Ginkgo biloba description, composition, properties and uses of the plant

• September 26, 2019
• dietary supplement
• Fedor Bunin

In Korea, China and Japan, the relict ginkgo tree is considered a symbol of longevity and perseverance. Its leaf extract improves memory, slows down brain aging, and activates thought processes. Dietary supplements made on its basis are quite in demand around the world. Sales of these drugs exceed billions of dollars. One of the popular such remedies is Ginkgo Biloba from Evalar.

Description of the biological additive: composition and release form

was founded back in 1991, and in 2019 received a GMP international quality standard certificate.

The biological supplement “Ginkgo Biloba” is available in the form of tablets. One cardboard pack contains 20 such pills, placed in blister cells. You can also find the drug on sale in capsule form. They are packaged in plastic bottles, each containing 40 capsules.

One tablet contains 40 mg of active substance and about 20 mg of glycine. Among the additional ingredients, the manufacturer notes the following:

• cellulose;
• titanium dioxide;
• food coloring;
• croscarmellose;
• calcium stearate;
• silica;
• polyethylene glycol.

Tablets and capsules based on Ginkgo biloba

Plant-based preparations are becoming increasingly popular. Some of them are certified, clinical trials are medicines. Dietary supplements do not pass such tests, but the biologically active additives included in their composition must be approved by the Ministry of Health.

Let's list both of them:

• Tanakan is a herbal medicine prescribed for intermittent claudication, hearing and vision impairment, loss of strength in the limbs, tremors, and Raynaud's syndrome. Available in the form of tablets and solution. Dosage – 3 times a day, 1 tablet, with ½ glass of water during meals (price from 450 to 1900 rubles).
• Evalar is a dietary supplement that contains, in addition to ginkgo extract, glycine. Effective for attention disorders, decreased memory and mental development indicators, and cerebral blood supply. It is recommended to take one tablet once a day for at least 3 weeks. The course is repeated three times a year (from 160 rubles).
• Doppelhertz is a complex bioactive supplement recommended for older people suffering from dizziness and tinnitus. Improves the condition of cerebral circulation disorders. The tablets, in addition to the dry extract, contain riboflavin, thiamine and pyridoxine hydrochloride. The course of treatment is 2 months, during which you should take 1 tablet every day (from 300 rubles).
• Ginkgo Biloba from Now Foods - vegetarian capsules in dosages of 60 and 120 mg, containing Eleutherococcus, ginkgo extracts and gotu kola. Indications for use include previous stroke and heart attack, headaches, impaired potency, stress and venous diseases. Take 1 capsule per day, preferably in the morning, because... the drug may affect the quality of sleep (from RUB 1,300).
• Ginkgo Biloba from Doctor's Best is a complex vegan herbal medicine in capsules, consisting of more than 40 ingredients. Among them are ginkgo biloba, phosphorus, potassium salts, calcium, thymine. The drug, taken 1-2 capsules per day, reduces blood pressure, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves blood circulation and memory at any age. (from 470 rub.).
• Ginkgo Biloba from Jarrow Formulas is a vegetarian dietary supplement rich in ginkgolides. The manufacturer recommends the drug for cardiovascular diseases, taking one capsule with food, unless a specialist recommends otherwise.
• Ginkor Fort, IPSEN PHARMA company - capsules indicated for impaired venous circulation in the legs, hemorrhoids. Contains gentaminol chloride (can give a positive test during doping control) and troxerutin. Dosage: capsule in the morning and evening for problems with veins, 3-4 capsules twice a day for hemorrhoids (treatment duration 5-15 days) (from 550 to 980 rubles).
• Memo Plant (Germany) – tablets of 120, 40 and 80 mg. Recommended for dysfunction of the middle ear and problems of peripheral circulation. Dosage and frequency of administration depends on the diagnosis. Tablets are taken swallowed whole (from 520 rubles).
• Revital ginkgo (India) – tablets, capsules and solution recommended for use for numbness of the hands, vasoconstriction, dyscircular encephalopathy, diabetic retinopathy. Dosage: 3 months, 1 tablet three times a day. An improvement in the condition is observed after 1 month of taking the drug.
• Bilobil (Slovenia) - capsules presented in three dose forms - bilobil 40 mg, bilobil forte - 80 mg, bilobil Intense - 120 mg. They have antioxidant, antihypoxic and angioprotective effects. They are swallowed whole with water. The dosage is determined by the doctor based on the disease (from 310 to 1000 rubles).
• Hoat Hiet (Vietnam) is a combination drug produced in the form of capsules. In addition to ginkgo seeds, they contain nothopanax extract. The capsules restore brain function and improve blood circulation in it, restore coordination of movements in Parkinson's, and also fight intracranial pressure, stimulate appetite and improve memory. Dosage: adults – 2-3 capsules, children – 1 capsule once a day for at least 3 weeks.
• Rökan® plus (Germany) – when taking 1-2 tablets at a dose of 80 mg. twice a day, the severity of headaches and ringing in the ears decreases. The drug is also indicated for the treatment of dementia (costs about 100 euros).

In pharmacies you can purchase both expensive ginkgo-based drugs and their cheap analogues. If the composition includes the same components, then regardless of the price, the drugs will have the same effect.

Mechanism of action

According to the instructions for use, Ginkgo Biloba from Evalar has the following characteristics:

• weakens vascular tone;
• increases performance and resistance to stress factors;
• has a pronounced antioxidant effect;
• has a diuretic effect;
• improves cerebral circulation and supply of nutrients to the central nervous system;
• reduces blood viscosity;
• protects cell membranes from destruction;
• accelerates metabolic processes in the body.

After taking the Ginkgo Biloba capsules from Evalar, they enter the stomach and intestines, where the absorption process begins. Almost 100% of the additive penetrates into the blood after an hour and a half. The maximum concentration level lasts up to 3.5 hours, then is excreted through the kidneys. This takes approximately 7 hours.

Ginkgo Really Works

The areas of its application are considered, first of all, to be age-related diseases associated with circulatory disorders and brain performance. Thus, gingko is intended to fight senile dementia by improving or slowing down the process. It is intended to prevent migraines, slow the progression of multiple sclerosis, reduce premenstrual symptoms in women and improve hearing. Gingko can reduce visual restrictions in glaucoma.

Effect of ginkgo extract:

• blood thinning;
• improving blood circulation in small vessels (microcirculation) and, consequently, increasing the content of oxygen and nutrients in the gray cells of the brain;
• interception of harmful aggressive molecules that attack cells;
• protecting nerve cells, preventing their destruction and increasing the effectiveness of their action.

In recent decades, numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of ginkgo. The euphoria surrounding the “miracle drug” was high for many years, after which disappointment set in: several recent clinical studies showed questionable results of previously proven benefits.

Indications

Several thousand years ago, ginkgo leaves were used in the East to treat a number of diseases. Today, their extract is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's syndrome in the United States, and in Germany for dementia. However, the scope of use of the plant does not end with the listed pathologies. According to the instructions for use, Ginkgo Biloba from Evalar can be used for the following health problems:

1. Raynaud's syndrome.
2. Phobias of various origins.
3. Conditions after stress.
4. Violation of potency.
5. Increased anxiety syndrome.
6. Impaired cognitive abilities.
7. Pathologies of cerebral vessels (atherosclerosis, hypertension).
8. Retinal vascular damage due to diabetes.
9. Ischemic disorders.

The list of diseases for the treatment of which dietary supplements can be used is constantly expanding. In the course of research, scientists are discovering new properties of the plant.

Phytotherapy

For some, modern Western medicine is unconventional. At the same time, adherents of these treatment methods use acupuncture, reflexology, special types of massage, homeopathy and herbal medicine very actively. This situation is observed in eastern countries. In the West, plants are also often used in healing in the form of extracts or as supportive therapy. Herbal medicine can help heal wounds, normalize blood pressure, body temperature, and relieve inflammation. Of the approximately 300 thousand plant species, about 20 thousand are used for medicinal purposes. And for many people these are the only means of treatment, since not everyone has access to even the simplest medicines, and some simply believe that a cure for any ailment can be found in nature. So it is not surprising how wide the scope of plants is used in the treatment of various diseases.

Dosage regimen

The drug "Ginkgo Biloba" from "Evalar" is taken for a course of 3 weeks to 3 months. It can be done twice a year. The daily norm for adults is 1-2 tablets or capsules. The exact dosage is selected by the doctor individually.

The tablets are taken orally during meals with plenty of water. They should not be chewed or crushed. The daily dosage should not exceed 120 mg.

Is it possible to grow at home

Few people would refuse to have at their disposal ginkgo biloba, a plant that is a powerful source of health and longevity. Many gardeners may be very interested in trying to grow such an exotic plant at home. And it’s actually not that difficult, and buying seeds is not particularly difficult. The only problem is the choice of variety, because at home you cannot grow a tree from which medicines are made. You will have to be content with the decorative dwarf form, which is quite difficult to force to bloom and bear fruit. But you can try to grow it in central Russia in open ground; there is information that there are adult specimens of Ginkgo biloba in Moscow.

Reviews from those who have already tried to plant this plant at home suggest that it is best to take fresh seeds, since they quickly lose their viability as they are stored. The first shoots may appear about a month after being placed in the ground. Seedlings develop extremely slowly and do not tolerate transplantation well. The plant loves bright, diffused light, as well as well-moistened soil, otherwise it is considered quite unpretentious.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be able to obtain flowers or fruits from the plant, at least in the foreseeable future. But since the leaves are mainly used in treatment, they can be collected, dried and prepared from them, so as not to depend on pharmacies. Folk recipes tell you how to prepare vodka tinctures and decoctions, even honey with the addition of ginkgo biloba! In addition to the officially recognized indications for use, the plant is also used to alleviate conditions, for example, with tuberculosis. So, perhaps in the coming years many more amazing properties of ginkgo will become known.

Possible contraindications

The dietary supplement "Ginkgo Biloba" from "Evalar" is prohibited for people who have hypersensitivity to its components. Also, the drug is not recommended for use for the following health problems:

• poor blood clotting;
• stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer;
• history of heart attacks and strokes;
• arterial hypotension;
• cerebrovascular accidents;
• glucose-galactose deficiency.

Other contraindications include periods of pregnancy and lactation, as well as ages under 16 years. The dietary supplement should be taken with caution by people with epilepsy, as well as after surgery due to the high risk of profuse bleeding.

Health and beauty thanks to Ginkgo

In Asia, especially in China, the “miracle tree” has long been used to maintain beauty and as a medicinal plant - the seeds or fruits, as well as leaves and bark are eaten for asthma, bronchitis, circulatory disorders, skin diseases, urinary incontinence and anxiety. states. However, they are especially effective for poor concentration and memory disorders.

The preparations use extracts of dried ginkgo leaves, which are obtained in a long process consisting of more than 20 stages. Particularly effective are the flavonoids and terpenoids contained in the leaves, which are found only in this plant in a special form of ginkolides and bilobalides.

Why do plant leaves go through so many stages during processing?

There are two reasons: the valuable ingredients of the leaves are difficult to dissolve in water and therefore cannot be fully used by the body. Moreover, consuming the leaves may even be harmful because natural ginkgo also contains allergy-causing substances. Therefore, gingko preparations add the desired ingredients and remove the unwanted substances.

Side effects

"Ginkgo Biloba" from "Evalar" is quite well tolerated by patients. However, the occurrence of adverse reactions cannot be excluded. The most common among them are:

• headache;
• allergies in the form of urticaria and skin itching;
• nausea, vomiting;
• dizziness, weakness.

If these symptoms appear, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor for advice. There are no reported cases of overdose. However, if your general condition worsens due to the use of increased doses of the supplement, you should also stop using it and contact a medical facility.

Description

The Ginkgo biloba tree reaches 50 meters in height, the crown consists of fan-shaped needles up to 8 cm wide on a long thin petiole. The crown of this tree forms a pyramid shape, and over time it becomes spreading. The trunk reaches a diameter of 4 meters, the root system is powerful and strong. The plant is dioecious, female trees develop an ovule, and male trees develop a pollen grain. Pollinated by wind, the flower is a yellow-green cluster with many stamens. In autumn, apricot-shaped fruits are formed; they have an unpleasant smell of rancid oil.

In autumn, apricot-shaped fruits are formed; they have an unpleasant smell of rancid oil

Analogs

Ginkgo plant extract is used in other preparations that have a similar mechanism of action:

1. "Tanakan." The French company produces the drug in two dosage forms: 40 mg tablets and oral solution.
2. "Memoplant". This is a German product containing 40 mg of active substance.
3. "Bilobil." A manufacturer from Slovenia produces a product with a concentration of 40, 80 or 120 mg of ginkgo tree extract.

The listed drugs differ from those described in the article only by manufacturer and cost.

Using dinosaur wood in cosmetology

Unique raw materials have found application in cosmetology. Experts, for its ability to rejuvenate the body, call “the same age as dinosaurs” as a tree of youth. Ginkgo biloba provides a complex effect:

• promotes rejuvenation;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• reduces swelling;
• smoothes wrinkles;
• strengthens hair;
• activates the growth of strands.

Ginkgo biloba is actively used in mesotherapy. It is used to improve the condition of mature skin. The drug is in demand in the correction of rosacea and to eliminate swelling.

Analyzing reviews about the ginkgo biloba plant, it should be emphasized that positive opinions about the dinosaur tree are more common. But sometimes therapy is less successful, and most often due to errors in application. To enhance the beneficial effects of ginkgo biloba on the body, some women combine mesotherapy with internal intake of plant materials. This combination can lead to an overdose. As a result, bruises or hemorrhages will appear on the skin.

Storage conditions and cost

The shelf life of the drug "Ginkgo Biloba" from "Evalar" is 2 years. It is recommended to store it in a dry, dark place. Be sure to keep away from children.

The dietary supplement is available without a doctor's prescription. There are several options where you can purchase it:

1. Official website of the manufacturer. When ordering a product on the official website, there is no risk of purchasing a fake. The cost of the drug is 193 rubles.
2. Pharmacy chains. The cost at the pharmacy is always slightly higher when compared with the manufacturer’s official website. It includes transportation and other expenses. The final price may also vary depending on the region of sale. For example, in Moscow it is 203 rubles, and in Khabarovsk - 255 rubles.
3. Online stores. Drugs on websites are usually cheaper than in pharmacies. For example, in Khabarovsk, a package of capsules will cost 204 rubles. However, in an online store you may encounter low-quality or counterfeit goods.

We prepare the product ourselves

If for some reason you cannot buy the drug at the pharmacy, do not be upset - prepare it yourself at home. Ginkgo biloba remedy is prepared in two ways: with alcohol and with water.

Alcohol product

Pour 50 grams of dry leaves of the plant with high-quality vodka (half a liter). Let it brew for two weeks. Then strain through cheesecloth. Take 20 drops orally three times a day for two months.

Other recipes for making alcohol tincture:

1. Pour 15 grams of crushed dry biloba leaves with 60 percent alcohol (100 milliliters). Let it brew for 14 days in a dark place. After straining, drink fifteen drops three times a day for 30 days. If the doctor prescribes another course of treatment, take a break of 10 days and continue therapy;
2. Pour crushed plant leaves (50 grams) with vodka (half a liter). Let sit for ten days and filter. Drink 10 drops three times a day before meals. The duration of therapy is 30 days. After a while, take a break for seven days and repeat the course;
3. Pour a teaspoon of dry leaves into a glass of moonshine. Let it brew for two weeks. Shake systematically. At the end of cooking, filter. Take 15 drops diluted in a tablespoon of water twice a day 30 minutes before eating.

You can store the finished product in alcohol for no more than two years. You will see the first results from treatment ten days after the start of therapy. To get a good long-term result, you need to drink the tincture for at least three months.

If for some reason you interrupted treatment, prepare a new remedy from tree leaves for the next course. Never use the old one! Since it has already lost its beneficial properties and can only harm your health.

water remedy

Pour a glass of boiling water into a half-liter thermos. Add 5 grams of dry leaves of the plant. Let it brew for two hours. Then strain and drink 70 milliliters of water tincture before eating.

There is also this recipe for preparing a tincture of the plant in water:

1. Pour 15 grams of leaves with a glass of boiled water;
2. Boil for 15 minutes and let sit for half an hour;
3. After a while, strain.

You can let it sit in a tightly closed thermos for one hour and filter. Drink a tablespoon three times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 21 days and 7 days off. You need to take three such courses. To get the maximum effect from the treatment, you need to take the water tincture for at least three months.

Ginkgo biloba leaves can be added to green tea, as well as ginseng tea. Such drinks are excellent at fighting fatigue and clarifying mental clarity.

Patient reviews

Consumers have different opinions about the drug Ginkgo Biloba from Evalar. Among the positive aspects, they note high availability and low price. In addition, the supplement really increases performance, helps with stress, and reduces fatigue. All this is possible thanks to increased blood circulation - this is another advantage. Elderly people prefer to take the drug in the autumn-spring period to combat weather dependence, when atmospheric pressure changes.

There are also negative opinions. If you have a history of intolerance to mango or cashew, there is a high probability of a cross-allergic reaction to the components present in Ginkgo Biloba from Evalar. In addition, the positive therapeutic effect does not appear immediately. This requires about a month of taking the pills. It lasts only while using the drug. Many consumers note the occurrence of increased irritability, which persists throughout the course of treatment.

According to reviews from doctors, Ginkgo Biloba from Evalar really helps improve cognitive functions. The drug is a good prophylactic for most vascular pathologies. However, a visible therapeutic effect is possible only if the dosage of the biological supplement is correctly selected for the patient. This once again proves the need for preliminary consultation with a specialist.

Distribution in nature

It is believed that the natural habitats of ginkgo are located only in a small part of Eastern China. However, some botanists doubt that these groves are natural, since they appear to have simply been cultivated by farmers, albeit for many centuries.

Some time after the discovery of ginkgo for science, the trees began to be transported all over the world, where they took root well due to their unpretentiousness. They are widespread, but most often only as decorative. Of course, this plant is very beautiful, but is it worth so stubbornly ignoring its enormous potential?

Indications for taking ginkgo + glycine complexes

Supplements in which the effects of ginkgolides are enhanced by the presence of the amino acid are used for a number of diseases. Main indications for their combined use:

1. Increased mental and physical stress.
2. Stress, chronic fatigue syndrome.
3. Decreased memory and concentration, deterioration in performance and learning ability.
4. Cerebral atherosclerosis.
5. Senile dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
6. Manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia: dizziness, periodic noise and ringing in the ears, hypoacusia.
7. Sleep disorders.
8. Elimination of the consequences of ischemic stroke.
9. Elimination of brain disorders caused by alcoholism and long-term use of neurotropic drugs.

Therapeutic efficacy

The therapeutic effect of Doppelhertz active Ginkgo Biloba + B1 + B2 + B6 is due to the pharmacological properties of the active ingredients:

• ginkgo biloba extract has an antihypoxic effect and stimulates gas exchange in tissues;
• thiamine normalizes carbohydrate metabolism and reduces pain during the development of neurological diseases;
• lactoflavin stimulates mental activity and removes free radicals from the body;
• Pyridoxine accelerates glucose metabolism and normalizes blood sugar levels.

The fortified product has an antioxidant, immunostimulating and antiviral effect. Systematic intake of the dietary supplement prevents the development of senile sclerosis.

During pregnancy

According to the instructions, the use of drugs during pregnancy is not prohibited, but treatment is carried out when the benefit to the mother exceeds the potential risk to the child. It is not known whether the active substance crosses the placenta and breast milk, so therapy is carried out with caution both during pregnancy and breastfeeding .

Description of the tree and its properties

The unique tree amazes with its impressive size. The thickness of its trunk can reach 4 m. And the height of Ginkgo biloba is sometimes 45 m. This giant is considered one of the honorary centenarians of the planet, because some trees are more than a thousand years old.

Sometimes the medicinal raw materials of ginkgo biloba are called herbs. And, despite the fact that we are talking about a tree, this formulation is also true. At the same time, it is necessary to understand what the herb Ginkgo biloba is. This is the foliage of a tree.

Use in folk medicine

From the raw materials, you can prepare a decoction or remedy from several components at home.

Ginkgo honey for blood vessels

To cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol, prevent and treat cardiovascular pathologies, a mixture of fresh ginkgo leaves and honey is used. Accordingly, you need to take 0.5 kg of pure crushed raw materials and honey, mix the ingredients. Store in the refrigerator in a container with a closed lid. Take a teaspoon in two doses per day.

Decoction to enhance male strength

For erectile dysfunction, prepare this decoction. Pour a glass of boiling water (200 ml) into 1 tbsp. herbs (10 g) ginkgo in a heatproof bowl. Keep in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, then remove, wrap and wait half an hour. Strain 130 ml and divide into 2 doses of 65 ml. Drink morning and evening, eat food after 10 minutes.

Some facts

Doppelhertz active Ginkgo Biloba+B1+B2+B6 is a bioactive supplement recommended for the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency conditions. An additional source of B vitamins, bioflavonoids and organic acids improves tissue trophism, blood circulation and memory. Can be used in the treatment of diseases caused by hypovitaminosis, disturbances in wakefulness and sleep, as well as attention disorders.

special instructions

In Russia you can grow a tree yourself. Such a plant will be unique - it has a special leaf pattern, similar to ancient ferns. The tree is unpretentious, according to the instructions, it overwinters at a temperature of 0-6 degrees; you can place it in the refrigerator for the winter and limit the water regime. Like any plant, Ginkgo biloba has its pros and cons (adverse reactions such as indigestion, allergies, headaches). The advantages include:

• improvement of systemic blood flow at the main and microcirculatory levels;
• antioxidant effect;
• change in the rheological qualities of blood towards antiplatelet properties;
• anti-ischemic effect;
• neuro-, nephroprotective effects.

Medicinal properties

Now it is difficult to understand who came up with the idea of ​​​​using ginkgo as a medicine. The healing properties were probably discovered by trial and error. It was discovered that substances contained in the leaves of the plant can increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and reduce their fragility. In addition, they have a beneficial effect on brain function, normalize blood pressure, relieve spasms of peripheral vessels, and can help lose weight, heal wounds, and improve metabolism.

In folk remedies, processed gingko biloba leaves are also used as a remedy against motion sickness, to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and for the general health of the body, as well as strengthening the immune system.

Ultimately, pharmacologists paid attention to the unique properties of this plant and began to isolate the most useful and active substances from its tissues in order to obtain medicines that are now indispensable for some people

Instructions for use of Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg capsules

If you have neurosensory disorders, you should buy Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg capsules and also take them for 1.5-2 months, one capsule three times a day. For preventive purposes, the drug is prescribed one capsule a day in the morning. If you lack good memory, concentration and stability under stress, try Cebraton Vietnamese capsules to stimulate brain function.