The Debate Over Ginko Biloba

For the record, Ginkgo bilobahas been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today, it is one of the top selling herbs in the United States.

According to information posted on MayoClinic.com, Ginkgo is used for the treatment of numerous conditions, many which are under on-going scientific investigation. Available evidence demonstrates ginkgo's efficacy in the management of intermittent claudication, Alzheimer's/multi-infarct dementia, and "cerebral insufficiency" (a syndrome thought to be secondary to atherosclerotic disease, characterized by impaired concentration, confusion, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety).

The medical website Mercola.com points out further that although not definitive, there is "promising" early evidence favoring use of ginkgo for memory enhancement in healthy subjects, altitude (mountain) sickness, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and reduction of chemotherapy-induced end-organ vascular damage.

According to an article posted on www.womenrepublic.co.uk , studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can improve short term memory in people of all ages but is particularly beneficial for older people who may also be suffering from age related memory loss.

Of course the flip side to this argument is well presented by a study presented by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (March 2007) which basically recapped that for over 260 men and women involved Ginko biloba was no batter or worse than a placebo. For those who felt it worked -- it did. And for those non-believers in the crowd -- it did nothing. I'm not sure if that's the basis for an in-depth study.

Meanwhile on a more studied plane, although the debate continues about the validity of popular herbal medicines, research conducted at the Health Science Center is investigating the effects of Ginko Biloba on diabetes.

George Kudolo, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Texas, is studying Gingko biloba and researching what effects, if any, this herb may have on patients suffering from the insulin resistance syndrome - a term used to describe a number of conditions associated with diabetes, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity and stroke.

According to an article on the DCLS website (www.uthscsa.edu), Kudolo is studying other aspects of the herb, including its effect on the pancreas (which provides a direct link to diabetes) and its anti-oxidant properties. Dr. Kudolo is quick to point out that Gingko biloba should not be considered a cure for all ailments and that more testing is needed before it is known who benefits from the herb.

So the jury is still out when it comes to Ginko biloba. For what it's worth, there are many sources on-line where you can purchase Ginko biloba -- either in raw root form or in gell - capsules or tablets. Prices vary. The big question is how much are YOU willing to pay if there is a product out there that will help your memory, circulation and a host of other ailments?