Dec 04, 2024
Ginkgo Biloba - An Antioxidant-Rich Herb
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba (also called maidenhair tree) originating during the Permian Era about 250 million years ago is considered a living fossil (oldest living tree species) as it has survived over millions of years. Ginkgos are tough, hardy trees with short branches, fan-shaped leaves, and inedible fruits. Ginkgo contains a number of biologically active compounds like flavonoids, glycosides, terpene lactones, with the flavonoids present primarily as glycosides. Ginkgo contains a number of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, polyphenols, and organic acids. The leaves of ginkgo biloba consist of compounds like kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin which are rich in antioxidant activity.
The supplemental form of ginkgo biloba is made from the antioxidant-rich leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree. As per modern research, extract of ginkgo biloba made from concentrated dried leaves seems to be better than the non-standardized leaf alone and offers clear benefits that support general well-being.
ZENITH NUTRITION GINKGO BILOBA
Zenith Nutrition Ginkgo Biloba is an herbal dietary supplement derived from the antioxidant-rich leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree. The potent herbal supplement offers clear benefits and is manufactured under strict quality control to validate purity and effectiveness. The pure and safe supplement offers 60mg of ginkgo biloba extract per capsule and is free of corn, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, or any kind of preservatives.
WHAT ABOUT THE SAFETY?
As per research, ginkgo biloba appears to be safe when taken in moderate amounts. Ginkgo may interact with some conventional medications, like anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antipsychotic drugs and may cause unwanted side effects. Studies don’t support the use of ginko biloba during pregnancy.
WHY SHOULD ONE SUPPLEMENT WITH GINKGO BILOBA?
Flavonoids are responsible for health-promoting properties due to their high antioxidant capacity and their ability to raise human protective enzyme systems. Several clinical studies have confirmed the protective effects of flavonoids against many infectious diseases, such as cardiovascular, digestive disorders, and other age-related health problems. Being plant-phytochemicals, flavonoids cannot be synthesized in humans and animals; they are essential and must be consumed daily. Ginkgo extracts contain high amount of ginkolides and bilobides and can enrich the human diet in flavonoids. Since ginkgo leaves do not taste favourable, and fruit that grows on the ginko tree is inedible, you’re better off finding a good supplement made from ginko leaf to reap its positive health benefits.
GINKGO BILOBA IS A POTENT ANTIOXIDANT
The free radicals which are the highly reactive molecules have become the major health concern in humans. With the onset of aging, tissues suffer from DNA oxidative damage, lipid peroxidation, subsequently neurological function, the cardiovascular function can all be impaired. The increased oxidative stress can contribute to the progression of degenerative diseases. Ginkgo biloba is determined by studies to be more potent free radical scavenger than flavonoids found in other plant sources. Ginkgo enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, to stabilize the cellular redox state. Ginkgo biloba extract can mitigate the mitochondrial respiratory chain function by quenching the superoxide anion, hydroxyl, and peroxyl radicals. The flavonoids in ginkgo biloba can scavenge hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, may protect against inflammation, allergic reactions, and diseases.
GINKGO BILOBA ENHANCES COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Cognitive decline is a major public health concern. An adequate supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain is essential for proper brain functioning. Restricted circulation is common among the elderly, which results in decreased nutrient delivery to the brain giving rise to cognitive decline. Ginkgo biloba has been demonstrated by studies to have antioxidant activities, to increase the flexibility of cellular blood components, support in old age memory loss, confusion, disorientation, fatigue, affect neurotransmitter levels, enhance neuroplasticity, and neuroprotection. Ginkgo biloba extract can alleviate symptoms associated with age-related cognitive impairment, moderately enhance a number of cognitive processes in healthy young individuals. Ginkgo biloba has a well-documented influence on vasodilatory properties, it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Regular consumption of ginkgo extract protects brain neurons against oxidative stress, supports mood balance, improves attentiveness, helps you feel sharper and focused.
GINKGO BILOBA EASES PMS SYMPTOMS
The stress of a busy lifestyle can affect health and lead to PMS in women, which includes physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms which start during the week preceding menstruation. Ginkgo biloba can offer substantial relief of breast tenderness, and other PMS discomforts like anxiety, mood swings, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, sleep disturbance, poor concentration, forgetfulness, appetite disturbance. Women with PMS have abnormal serotonin neurotransmission which is thought to be associated with symptoms such as irritability, depressed mood. Ginkgo biloba is found to increase blood circulation by maintaining the balance of prostacyclins and thromboxane. Ginkgo biloba increases the release of catecholamines and other neurotransmitters thereby improve mood and depressive symptoms. The potent active ingredients of ginkgo function as stress modulators, decrease the overall severity of physical and psychologic symptoms of PMS.
GINKGO BILOBA BENEFITS CARDIAC HEALTH
On a molecular level, the free radical damage can weaken artery walls, lead to inflammatory cascade by enhancing the activity of leukocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, increase endothelial adhesion. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of ginkgo biloba may protect the blood vessel walls, fight oxidative stress. Ginkgo biloba increases nitric oxide levels leading to vasodilation and an increase in blood flow. Ginkgo biloba upregulates gene expression, activating enzymes for NO synthesis. NO results in increased muscle contractility, leading to vasodilation, which enables to positively neutralize free radicals. By improving circulation, the herbal dietary supplement can alleviate other ailments too. Ginkgo can improve breathing, reduce the hardening of the arteries, can ease dizziness, migraine headaches, a perpetual ringing in the ears.
GINKGO BILOBA BOOSTS IMMUNE FUNCTION & HELPS WITH MACULAR DEGENERATION
A weakened immune/immune depletion can be the major driving factor for viruses and infections. Ginkgo biloba has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can boost the endogenous immune function, by fighting free radicals and through improved circulation. Dietary supplementation with ginkgo biloba enhances the number of T lymphocytes, serum IgG significantly. As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, ginkgo biloba has been shown to reduce allergic conditions like asthma that are caused by inflammation. Ginkgo biloba’s antioxidant abilities demonstrate improvements in nerve cell function, and effective protection against the free radicals. Ginkgo biloba regulates blood flow, nourishes nerve fibers and keeps the intraocular eye pressure low, which can enhance visual acuity.
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Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541024/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19678774/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7299225/