can cause nerve damage, impede blood flow to the brain, and constrict airways, which leads to asthma attacks. These symptoms all result from a decrease in oxygen supply to the cells.

GINKGO BILOBA‘S MANY FUNCTIONS IN THE HUMAN BODY

  • Brain: Keeps mind alert, lifts mood, regulates brain metabolism, enhances mental function
  • Senses: Eye health, balance, hearing
  • Heart, lungs and cardiovascular system: Increases oxygen supply, boosts circulation (improves blood flow), heals blood vessel damage: varicose veins, leg ulcers
  • Protects urogenital system: Reduces PMS in women, protects prostate in men, helps for urinary problems
  • Protects nervous system
  • Supports immune system
  • Musculoskeletal system: Anti-inflammatory, eases muscle cramps

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