Questions the effectiveness of the use of the herb ginkgo to
improve memory. Use of the herb for conditions ranging from depression
and memory loss to impotence; How the herb works; Benefits of the herb;
Reference to a number of clinical studies; Impact of the herb on elderly
patients.
By
Richard Finstein, published on September 01, 1998
Q: There's been a lot of hype about the use of ginkgo to improve
memory. Isthere any evidence that it works?
A: Definitely, and for more than just memory. Ginkgo--really an
extract of leaves from the ginkgo biloba tree--is one of the herbs I use
most commonly in my practice, for conditions ranging from depression and
memory loss to impotence. Hundreds of studies have shown that ginkgo has
powerful therapeutic effects. One of its most potent compounds,
Ginkgolide B, was isolated a decade ago by Harvard scientists.
The herb works in large part by dramatically increasing blood flow
to the brain. Chronic low blood flow--in some cases caused by heart
disease or a stroke--is a significant factor in the impairment of memory
and concentration.
Ginkgo may help slow or prevent the degeneration of memory and
other mental skills in another way: laboratory experiments with brain
tissue suggest that the herb protects neurons from damage by free
radicals of oxygen.
More than 40 clinical studies have shown that ginkgo helps improve
circulation in the brain and enhances mental functioning. In one study,
ginkgo extract was given to 18 patients who suffered from poor memory and
concentration. While their short-term recall did not improve immediately,
it did get better with continued use of ginkgo. The herb's impact has
been most remarkable in elderly patients suffering the effects of strokes
or Alzheimer's disease.
There is some evidence indicating that the herb may also help in
treating depression. In one study, 40 middle-aged patients with mild to
moderate depression who did not respond to medication were given either
ginkgo or a placebo. After four weeks, the severity of depression in the
placebo group had declined 10%. In the ginkgo group, it had been reduced
by 50%, and after eight weeks, by nearly 70%.
One caution: there is no support for the belief that ginkgo is a
socalled "smart drug" that can improve normal memory in healthy
people.
PHOTO (COLOR): Ginkgo restores memory to those who have lost
it--but it's no "smart drug."
BY DR. RICHARD FIRSHEIN
Tags:
alternative medicine,
blood flow,
brain,
brain tissue,
depression,
elderly patients,
ginkgo,
laboratory experiments,
low blood,
Memory,
mental functioning,
moderate depression,
placebo group,
poor memory,
severity,
therapeutic effects,
treating depression
