Ginkgo

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 30.06.2024

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Synonym(s)

Gingko tree; Ginkgo; ginkgo biloba; Maiden hair tree; Silver apricot

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Ginkgo biloba L. (family: Ginkgoaceae) is a deciduous tree that grows 30-40 m high. In terms of evolutionary history, it is one of the oldest plant species on earth and represents the link between ferns and conifers. The very characteristic fan-shaped, broad leaves are a special feature. Ripe ginkgo seeds are used as food. The seeds contain 37.8% carbohydrates, 4.3% proteins and 1.7% fat.

The leaves, Ginkgo folium, are used phytotherapeutically.

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

The extracts contain around 0.5% to 1.8% flavonoids (flavone and flavonol glycosides, acylated flavonol glycosides, biflavonoids, flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins). Terpenes (0.03% to 0.25%), the sesquiterpene bilobalide, polyprenols and steroids are also found.

    OccurrenceThis section has been translated automatically.

    Originally native to China, Korea and Japan, the tree is increasingly being planted in Europe as well, as it appears to be highly resistant to harmful environmental influences.

    Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.

    The ginkgo extracts have radical scavenging properties. Furthermore, they inhibit platelet activating factor (PAF) and have immunomodulating effects.

    Improvement of microcirculation, neuroprotection, mitochondrial protection, improvement of cerebral energy metabolism, protection against ischemic consequences, reduction of neurotransmitter deficits, memory improvement, increase of learning ability and stress tolerance, improvement of vestibular vertigo.

    Some placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated positive effects on low-progression vitiligo (Parsad D et al. 2003; see also Vitiligo). Dosage: 40mg 3x/day for 6 months).

    Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

    Preparations from these extracts are used for the symptomatic treatment of brain-organically caused performance disorders (dementia syndromes) with the leading symptoms of memory and concentration disorders, depressive moods, dizziness, ringing in the ears and headaches as part of a therapeutic concept. Furthermore, they are used for the supportive treatment of peripheral arterial circulatory disorders, dizziness and tinnitus. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study with 52 vitiligo patients, 3 times 40 mg gingival extract were administered. 10 patients showed complete repigmentation after 6 months.

    Duration of use: In case of brain disorders, treatment of at least 8 weeks is necessary. After a treatment period of 3 months it should be checked whether the therapy is still continued. An improvement of arterial circulatory disorders is expected after 6 weeks at the earliest (extension of the walking distance). In the case of circulatory disorders of the inner ear, e.g. dizziness, tinnitus, a treatment of more than 6 to 8 weeks does not bring any advantages.

    DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

    Only extracts from the ginkgo leaves are used, which are produced according to special manufacturing processes. This involves an enrichment of the ingredients, which are considered to be the actual effective contents. Substances that can cause side effects are removed.

    • Treatment of brain-organic performance disorders: 120-240 mg/day p.o. dry extract in 2 or 3 ED.
    • For treatment of arterial circulatory disorders or circulatory disorders of the inner ear: 120-160 mg/day dry extract in 2 or 3 ED.

    Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

    Ginkgo tree extract contains numerous aromatic acids in its pulp, of which only various ginkgolic acids with their C13 to C19 side chains have been described to date as clear sensitizers. Small amounts of ginkgolic acids are also found in the seeds. Sensitizing potency: Strong. Frequency of sensitization: Rare in Central Europe, most case reports come from Japan, there are also numerous case reports from the USA.

    InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.

    Simultaneous administration of anticoagulants or platelet aggregation inhibitors can influence their effect! Nifedipine - increased effect. Efavirenz ; possibly reduced plasma concentrations of efavirenz

    Trade namesThis section has been translated automatically.

    Gingium®, Tebonin® forte film-coated tablets (ED40mg), Tebonin® konzent® 240 mg, Gingipret film-coated tablets (ED 40mg); Ginkgopur film-coated tablets (ED40mg);

    LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

    1. Basnyat B et al (2003) High-altitude illness. Lancet 361: 1967-1974
    2. Cieza A et al. (2003) Ginkgo biloba works in healthy persons, too. Older people feel more mentally fit. MMW Fortschr Med 145: 51
    3. Nash KM et al.(2015) Current Perspectives on the Beneficial Role of Ginkgo biloba in Neurological and Cerebrovascular Disorders. Integr Med Insights 10:1-9.
    4. Parsad D et al. (2003) Effectiveness of Gingko biloba in treated limited slowl spreading vitiligo. Clin Exp Dermatol 28: 285-287
    5. Schaffer DM et al. (2003) Nonvitamin, nonmineral supplement use over a 12-month period by adult members of a large health maintenance organization. J Am Diet Assoc 103: 1500-1505
    6. Ströhle A et al. (2015) Drug and Exercise Treatment of Alzheimer Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effects on Cognition in Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 23:1234-1249.
    7. Sun B et al. (2003) Variation in Ginkgo biloba L. leaf characters across a climatic gradient in China. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 100: 7141-7146
    8. van Dongen M Ginkgo for elderly people with dementia and age-associated memory impairment: a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Epidemiol 56: 367-376
    9. Zhou Z et al. (2003) The missing link in Ginkgo evolution. Nature 423: 821-822
    10. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 112-114
    11. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/ginkgo.php

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    Last updated on: 30.06.2024