Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Ginkgo biloba extract is the concentrated version of the ginkgo biloba plant. The plant grows in a handful of remote locations in China, after a long period where many believed it to be extinct. Ginkgo biloba extract from the ginkgo plant is highly sought after for its curative properties. Ginkgo biloba extract and the plant it comes is thought to date back to 200 million years ago and is well known for being one of the oldest plant species alive. The plant itself has toxic parts, which comprise of its fruit pulp and curative parts which are its leaves and to a certain extent its seeds. The ginkgo biloba plant grows to 120 feet tall and the extract derived from its leaves is used to treat a host of ailments.
How does ginkgo biloba extract work?
Ginkgo biloba extract is a phytoestrogenic herb which contains estrogen like chemicals, which are capable of acting like human estrogen in the body. Such a function is highly sought after by people who are suffering from an imbalance of natural estrogen in the body.
What is ginkgo biloba extract used for?
Due to its phytoestrogenic properties ginkgo biloba extract is highly sought after by women who are suffering from an imbalance of estrogen. Such an imbalance results in a flurry of menopausal symptoms which can often be painful and embarrassing for sufferers. Ginkgo biloba extract is used in many forms to counteract some of the symptoms of menopause. It can be used in its powdered extract form as tea, or made into supplements or pills.
In addition to ginkgo biloba extract being used for menopause treatment it is also used for other ailments, including to:
. Correct sleep disturbances.
. Improve the circulation of blood.
Ginkgo biloba extract is also used for the following menopause based treatments. These include:
.
Vascular Disease
. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
. Lapses in memory
Benefits of ginkgo biloba extract and menopausal women
Hearing disorders: Hearing conditions cause by nerve damage such tinnitus can be eased through the use of ginkgo biloba extract.
Blood circulation: Ginkgo biloba extract has long been used by ancient civilizations to improve the blood flow in human beings. Blood circulation is a key function for all parts of the body and subsequently this curative aspect of ginkgo biloba extract is widely used.
Memory improvement: Ginkgo biloba extract has long been used to improve the mental capacity of human beings.
Negatives of ginkgo biloba extract and menopausal women
Cancer risk: The phytoestrogens in ginkgo biloba extract have been found to increase the strength and number of cancer cells in the body.
Complications with other drugs: The phytoestrogens in ginkgo biloba extract can cause problems with other drugs. The drugs that ginkgo biloba extract can cause complications with including: aspirin, warfarin and anti-depressants. Pregnant women should also consider other options to ginkgo biloba extract.
Conclusions
Despite its potential wealth of benefits, ginkgo biloba extract can confer numerous risks due to its chemical content. The phytoestrogens in phytoestrogenic plants, such as the ginkgo biloba plant that its extract comes from can cause harmful effects for the body.
Due to the risks of using phytoestrogens, such as the ones contained in ginkgo biloba extract cautioned is advised when using such herbs. Such herbs have a multitude of benefits but sometimes the risks can outweigh these benefits. More and more menopausal women are considering healthier alternatives to ginkgo biloba extract. Some non-estrogenic herbs carry the same benefits but without the risks associated with phytoestrogenic herbs.
