Ginkgo biloba

Overview

Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is one of the world's longest living tree species that can grow to a height of 120 feet. Native to China Ginkgo trees can live as long as a thousand years. Ginkgo's use was described as early as 2600 BC. for treating asthma and bronchitis. The therapeutic properties associated with Gingko comes from the leaves used to make extracts. The leaves contain two types of chemicals, flavonoids, plant antioxidant and terpenoids, ginkgolides. The standardized extract of Gingko, GBE, is effective in treating circulatory ailments. The flavonoids help to protect nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina. The Terpenoids help to improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.