Ginkgo is suitable for the treatment of cerebral complaints and circulatory disorders. The leaves can be used supportively for symptomatic treatment of reduced performance in the so-called demential syndrome or dementia diseases. The demential syndrome or dementia diseases are usually accompanied by concentration disorders, memory disorders up to memory loss, sleep disorders, depressive mood, headaches, dizziness and ringing in the ears.
Before treatment with ginkgo extract, however, it should be clarified whether there is another underlying disease causing the symptoms.
Area of application of ginkgo extracts
Another field of application of ginkgo extracts is the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK). Due to the circulatory disturbances in the arms and/or legs present in this disease, patients are usually no longer able to walk longer distances without pain at a stretch. In combination with physiotherapeutic gait training, the intake of ginkgo extracts can extend the pain-free walking distance in pAVK (Staidum I and II).
Furthermore, patients with vertigo and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can also be treated with ginkgo leaves. Ginkgo leaf extracts also improve blood circulation, which is why the drug can be used to treat functional heart conditions.
Application in folk medicine and homeopathy
Folk medicine has used ginkgo leaves for at least 2800 years to strengthen the heart and lungs and to treat chilblains. The seeds of the ginkgo tree are also considered in China and Japan to relieve cough irritation and promote the expectoration of bronchial secretions.
Within homeopathy, fresh ginkgo leaves are used to treat headaches, tonsillitis, and writer’s cramps.
Ingredients of ginkgo
Among the most important efficacy-determining ingredients in ginkgo leaves are various terpene lactones, including ginkgolides A to J, with a share of 5-7%. In addition, flavone glycosides account for a high proportion of the dry weight (22-27%). In addition, proanthocyanidins, biflavones and the sesquiterpene lactone bilobalide are present in 4-10 %. The also occurring plant acids (ginkgolic acids) have toxic and allergenic properties and are therefore largely removed during the extraction process.
Ginkgo: for what indication?
Ginkgo can be used as a medicine for the following indications:
- Dementia syndrome, dementia.
- Concentration disorders, memory disorders
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK)
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Functional heart complaints
