origin

The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is probably the oldest plant species in the world and has been at home on Earth for around 200 million years. It originally comes from China, where the oldest known ginkgo tree, over 5,000 years old, is located. Today, the ginkgo tree is cultivated worldwide. As the last survivor of the plant genus "Ginkgoaceae," Ginkgo biloba is neither a deciduous nor a coniferous tree, and therefore, among other things, a true phenomenon in botany.

The Ginkgo biloba even has Goethe inspired to dedicate a poem to him:

“Ginkgo Biloba
This tree leaf, which comes from the east
Entrusted to my garden,
It offers a taste of hidden meaning,
As it pleases the wise.
Is it a living being?
That which is separated within itself?
Are they two that are exquisite,
That they are known as one?
To answer such questions
I guess I found the right meaning.
Don't you feel it in my songs?
That I am one and two?“

His name comes from Japanese and is composed of the words “Gin” (Silver) and “Kyo” (apricot) together. “Biloba” in turn refers to the plant’s two-part, fan-like leaf shape. The tree reaches a height of up to 30 meters and in autumn it produces approximately 3 cm long, greenish-yellow fruits.

Due to its longevity and resilience, the Ginkgo biloba has always attracted the interest of Naturopathy Botanists refer to it as a "living fossil" that has survived even the dinosaurs. Its resistance to heat, cold, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and environmental stresses is impressive. It survived the ice ages in Japan and China and is still cultivated in Japan. "Tree of Hope" Named: For example, a Ginkgo biloba was said to have survived charred only a few hundred meters from the impact site of the Hiroshima bomb and even to have bloomed again the following spring.

The German physician Engelbert Kämpfer had the opportunity to become acquainted with Ginkgo biloba as a medicinal plant during his two-year stay in Japan and first reported on it in Europe in 1712. He gave it the Japanese name. “Gin Kyo” as "Ginkgo" Again – this spelling has remained unchanged to this day. The physician and botanist Dr. Wilhelm Schwabe ultimately introduced the active ingredients of Ginkgo biloba into modern medicine.

In naturopathy, the seeds as well as the extracts from the leaves are used.

Areas of application and mode of action

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most scientifically studied medicinal plants. Its active ingredients are found in its leaves: Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol) Biflavonoids (gingetin, amentoflavone), 0.02-0.2% Diterpene lactones, consisting mainly of ginkgolides A, B and C, 0.02-0.06% Sesquiterpenes (including v.a. Bilobalide) and proanthocyanidins.

Unlike the other mentioned active ingredients, ginkgolides are not found in any other fruit. It was the Nobel laureate in chemistry, Elias James Corey, who succeeded in discovering them. Ginkgolide B to synthesize a naturally occurring active ingredient in the ginkgo tree, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 5,000 years Treatment of asthma and circulatory problems serves.

In Chinese folk medicine, the use of Ginkgo biloba was already described over 5000 years ago – namely u.a. at Intestinal diseases, cough, asthma, high blood pressure and against worm infestation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginkgo leaves are used. v.a...for four purposes: to move the blood, reduce water retention (edema), tonify the "heart Qi," and invigorate the spirit. Both the seeds and roots of the Ginkgo biloba are used. The latter... v.a. at Menstrual cramps, the former for example in cases of bloating, asthma, cough, tuberculosis, cystitis or pain when urinating.

A positive influence of ginkgo leaf extract on the Metabolism and blood flow in the brain This has now also been scientifically proven; for example, the EU HMPC monograph on the use of Ginkgo biloba in dementia states:

“The exact mechanism is unknown. Human pharmacological data show increased EEG alertness in geriatric subjects, a reduction in blood viscosity and improved cerebral perfusion in certain areas in healthy men (60-70 years), as well as a reduction in platelet aggregation. Additionally, vasodilatory effects on forearm blood vessels have been demonstrated, resulting in increased regional blood flow." https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-ginkgo-biloba-l-folium_en.pdf

The German Pharmacists' Journal states the following regarding Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract as follows:
“[This] has been extensively tested (in vitro and animal experiments) and has shown a variety of effects, some of which are very different."

Here are some of the effects on which the overall effect of the extract is based:

• It improves microcirculation and reduces blood viscosity.
• inhibits platelet aggregation and erythrocyte adhesion
• inactivates oxygen radicals
• improves glucose and oxygen uptake
• protects against toxic and oxidative stress and against beta-amyloid fractions (neuroprotection)
• Increased concentration and memory, according to a study
• Proven effectiveness in treating Alzheimer's symptoms

In the final report of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care on the topic "Ginkgo preparations for Alzheimer's dementia" From 2008 it says:

“For the therapeutic goal "activities of daily living," the exclusive consideration of studies using a dosage of 240 mg showed evidence of a benefit of Ginkgo biloba. For the therapeutic goal "accompanying psychopathology," there is only an indication of a benefit of Ginkgo biloba for general psychopathology. There is no clear evidence, but only a tendency for a positive influence of Ginkgo biloba on depressive symptoms. For the therapeutic goal "cognition,"“ The studies provide evidence of a benefit from Ginkgo biloba.“ www.iqwig.de/download/A05-19B_Final_Report_Ginkgo_Containing_Preparations_for_Alzheimer's_Dementia.pdf

Legal consumer information

German and European law aims to protect consumers from potentially misleading claims about product effects. The statements made here refer to original Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. This millennia-old, traditional knowledge is based on experiences passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended that the products described here have any effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medicinal effect. If you are ill and require medical attention, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.