The part used is the leaves.

The active constituents are:

¨      Ginkgo flavonoid glycosides, unique to ginkgo, and consisting of flavonoid molecules attached to sugars.

¨      Terpene molecules unique to ginkgo; ginkgolides and bilobalide.

¨      Organic acids.

The backbone flavonoids include quercetin and proanthocyanidins, similar to those in pine bark extract.

The ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) almost universally used is standardised to contain 24% flavonoid glycosides.

The organic acids perform the useful function of making the flavonoid and terpene molecules, which are normally water-insoluble, into water-soluble compounds.

Cell membranes, composed mainly of fatty acids, act as fluid barriers, nutrient exchange sites and electrical charge controllers. These membranes are extremely vulnerable to damage, especially lipid peroxidation produced by free radicals. Ginkgo biloba inhibits this effect very efficiently. It also enhances the transport of electrolyte minerals into and out of the cells, thus helping energy production and controlling cell excitability.

These effects are particularly noticeable in the brain and nerve cells, because the membranes of these cells contain greater amounts of unsaturated fatty acids than any other part of the body. In addition, GBE increases oxygen utilisation and increases glucose uptake by the brain and nerve cells.

Other effects are to speed up nerve message transmission, improve synthesis of brain neurotransmitters, and improve the function of the acetylcholine receptors in the brain; particularly in the hippocampus, the area most affected by Alzheimer's disease.

GBE increases perfusion (the rate at which nutrients cross through the arterial walls to the tissues). This effect is particularly noticeable in areas where blood and oxygen supply have become poor.

GBE also has a vasodilating effect (relaxes the blood vessel walls).

Because of the effects outlined above, ginkgo can be used for the following problems:

Impaired Mental Performance:

Ginkgo can help in cases of short-term memory loss, vertigo, confusion and depression. Because ginkgo improves cellular information transmission, it can improve memory even in young, healthy subjects.

Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency:

Arterial narrowing or obstruction causes a reduction in blood flow in the extremities. The most common effect is intermittent claudication - pain on exertion. However, in worse cases, it can even occur when at rest, and may be accompanied by a purple colour or paleness in the toes. The pain can often be described as burning or gnawing.

Impotence:

This is commonly caused by poor circulation to the area, and ginkgo can often help. A high dose (120mg of extract per day) is required.

Tinnitus:

This problem is, in the majority of cases, caused by poor circulation in the head. Where this is so, ginkgo will usually help.

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