Contents:
- Medical Video: Health & Nutrition : Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects
- Medical use of ginkgo biloba
- Benefits of ginkgo biloba for memory, dementia, and Alzheimer's
- Other supplements that can be used to improve memory
- 1. Acid fat omega-3.
- 2. Huperzine A
- 3. Acetyl-L-carnitine
- 4. Vitamin E
- 5. Asian Ginseng (or Panax)
Medical Video: Health & Nutrition : Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects
Ginkgo biloba, also called the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest tree species on earth. Ginkgo trees have very unique properties — they can grow more than 39.6 meters and can live more than a thousand years.
Over the past few years, ginkgo biloba supplements have become increasingly popular, even now ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medicines. Ginkgo plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine where ginkgo leaves and seeds have been used for thousands of years. Ginkgo biloba extract is collected from the green leaves of this plant which has dried and is available in the form of liquid extracts, capsules and tablets.
Medical use of ginkgo biloba
For centuries, the ginkgo tree was thought to be extinct until finally some were found in China, where it was first used in medicine. Chinese people use ginkgo to get the benefits that are claimed to improve cognitive function and to reduce asthma symptoms.
Benefits of ginkgo biloba for memory, dementia, and Alzheimer's
Although there are various "brain boosters" on the market, most are not supported by research that is sufficient for memory enhancement claims.
"Ginkgo biloba is one of the natural ingredients that shows more prospects than other herbs, and is commonly used in Europe for one type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow," said Evangeline Lausier, MD, assistant clinical professor in medicine, Duke Integrative Medicine, Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. "Ginkgo biloba tends to increase blood flow in small blood vessels."
"Some analysis shows that ginkgo biloba is beneficial for dementia in the same range as large amounts of drugs used to treat Alzheimer's," said Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, a professor in a Masters program in complementary and alternative medicine in the department of physiology and biophysics at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
There is some evidence to show that people with dementia can benefit from the use of ginkgo, although more studies are still needed. Some benefits can include:
- increased thinking power
- increased memory
- better social behavior
Other supplements that can be used to improve memory
Here are some other memory supplements that can also be potential but require further study:
1. Acid fat omega-3.
Omega-3 fish oil supplements have been in great demand. Studies show that the intake of more omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as freshwater fish, vegetable oils and nuts, and British walnuts is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's. However, thorough studies are needed to prove the benefits of memory from these supplements.
2. Huperzine A
Also called Chinese club mossThis natural drug works in a similar way to Alzheimer's drugs. However, further evidence is needed to confirm its security and effectiveness.
3. Acetyl-L-carnitine
Some studies show that these amino acids can help Alzheimer's patients with memory disorders. This supplement can provide greater benefits for people who have Alzheimer's at a young age, or whose Alzheimer's progression rate is very fast.
4. Vitamin E
Although vitamin E does not seem to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, this supplement can slow its progression. Recent studies have raised concerns about an increased risk of death in people who take high doses of vitamin E, so be sure to consult a doctor before taking this supplement.
5. Asian Ginseng (or Panax)
As an herb that is sometimes used in conjunction with ginkgo biloba, Asian ginseng can help fatigue and improve quality of life.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
