Ginkgo Biloba Extract/Saw Palmetto/Schisandra/Senna Extract/Shitake/Siberian Ginseng/St Jo

Ginkgo biloba L. has been used in China for centuries. The Ginkgo biloba tree is the worlds oldest tree. For herbal purposes the ginkgo leaves are used in the f orm of a concentrated, standardized extract (GBE). GBE is among the leading presc ription medicines in Germany and France, and it is one of the most popular herbs sold in the US. "The Smart Herb" -- does the hype fit the research? Most of the studies of GBE have been performed in Europe where more than 40 clin ical trials involving more than 9000 participants have been completed. The extrac t is used extensively for circulatory and asthmatic conditions. In the USA a 1997 study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Associat ion showed that use of GBE could improve mental functioning in people with dement ia and slow the progression of dementia in patients in the early stages of Alzhei mers Disease. Two large-scale studies sponsored by the National Institutes of He alth are examining the effectiveness of ginkgo in preventing dementia and cogniti ve decline in the elderly. At this time there is no evidence that Ginkgo improves memory in normal people. There is considerable evidence from clinical trials to support the therapeutic u se of GBE for a wide range of cognitive and peripheral vascular conditions. The m ost common medicinal uses of Ginkgo biloba extract include: Cerebral vascular insufficiency - GBE enhances blood flow to the brain Alzheimers disease - GBE appears to delay progression of Alzheimers Dementia Inner ear deafness - GBE appears to be useful in treating tinnitus (although res ults of the clinical studies are mixed) and vertigo associated with inner ear pro blems. Other studies suggest that GBE may be effective in treating vision problems asso ciated with cerebrovascular insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and age-related mac ular degeneration. GBE extracts have been shown to aid in reducing effects of col d and high altitude sickness in mountain climbers in the Himalayas. How it works: The flavonoids in Ginkgo extract function as antioxidants and free-radical scave ngers, helping to prevent cell damage. The second type of active ingredient in GB E, terpenes, help to reduce blood clots by reducing the platelet aggregation. GBE promotes vasodilation and improved blood flow in the arteries and capillaries. Dosage: Preparations of standardized GBE are adjusted to a potency of 24% flavanoids and 6% terpenes (ginkgolides). Controlled medical studies of extracts like GBE use c ontrolled manufactured extracts, which may not be the same as those sold commerci ally. Ginkgo biloba is available in solid and liquid form. Each tablet or capsule contains 40 mg. of standardized extract. The usual dose is 40 mg. 3 times per da y. The extract should be taken for 12 weeks in order to be effective.