Indications

Primary uses-

Cerebral insufficiency: memory deficit, depression, attention and memory loss that occur with Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia.
Vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) of vascular and involutional origin.
Peripheral vascular disease: Improvement of pain-free walking distance in Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease in Stage II according to Fontaine (intermittent claudication) in a regimen of physical therapeutic measures, in particular walking exercise.

Other potential Uses-

Acute cochlear deafness.
Sexual dysfunction associated with SSRI use.
Protective action in Hypoxia.

Description

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest trees on the earth, having lived for over 150 million years. This is used as an herbal medicine for centuries. Ginkgo is generally accepted as a remedy for minor deficits in brain function, such as those that occur with advancing age. It is used to improve concentration and combat short-term memory loss due to dogged arteries in the brain, and to treat dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache and emotional hypersensitivity accompanied by anxiety.

Pharmacology

Ginkgo inhibits binding of platelet-activating factor (PAF) to platelets resulting in inhibited platelet aggregation and increased blood fluidity; reduces thrombosis, improvements in cognition, working memory, short-term visual memory in dementia, short-term memory in cerebral insufficiency, social functioning in people with dementia, concentration in people with dementia, attention in people with dementia, tinnitus in people with dementia, activities of daily living (ADL) scores in people under 60 years old, mood and sleep in older individuals.

Dosage & Administration

Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg: 1 or 2 capsules daily or as advised by the physician.
Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg:1 or 2 capsules daily or as advised by the physician.

Contraindications

Ginkgo Biloba should only be used with caution in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents i.e. warfarin, heparin & aspirin. It is also contraindicated in bleeding disorders due to increased bleeding potential associated with chronic use (6-12 months) or before elective surgery. Contraindicated in patients with known risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage.

Side Effects

No side effects following proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. In pooled clinical trials involving 10,000 patients, the incidence of side effects produced by Ginkgo Biloba extract was extremely small. There were few cases of headaches, dizziness, palpitation, gastrointestinal disturbances, bleeding disorders & skin hypersensitivity reactions. In higher than recommended doses, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and weakness may occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation

No Known restriction still found during use in pregnancy and lactation.

Precautions & Warnings

Before taking this product, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, have bleeding problems, seizures, convulsions or epilepsy. Ginkgo biloba may decrease the ability of blood to clot. Stop taking this product at least 2 weeks before surgery

Use in Special Populations

Ginkgo Biloba should not be used in children under 12 years.

Therapeutic Class

Herbal and Nutraceuticals

Storage Conditions

Keep out of the reach of children. Keep away from light and moisture. Store in a dry and cool place.