Ginkgo resists devastation, produces miracles in medicine
by KC Jones, reporter

    Americans seem obsessed with youth.

    The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon searched for the fabled fountain of youth.

    Scientists apparently will try anything to increase the life span of people.

    But nature, in the ginkgo biloba tree, offers hope for many aging patients, especially those prone to brain disorders and diseases.

    The ginkgo tree is considered a living fossil because it can be traced back 200 million years.

    Scientists believed that individual trees live as long as two to four thousand years.

    The tree is incredibly resistant to environmental factors like disease, insects and pollution—even atom bombs.

    In the devastation left by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, all plants were destroyed except for one.

    The following spring, the one remaining ginkgo sent out new green shoots.

    Today that tree stands as a national treasure at the famous site of Ground Zero.

    Its resilience may help perpetuate the tree’s reputation to increase longevity and resist aging.

    The edible almond-shaped, white seed is sold in most oriental marketplaces and is abundant in stores in the metroplex.

    Medicinal powers are found in the leaf, but the fruit is toxic.

    Dr. Michael Murray, co-author of Textbook of Natural Medicine, has researched ginkgo biloba extensively.

    “This ancient tree helps the aging. It can reduce senility and depression,” he said.

    During his research, Murray discovered that ginkgo has high contents of flavonoids and other healthful factors.

    Scientists proved that flavonoids are essential in preventing illnesses and maintaining good health.

    Flavonoids act as free radical scavengers.

    Radicals are responsible for cancer, plaque in the arteries and the natural aging process.

    Extensive studies have affirmed ginkgo biloba’s effectiveness in dilating and normalizing blood vessels and blood flow, providing the brain with more oxygen and glucose.

    These studies have created much interest from those treating Alzheimer’s disease.

    Test patients suffering from an insufficient blood flow in the legs had improved blood flow in the limb, according to studies, resulting in improved walking comfort after being treated with the ginkgo biloba extract.

    This research could be an important factor for treating diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease.

    Other symptoms that have been alleviated include short-term memory loss, vertigo, headache and ringing in the ears.

    Because it aids in ATP synthesis, it increases energy. Also, ginkgo biloba improves the transmission of nerve signals.

    When used to treat urinary incontinence, it seemed to help children with bed wetting problems get through the night.

    Betty Snowden, RN, has spent the last 20 years helping people feel better with GNLD’s nutritional supplements.

    “One of the products I sell, has ginkgo biloba in it. Ginkgo is known to help sharpen the mind by supporting mental focus and function,” she said.

     “I can tell a difference when I take it, especially if I feel drowsy. It picks me right up,” she said.

    Researchers have standardized ginkgo treatment by using a 24 percent flavonoid extract.

    A 40 mg. dose is recommended three times a day.

    The product should also be tannin-free and have a 50:1 ratio.

    Ginkgo extract side effects of slight headache or upset digestion are rare.

    No known drug or supplement interactions exist.