Ginkgo bilobe to improve blood circulation: a detailed review
What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the Ginkgo or girlish tree, is a unique type of tree, which is the only living representative of the Ginkoaceae family (Ginkgoaceae). Its history has more than 270 million years, which makes it one of the oldest living trees on Earth. Ginkgo bilobe is from China, but is widely cultivated all over the world, especially in Asia, Europe and North America.
Traditionally, Ginkgo has been used in Chinese medicine for millennia to treat various diseases. Ginkgo leaves contain a lot of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids (ginkholides and bilobalides), which are believed to determine its therapeutic properties.
The mechanism of action of ginkgo biloba: how it improves blood circulation
The effectiveness of ginkgo biloba in improving blood circulation of the brain is based on several key action mechanisms:
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Vasodilation: Ginkgolides, especially ginkholide B, have a powerful vasodilative effect. They contribute to the expansion of blood vessels, including arteries and capillaries in the brain. This expansion increases blood flow to the brain, providing more oxygen and nutrients necessary for optimal cognitive function. The vasodilation mechanism is associated with the inhibiting of platelet activation factor (PAF), which is a powerful vasoconstrictor agent. By blocking PAF, ginkgoolides prevent vessels narrowing and help relax the vascular wall.
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Improving the rheological properties of blood: Ginkgo bilobe helps to improve the rheological properties of blood, that is, its fluidity and viscosity. It reduces platelet aggregation and improves the flexibility of red blood cells. A decrease in platelet aggregation reduces the risk of blood clots that can block blood flow in the brain and lead to a stroke. The improved flexibility of red blood cells allows them to pass through narrow capillaries easier, providing more efficient oxygen delivery to brain cells.
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Antioxidant Protection: The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress due to high oxygen consumption and a relatively low level of antioxidant enzymes. Flavonoids contained in the ginkgo bilobe have powerful antioxidant properties. They neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage brain cells and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Ginkgo antioxidant protection helps to protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, thereby supporting their function and improving blood circulation.
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Neuroprotective effects: Ginkgo biloba has a neuroprotective effect, protecting the brain cells from damage and improving their function. It can increase the release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which plays an important role in learning and memory. In addition, ginkgo can modulate the activity of neurons and improve the synaptic transmission, which helps to improve cognitive function. The neuroprotective effects of ginkgo are also associated with its ability to reduce inflammation in the brain, which can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Improving microcirculation: Ginkgo biloba improves microcirculation, that is, blood flow in the smallest blood vessels, capillaries. This is especially important for the brain, since the capillaries provide the delivery of oxygen and nutrients directly to the cells of the brain. Improving microcirculation contributes to better nutrition and oxygenation of brain cells, which improves their function and vitality.
Composition and form of the release of ginkgo bilob
Ginkgo biloba extracts are usually standardized for the content of 24% flavon glycosides and 6% of terpenic lactons (ginkholides and bilobalides). These compounds are considered the main active ingredients that determine the therapeutic properties of ginkgo.
Ginkgo biloba is available in various forms, including:
- Capsules: The most common form containing standardized ginkgo biloba extract.
- Tablets: Similar to capsules, but may contain other fillers and binders.
- Liquid extract: A liquid form that can be added to drinks or taken directly.
- Tea: Dried ginkgo biloba leaves can be brewed in tea, although the concentration of active ingredients in tea can be lower than in standardized extracts.
The use of ginkgo bilobe to improve the blood circulation of the brain and cognitive functions
Ginkgo biloba is used to treat and prevent various conditions associated with impaired blood circulation of the brain and cognitive disorders, including:
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Age -related deterioration of cognitive functions: With age, blood flow in the brain can decrease, which leads to a deterioration in memory, concentration of attention and other cognitive functions. Ginkgo bilobe can help improve the blood circulation of the brain and protect the brain cells from damage, thereby slowing down the process of age -related deterioration of cognitive functions. Clinical studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can improve memory, attention and speed of information processing in older people.
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Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive deterioration in cognitive functions. Ginkgo biloba is not a medicine for Alzheimer’s disease, but it can help improve the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can improve cognitive functions, mood and social behavior in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
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Vascular dementia: Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by damage to the brain caused by impaired blood supply. Ginkgo bilobe can help improve the blood circulation of the brain and protect the brain cells from further damage, thereby slowing down the progression of vascular dementia.
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Cerebral failure: Cerebral deficiency is a condition characterized by insufficient blood supply to the brain. Symptoms of cerebral failure may include dizziness, headaches, ears in the ears, impaired concentration and memory. Ginkgo bilobe can help improve blood circulation and alleviate the symptoms of cerebral failure.
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Stroke and recovery after a stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the part of the brain is interrupted, which leads to damage to brain cells. Ginkgo bilobe can help protect brain cells from damage during a stroke and improve recovery after a stroke. It can improve blood circulation in the damaged area of the brain and contribute to the restoration of nerve cells.
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Noise in the ears (Tinnitus): The noise in the ears is a feeling of ringing, buzz or other sounds in the ears that do not proceed from an external source. Ginkgo bilobe can help improve blood circulation in the inner ear and alleviate the symptoms of noise in the ears, especially if it is associated with impaired blood supply.
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Dizziness (Vertigo): Dizziness is a feeling of rotation or movement, which can be caused by various factors, including problems with the inner ear or brain. Ginkgo bilobe can help improve blood circulation in the brain and inner ear and relieve symptoms of dizziness.
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Moving chroma: Moving chroma is pain in the legs that occurs when walking due to insufficient blood supply to the muscles of the legs. Ginkgo bilobe can help improve blood circulation in the legs and increase the distance that a person can pass without pain.
Dosage and method of using ginkgo bilobe
The recommended dosage of ginkgo biloba varies depending on the condition that is treated and the individual characteristics of the patient. However, the usually recommended dose is from 120 to 240 mg of standardized ginkgo biloba extract per day, divided into two or three doses.
Ginkgo bilobe should be taken during meals to improve its absorption. It is important to consult a doctor or other qualified specialist in the field of health care before starting taking ginkgo bilobe, especially if you have any basic diseases or you take other drugs.
Side effects and precautions
Ginkgo biloba is usually well tolerated, but some people may have side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Headaches: They are rare, usually weakly expressed and pass on their own.
- Indigestion: Can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
- Dizziness: It is rare, usually weakly expressed and passes independently.
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, can manifest itself in the form of a skin rash, itching or urticaria.
In rare cases, ginkgo bilobe can cause more serious side effects, such as:
- Bleeding: Ginkgo bilobe has anticoagulant properties and can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people who take anticoagulants or anti -agents.
- Convulsions: In rare cases, ginkgo bilobe can cause convulsions, especially in people with epilepsy or other convulsive disorders.
- Increased sensitivity to the sun: Ginkgo bilobe can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun, so it is important to use sunscreen and wear protective clothes when staying in the sun.
Precautions:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of ginkgo biloba during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so it should be avoided during these periods.
- Children: The safety of ginkgo bilobe in children is not established, so it should not be given to children without consulting a doctor.
- Before the operation: Ginkgo bilobe should be taken at least two weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Interaction with drugs: Ginkgo bilobe can interact with some drugs, including anticoagulants, anti -signs, antidepressants and some antiviral drugs. It is important to inform your doctor about all the drugs that you take before starting taking the ginkgo bilobe.
Interaction with other drugs
Ginkgo bilobe can interact with a number of drugs, which can lead to undesirable side effects or reducing the effectiveness of drugs. It is important to consider the following interactions:
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Anticoagulants and anti -agents: The ginkgo bilobe has anticoagulant properties and can enhance the effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin, and antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel. This can increase the risk of bleeding. The simultaneous intake of ginkgo bilob and these drugs should be avoided or blood coagulation carefully control.
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Antidepressants: The ginkgo bilobe can interact with some antidepressants, especially with selective serotonin (SIOSS) reverse capture, such as fluoxetine and sertralin. This can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious state characterized by anxiety, excitement, high temperature and other symptoms.
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Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): The simultaneous intake of ginkgo bilobe and NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Naldoxen, can increase the risk of bleeding.
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Offidiabetic drugs: Ginkgo bilobe can affect blood sugar and change the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs such as metformin and insulin. Patients with diabetes should carefully monitor the blood sugar level when taking ginkgo bilobe.
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Anticonvulsants: Ginkgo bilobe can reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsants and increase the risk of seizures in patients with epilepsy or other convulsive disorders.
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Diuretics: Ginkgo bilobe can enhance the diuretic effect of diuretics and lead to dehydration.
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Proton pump inhibitors (IPP): Ginkgo bilobe can reduce the effectiveness of IPPs used to treat peptic ulcer and other stomach diseases.
Research and evidence of the effectiveness of ginkgo bilobe
The effectiveness of ginkgo bilobe to improve blood circulation of the brain and cognitive functions was the subject of numerous scientific research. The results of these studies are ambiguous, but some of them indicate that ginkgo biloba can have a positive effect on cognitive functions, especially in people with age -related deterioration of cognitive functions or dementia.
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Meta analysis: Several meta-analyzes that combine the results of many clinical studies showed that ginkgo biloba can improve cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
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Clinical trials: Many clinical trials have shown that ginkgo bilobe can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of stroke.
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Animal research: Animal studies have shown that ginkgo bilobe can protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.
Despite these encouraging results, it is important to note that the quality of ginkgo bilobe studies varies, and additional studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.
Selection of high -quality ginkgo bilob
When choosing a ginkgo biloba product, it is important to pay attention to the following factors:
- Standardization: Choose products containing standardized ginkgo biloba extract containing 24% flavon glycosides and 6% of terpenic lactons.
- Quality: Choose products from reliable manufacturers adhering to high quality standards.
- Purity: Choose products that do not contain pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides.
- Friendly testing: Choose products that have undergone third -party testing for quality and cleanliness.
- Brand reputation: Choose products from famous brands with a good reputation.
Conclusion (for internal use, do not include in the article)
Ginkgo biloba is a plant that can improve the blood circulation of the brain and cognitive functions. It has vasodilating, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Ginkgo bilobe can be useful for people with age -related deterioration of cognitive functions, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, cerebral failure, stroke, ears and dizziness. It is important to consult a doctor before starting taking a ginkgo bilobe, especially if you have any basic diseases or you take other medicines. When choosing a ginkgo biloba product, it is important to pay attention to standardization, quality, purity and reputation of the brand.