Indications

Primary uses-

• Cerebral insufficiency: memory deficit, depression, attention and memory loss that occur with Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia.
• Vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) of vascular and involutional origin Peripheral vascular disease: improvement of pain-free walking distance in
• Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease in Stage II according to Fontaine (intermittent claudication) in a regimen of physical therapeutic measures, in particular walking exercise.

Other potential use-

• Protective action in hypoxia
• Acute cochlear deafness
• Sexual dysfunction associated with SSRI use

Therapeutic Class

Herbal and Nutraceuticals

Description

Ginkgo is generally accepted as a remedy for minor deficits in brain function, such as those that occur with advancing age. It is used to improve concentration and combat short-term memory loss due to clogged arteries in the brain, and to treat dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache, and emotional hypersensitivity accompanied by anxiety.

Pharmacology

Ginkgo biloba inhibits binding of platelet activating factor (PAF) to platelets resulting in inhibited platelet aggregation and increased blood fluidity; reduces thrombosis, improvements in cognition, working memory, short-term visual memory in dementia, short-term memory in cerebral insufficiency, social functioning in people with dementia, concentration in people with dementia, attention in people with dementia, tinnitus in people with dementia, activities of daily living (ADL) scores in people under 60 years old, mood and sleep in older individuals.

Dosage & Administration

1 or 2 capsule 2 to 3 times daily or as advised by the physician.

Contraindications

Ginkgo should only be used with caution in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents i.e. warfarin, heparin & aspirin. It is also contraindicated in bleeding disorders due to increased bleeding potential associated with chronic use (6-12 months) or before elective surgery. Contraindicated in patients with known risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage. There is no known restriction of the use of ginkgo in pregnancy and lactation.

Side Effects

No side effects following proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. In pooled clinical trials involving 10,000 patients, the incidence of side effects produced by ginkgo extract was extremely small. There were few cases of headaches, dizziness, palpitation, gastrointestinal disturbances, bleeding disorders & skin hypersensitivity reactions. Rare cases of stomach or intestinal upsets, headaches, or allergic skin reactions have been documented. In higher than recommended doses, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and weakness may occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Ginkgo biloba is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended.

Precautions & Warnings

Before taking this product, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, have bleeding problems, seizures, convulsions or epilepsy. Ginkgo biloba may decrease the ability of blood to clot. Stop taking this product at least 2 weeks before surgery

Use in Special Populations

This drug is also not recommended for use in children.

Storage Conditions

Ginkgo Biloba Capsule should be keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.