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60 Liquid-filled Capsules • 100% Vegetarian

Description of Formula

HISTORY

Ginkgo is the oldest surviving species of tree and is often referred to as "the living fossil". Fossil records indicate that it probably originated during the Permian period about 250 million years ago. The tree ranged worldwide during the Paleozoic era and went into decline before the Ice Age, eventually retreating to the mountain forests of China.*

That Ginkgo is the only living species of its family speaks of the tree's hardiness. The first green growth to emerge in the city of Hiroshima after the atomic blast was Ginkgo. The properties of Ginkgo were first recorded around 2,800 BC. In Chinese folk medicine the leaf was used to support the respiratory system. It's truly amazing that Ginkgo, an ancient tree seeded millions of years ago, has survived to impart such a profound influence on human physiology.*

COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Modern day uses of Ginkgo are well established. In Europe it is used extensively to support cognitive function. Ginkgo and its constituents are the subjects of over 400 scientific publications, making it one of the most researched herbal products. Numerous clinical trials have documented Ginkgo's effects on cognitive function. Ginkgo has been shown to affect recall, recognition memory, reaction time, attention, concentration, psychomotor function, mood, information processing, and energy levels.*

Many clinical trials have been conducted on concentration and memory, absentmindedness, confusion, lack of energy, decreased physical performance, and anxiety. In one of the earliest placebo-controlled double-blind trials, patients demonstrated improvements in short term memory, concentration power, attention span, and mental flexibility.*

One of the first reviews of Ginkgo was published in the journal Lancet in 1992. The authors reviewed over 40 double-blind controlled trials of Ginkgo and cerebral function. After reviewing the trials, the authors concluded that Ginkgo is an effective support for cerebral function.*

A 52-week randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled, multicenter trial was conducted on 309 people. Subjects received either 40 mg of Ginkgo extract (24% Gingko flavonoids) three times a day, or a placebo. Compared to the subjects taking the placebo, those taking Gingko showed improvement in cognitive function. The authors concluded that Ginkgo was safe and appears capable of stabilizing and improving both cognitive performance and social functioning. Recently, an analysis of this study was performed to determine the efficacy of 26 weeks of treatment. After a six-month period, Gingko was effective in two areas: cognitive performance and social behavior. There was a significant worsening in all areas of assessment in the placebo group. There were no differences between Ginkgo and placebo with regards to side effects.*

Randomized, double blind placebo-controlled studies have also found Ginkgo to be effective in ordinary age-related memory loss. In two trials, healthy participants demonstrated an improvement in memory and improved speed of information processing.*

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Many diverse actions contribute to the overall effectiveness of Gingko. Not all of these mechanisms have been elucidated. Actions that possibly contribute to its effectiveness include direct and indirect antioxidant activity, neurotransmitter/ receptor modulation, platelet activating factor antagonism, and neuroprotective actions. The combined therapeutic effects are probably greater than that of an individual mechanism and are perhaps the result of the synergistic effects of multiple constituents of the total extract.*

Note: The intention of this information is to represent the traditional use of the herb and to inform the reader of any evolving inquiry relevant to the herb.

Formula (mg per 2 capsules)
Ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba)   128 mg
Other ingredients: Vegetable glycerin, vegetable cellulose (capsule)

Standardized To Full Spectrum Activity Profile
Bioactivity Per 2 Capsules (mg Activity)
24% Ginkgo flavonoid glycosides 30.8 mg
Each 2 capsules contains 6,000 mg crude herb equivalent

Dosage
1 capsule, 2 times daily

Duration of Use
4-6 months

Best Taken
Between meals, with a small amount of warm water

Complimentary Herbs/Formulas
Anti-Oxidant Supreme, Mental Alertness, Hawthorn Supreme

Safety Evaluation/Contraindications
Do not use during pregnancy or lactation.*

Known Drug Interactions
Consult a physician if taking any pharmaceutical drugs. Contraindications exist with blood thinning agents. do not use with cholesterol-reducing drugs, drugs that inhibit blood clotting and platelet aggregation including but not limited to Warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin, aspirin or any other medication that blocks platelets or otherwise increases bleeding.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.