Ginkgo biloba is a huge tree native to China that is found planted near Buddhist temples. Adorned with gold in the fall, it is recognizable among thousands thanks to its two-lobed fan-shaped leaves. Otherwise known as the "tree of forty écus", it has shown an incredible resistance to the ravages of time and disease. This is why it is part of the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, in addition to being a popular tree in parks and urban spaces. Discover the benefits of ginkgo on blood circulation disorders.
Le ginkgo biloba, un arbre dont l'apparition se compte en million d'années
Some authors suggest that ginkgo appeared on Earth 150 million years ago and others even go back as far as 250 million years! What you need to remember is that it is an ancient tree that has the ability to live through the ages and has developed an unfailing resistance. Some specimens are 4000 years old...
Les vertus antioxydantes du ginkgo
Flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants found in high concentrations in ginkgo leaves. Antioxidants protect cells from the harm of free radicals. These free radicals come from stress, pollution, smoking, too much sun, sports, a diet low in fruits and vegetables ... and cause premature aging of cells thus generating skin that gets damaged faster, cataracts, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative, circulatory disorders ...
Quand les scientifiques s'intéressent au ginkgo
Scientists are increasingly looking at the potential of ginkgo. For example, regarding intermittent claudication, which is a painful cramp that occurs during walking and subsides at rest*.
This is a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 111 patients diagnosed by angiography for peripheral vascular disease. For 24 weeks, patients received a ginkgo biloba extract. At the end of the experiment, the average pain-free walking distance had increased from 108.5 to 153.2m in the treated group and from 105.2m to 126.6m for the placebo group.
Les effets du ginkgo biloba sur la circulation sanguine
The flavonoids in ginkgo stimulate and strengthen blood circulation especially in the very small vessels (capillaries) and also protect the veins. It is therefore all recommended for people who suffer from bad venous return in the legs (varicose veins, phlebitis, heavy legs).
In addition, ginkgo induces vasorelaxation which also earns it WHO recognition as a complementary treatment for disorders related to peripheral arterial resistance.
Le ginkgo pour soulager les acouphènes d'origine vasculaire
The European Commission and WHO also recognize the benefits of ginkgo in cases of tinnitus of vascular origin. In this regard, a 2012 meta-analysis found that for well-conducted studies, a significant effect was demonstrated.**
Les troubles circulatoires liés au diabète
People with diabetes are at risk of developing severe forms of blood circulation disorders. In Africa, this remains one of the main reasons for lower limb amputations.
The ginkgo acts on microcirculation while improving blood viscosity and vasoelasticity.***
Précautions d'utilisation du ginkgo
The ginkgo is safe at the recommended dose. However, acting on the quality of blood flow, it is important to stop all Ginkgo intake 3 days before surgery.
On the other hand, it can wake up headaches due to its vasodilator effect. Adjust the dose as needed.
As a precautionary measure, do not take Ginkgo if you are on anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-epileptic, and anticonvulsant therapy.
Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women or children.
Study references:
*Peters H., Kieser M., Holscher U. Demonstration of the efficacy of ginkgo biloba special extract Egb761 on intermittent claudication - a placebo-controlled , double-blind multicenter trial . Vasa 1998; 27:106-10
** von BA. Ginkgo Biloba extract in the treatment of tinnitus: a systematic review. Neuropsychiatr. Dis. Treat 2011
*** Cybulska-Heinrich AK, Mozaffarieh M, Flammer J. Ginkgo biloba: an adjuvant therapy for progressive normal and high tension glaucoma. Mol. Vis. 2012; 18:390-402