The Consumer Guide to Ginkgo Biloba
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Ginkgo has been termed "a biological super-tree," because individual trees may live for over 1,000 years and the species itself (Ginkgo biloba) has survived almost unchanged for over 150 million years. The vast majority of the ginkgo products on the market today are standardized extracts made from the tree’s distinctive fan-shaped leaves.
Benefits and uses:
The Chinese have used ginkgo for thousands of years to treat various conditions, including memory loss, asthma, allergies, and coughs. It is now among the most widely recommended herbal medicines in Europe and the U.S., where many people take it regularly as an energizer to improve mood and alertness, as a "smart drug" to stimulate brain function and boost memory, and as an antioxidant to slow the effects of aging and prevent degenerative diseases. Researchers say that ginkgo stimulates circulation in the brain, ears, and other parts of the body and thus may help prevent hearing loss, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. Studies indicate it has potential use in the treatment of impotence, varicose veins, and other circulatory conditions. Ginkgo may also help prevent diabetes, macular degeneration, and multiple sclerosis.
Do scientists know how it works?
Plant scientists believe that the most active constituents of ginkgo are certain flavonoid compounds known as "flavoglycosides" or "ginkgoheterosides," and certain complex terpene compounds, such as bilobalide and one or more of the ginkgolides. Many of ginkgo’s positive effects are tied to its potency as an antioxidant, a protector of nervous system cells, and regulator of blood platelet stickiness.
Recent findings:
Two well-designed studies, including a multicenter study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, documented beneficial effects from using ginkgo extracts in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found that ginkgo’s ability to protect the nervous system from damage due to conditions such as hypoxia and seizure activity may be due to both the ginkgolides and the herb’s free radical scavenging flavonoids. Also, the mechanism for ginkgo’s stress- and anxiety-reducing actions may be related to an inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme found in nerve cells that can inactivate neurotransmitters and thus lower mood.
Safety:
No long-term toxicity and few side effects have ever been associated with ginkgo. Newcomers to the herb, however, who take single doses in excess of 300 mg or so may experience mild headaches or dizziness. Some ginkgo users may also experience minor stomach or gastric upset. There are no known contraindications to the use of ginkgo by pregnant or lactating women. People who are taking daily aspirin to thin the blood or prescription anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) should avoid ginkgo to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
What types of ginkgo products are available?
Among the most popular ginkgo products are encapsulated extracts standardized to 24 percent of flavoglycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones. Ginkgo also comes in softgels, tablets, liquids, and the powdered whole herb. Ginkgo is usually a prominent component in brain and memory, and mind and mood, formulas.
- LeBars, P.L., et al., "A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia," JAMA (1997), 278:1327–32
- Kanowski, S., et al., "Proof of efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer’s type or multi-infarct dementia," Phytomedicine (1997), 4/1:3–13
- Smith, P.F., et al., "The neuroprotective properties of the Ginkgo biloba leaf: a review of the possible relationship to platelet-activating factor (PAF)," J Ethnopharmacol (1996), 50(3):131–39
- White, H.L., et al., "Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves inhibit monoamine oxidase," Life Sciences (1996), 58:1315–21
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Do scientists know how it works?
Types of products
Safety
References
Fenugreek Abstracts
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Seeds of this slightly maple-tasting legume (Trigonella foenum-graecum) have a long heritage of use as a medicinal plant and culinary spice, especially in India. Gel fiber from fenugreek resembles guar gum in chemical structure.
Traditional uses
Egyptian, ayurvedic Indian, Greek, and Roman healers used it as an aphrodisiac and to remedy colds and sore throats, indigestion, and other complaints. Lydia Pinkham included fenugreek in her famous 19th century "Vegetable Compound" nostrum for menstrual aches.
Modern perspective
Recent studies support traditional uses for digestion, menopausal complaints, heart disease, weight control and diabetes.
- Diabetes
- Pre-clinical and clinical studies have documented the efficacy of the fiber-rich fraction of fenugreek seeds in the management of diabetes. In Type I and II diabetics, administration of de-fatted, fiber-rich seed significantly reduces fasting blood glucose levels and improves performance in the glucose tolerance test. Researchers have used 5-100 g daily (one-fifth to three ounces)—of de-fatted fenugreek seed powder to control blood sugar swings in diabetes in the short term.
- Weight control
- Like guar gum, fenugreek can bind dietary fats to reduce their absorption. Fenugreek fiber also contributes to a feeling of fullness that may curb excessive appetite (see "Safety," below).
- Heart Health
- Fenugreek is rich in steroidal (furostanol) saponins—notably trigoneosides and diosgenin—which appear responsible for its healthful effects on blood fat and cholesterol levels. Serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglyceride levels, can be significantly reduced, while HDL (ggod) cholesterol levels remained unchanged.
Do scientists know how it works?
Chemical analysis of the seeds has identified steroidal, estrogen-like saponins trigoneosides, that have therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetes, menopausal symptoms and hypercholesteremia. The seeds are also rich in soluble fiber. Fenugreek seeds contain mucilage, which is soothing to mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Types of products
Fenugreek is available in capsules and liquids.
Safety
Fenugreek may stimulate uterine contractions so it shouldn't be used during pregnancy. Persons at risk of vitamin or mineral deficiency should not take high doses of dietary fiber for extended periods except under medical supervision, as fiber can bind with these nutrients and reduce absorption.
- Bordia A, et al. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997 May;56(5):379-84.
- Stark A, et al. The effect of an ethanol extract derived from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on bile acid absorption and cholesterol levels in rats. Br J Nutr. 1993 Jan;69(1):277-87.
- Sharma RD, et al. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990 Apr;44(4):301-6.
- Madar Z, et al. Dietary fiber. Prog Food Nutr Sci. 1987;11(2):153-74. Review.
Abstract
Bordia A, et al. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997 May;56(5):379-84.
In a placebo-controlled study the effect of ginger and fenugreek was examined on blood lipids, blood sugar, platelet aggregation, fibrinogen and fibrinolytic activity.
The subjects were healthy individuals, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who either had CAD or were without CAD.
Fenugreek given in a dose of 2.5 g twice daily for 3 months to healthy individuals did not affect the blood lipids and blood sugar (fasting and post prandial). However, administered in the same daily dose for the same duration to CAD patients also with NIDDM, fenugreek decreased significantly the blood lipids (total cholesterol and triglycerides) without affecting the HDL-c.
When administered in the same daily dose to NIDDM (non-CAD) patients (mild cases), fenugreek reduced significantly the blood sugar (fasting and post prandial). In severe NIDDM cases, blood sugar (both fasting and post prandial) was only slightly reduced. The changes were not significant. Fenugreek administration did not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity and fibrinogen.
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