Ginkgo is known for its vasodilator, antioxidant, neuroprotective and PAF (platelet-activating factor) inhibiting properties. Ginkgo extract promotes increased blood flow to extremities, which explains its usefulness in vascular occlusive diseases such as intermittent claudication (Raynaud’s disease). The same mechanism of action could explain its effect on memory and mental faculties. This vasodilator activity increases with age, providing an optimal action on arteriosclerosis and blood flow in elderly patients. In young patients whose arteries still have their elasticity, Ginkgo has a much smaller effect on mental faculties. Ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant, as effective as Grape seed extract.(2) One in vitro study conducted at the McGill University in Montreal demonstrated the ability of a Ginkgo extract to protect neurons from the action of known neurotoxic substances. This ability has been confirmed in numerous in vitro and clinical studies.(4) Ginkgo inhibits PAF (platelet-activating factor), which is involved in the inflammatory aspect of asthma. This activity explains its use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma(3) as well as its action on blood coagulation (by reducing platelet aggregation, it “fluidizes” blood). The German Commission E acknowledges its benefits in cases of: -symptomatic treatment of organic brain syndrome and demential syndromes with the following symptoms: memory deficits, disturbances in concentration, depressive emotional condition, dizziness, tinnitus and headache ; -improvement of pain-free walking distance in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (intermittent claudication) and in cases of -vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) of vascular origin. The Ginkgo extract contained in Ginkgoforce is not standardized on one active principle since the synergy of all the components is necessary for optimal efficacy. Ginkgoforce thus contains all the active principles of the Ginkgo leaf: flavonoids (often called ginkolides or bilobides), terpenes, carotenes, etc.
