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Information on GINKGO BILOBA
November 4 2006 at 10:11 AM Mingmei (Login Mingmei)

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The ginkgo is the oldest living tree on earth. Geological records indicate this plant has been growing on earth for 150 - 200 million years. Chinese monks are credited with keeping the tree in existence, as a sacred herb. It was first brought to Europe in the 1700's and it is now a commonly prescribed drug in France and Germany. It is one of the most well-researched herbs in the world. In the last 30 years, more that 300 studies have given clinical evidence that ginkgo prevents and benefits many problems throughout the entire body. Ginkgo is gaining recognition as a brain tonic that enhances memory because of its positive effects on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum. Ginkgo may help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental fatigue and lack of energy. Ginkgo works by increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the body's network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the organ systems. It increases metabolism efficiency, regulates neurotransmitters, and boosts oxygen levels in the brain which uses 20% of the body's oxygen. Benefits of enhanced circulation in the brain include improved short and long term memory, increased reaction time and improved mental clarity. Ginkgo is often used to treat elderly persons with Alzheimer's and other symptoms of cerebral insufficiency. Gingkgo is regarded as being a wonder substance for the body as a whole due to its promotion of circulatory health and blood vessel health.

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What to consider when buying Ginkgo
February 25 2007 at 7:44 PM ShortCat (Login ShortCat)
SENIOR MEMBER

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Ginkgo:

Consumers seeking products most similar to those used in clinical studies should seek those containing Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE). The plant chemicals in the extract are about 50 times more concentrated than in dried ginkgo leaf. Contamination with lead is also uncommon with extracts, as the extraction process may remove impurities. The extract should be standardized for the specific compounds tested for in this study. This is often summarized as 24% flavonol glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, or in terms of milligrams for a 40 mg pill, 9.6 mg and 2.4 mg, of each respectively. Although rarely listed on labels, products should ideally also be standardized for the following specific flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones: quercetin (minimum 9.5%), kaempferol (minimum 10.5%), isorhamnetin (minimum 2.0%), ginkgolides A, B, C (minimum 2.8%), and bilobalide (minimum 2.6%).


(I didn't understand halfway through.. lol)


Another Ginkgo Supplement Recalled
(Date Posted: 1/20/2006)

On January 19, 2006, Olympian Labs informed ConsumerLab.com that it recently issued a recall of a line of Ginkgo biloba supplements because the products "did not meet our specifications that our raw material supplier was contracted to follow." Affected are "Ginkgo 60mg" sold as single and twin bottles each containing 60 or 120 capsules and "Ginkgo 120 mg" sold as single and twin bottles each containing 60 capsules.

Problems with the 60 mg product was reported in December by ConsumerLab.com in its Product Review of Memory Enhancement Supplements. The Olympian Labs Incorporated 24% / 6% Standardized Ginkgo Biloba was one of thirteen ginkgo products tested. Of these, three were found to be contaminated with lead. The Olympian Labs product contained 6 mcg to 12 mcg of lead per day depending on the serving size. The product was also one of seven products found to be low in potency based on amounts of phytochemicals detected. The recall of another ginkgo product with low potency was posted on this site on December 31.

In its letter to retailers, Olympian Labs wrote, "We have purchased new raw material from a pharmaceutical firm that meets all of our specifications and we should have delivery of replacement product in several weeks." ConsumerLab.com has not tested the newer product.

The letter states that Olympian Labs "will replace all products at no cost to you and any of your customers that request returns can receive replacement product (up to 4 bottles) with no receipt, empty or partial bottle required."

Returns should be made to:

Kate Lilly
Olympian Labs
One Olympian Plaza
8445 E. Hartford Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255