What is Ginko?
Ginkgo is obtained from the leaves of the ginkgo tree (usually planted for ornamental purposes). The leaves contain numerous biologically active substances. Ginkgo is one of the most commonly used herbal supplements.
Ginkgo biloba supports healthy circulation with two groups of beneficial compounds. For thousands of years, herbalists of traditional Chinese medicine have recommended ginkgo biloba to improve vein health. Modern analysis has supported this ancient use, revealing that ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidant flavonoids – which scavenge harmful free radicals – and terpenoids, which dilate blood vessels and promote blood flow. Ginkgo biloba is available in capsule form and liquid form in the form of tincture (more information HERE) , and natural health experts advise standardized products containing 23 to 32 percent flavonoids (also called heterosides) and 6 to 12 percent terpenoids.
Additional radiation protection
A report published in the October 11, 2009 issue of the International Journal of Low Radiation added evidence for the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba against radiation damage. Ginkgo biloba is a type of tree whose leaves have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Ginkgo leaf extract contains antioxidant compounds called gincolides and bilobalides that help scavenge free radicals that attack almost all cell components, including DNA. In their article, Chang-Mo Kang of the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences in Taegu and colleagues describe their use of a radiation-induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) assay to assess the protective effect of ginkgo extract against exposure to radiation that occurs during accidents or occupational overexposure. In one experiment, white blood cells from human donors between the ages of 18 and 50 were treated with one of four concentrations of ginkgo extract or 9 percent saline before exposure to gamma rays. The researchers found a significant dose-dependent reduction in apoptotic cells among those who consumed ginkgo. While radiation-induced apoptosis occurred in nearly one-third of irradiated cells not treated with ginkgo, the number dropped to 5 percent or less in cells treated with the herb. In another experiment, mice were treated with ginkgo extract or saline before and after receiving whole-body ionizing radiation. Mice that were not exposed to radiation served as controls. Examining the spleens of animals found with the consumption of ginkgo that the size of the organ was maintained comparable to that of animals that were not irradiated, while the spleens of irradiated animals that did not receive ginkgo were significantly smaller. In their discussion of the findings, the authors note that cell-damaging free radicals and reactive oxygen species can be produced in excess under a number of conditions, including exposure to environmental chemicals, certain medications, and during normal aging. "These results indicate that the radioprotective effects of ginkgo extracts administered before irradiation are due to OH radical scavenging activity," the authors write. "Therefore, ginkgo extract should be useful for protecting radiosensitive organs from free radicals.
More essential benefits of ginkgo
Ginkgo reduces the clotting tendency of blood particles that prevent bleeding (platelets), dilates blood vessels (thus improving blood flow) and reduces inflammation. Ginkgo is taken for many reasons, such as improving blood flow in the lower legs in people with atherosclerotic vascular disease of the arteries in the legs (peripheral artery disease) and treating dementia (as in Alzheimer's disease). Scientific studies show that ginkgo benefits people with peripheral artery disease. disease, although the benefit is small. People who took ginkgo were able to walk longer distances without pain. Based on the findings of a large clinical trial, the benefit for people with dementia is small. In this clinical trial, ginkgo was not effective in reducing the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly However, a previous large US clinical trial found that ginkgo temporarily stabilized mental and social function in people with mild to moderate dementia.
Studies have shown that ginkgo can slow the development of age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease. Earlier evidence showed that ginkgo helps relieve ringing in the ears (tinnitus), but more recent findings contradict earlier evidence. Ginkgo can prevent altitude sickness in some people. Ginkgo can prevent kidney damage caused by the drug ciclosporin, which suppresses the immune system.
Important: Ginkgo biloba extracts are made only from the leaves. The fruits and seeds of Ginkgo biloba, also known as the hair tree, can be poisonous and should not be eaten.
Interesting fact: One plant that had no consequences after the atomic bomb in Hiroshima.
Original:
https://www.hemed.hr/Default.aspx?sid=19493
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3113353/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16412663/
https://inis.iaea.org/search/search.aspx?orig_q=RN:47066900
https://kwanten.home.xs4all.nl/hiroshima.htm
