Freshly milled organic Ginkgo leaf is combined with a standardized extract and encapsulated in vegetarian capsules made from GMO-FREE corn. These capsules supply the scientifically validated dosage of extract (60 mg extracted to supply 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones). This is supported by the addition of pure unadulterated Ginkgo leaf. The whole leaf has hundreds of compounds and flavonoids related to the flavone glycosides, which have yet to be studied.

What is the value of adding standardized extracts to herbal formulas?

We believe that the combination of bith the standardized extract and the whole herb creates a more balanced formulation that combines the best of both traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. We add the standardized extract only when we are assured of efficacy and safety of that specific extract. Each herb is assessed on an individual basis to investigate these two important factors:

• Efficacy: Most of the current scientific studies on herbal medicines have been done using standardized extracts. There are some standardized extracts for which clinical evidence is not compelling (perhaps because the wrong marker constituent has been chosen). Conversely, there are herbs, such as ginkgo, in which the research results for the standardized extract is impressive. In these cases we have added the extract in our product.
• Safety and Quality: Since the process of extracting an herb concentrates a certain constituent and reduces the other potentially synergistic constituents, the herb is transformed from an herb to a phytochemical. This results in a supplement which is very different from the traditional herbs that the human body has co-existed with over the millennia. Many herbalists believe that the loss of the synergistic constituents may compromise the safety and quality of the herb. Indeed, many standardized extracts do not have the same shelf life as their whole herb counterparts. We share this concern at Oregon's Wild Harvest and have selected only the standardized extracts that we can be assured are safe and stable as well as efficacious.

It is our mission to study whole herbs scientifically and compare them to standardized extracts. We are conducting studies in local academic and clinical institutions using our whole herb products.

Product Features

• Certified Organic Ginkgo
• Gluten-Free
• GMO-Free
• Herb Identity Guaranteed
• 100% Vegetarian
• Pure: No fillers, or other chemicals have been added

Background and Use

Ginkgo biloba is the world's oldest living species of tree, dating back more than 200 million years. Individual trees live as long as 1,000 years. It is now commonly planted in the cities of Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the United States due to its hardiness and resistance to infection and pollution.

Although the medicinal use of the seed originates from China from 5000 years ago, it was not until this the 20th century that the leaves of the tree were first used in European herbal medicine. Many of Ginkgo's current uses originate from research and clinical observations during the 1950s in Europe. In 1994, a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba was approved by the health authorities in Germany for treatment of dementia. In France and Germany it is one of the most popular prescribed medicines.

In the United States Ginkgo is one of the top-selling herbal supplements. This popularity can be attributed to large number of successful clinical studies that have been published. The Federal Government's Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) research program is currently funding several studies featuring this herb.

Key Uses

• Support for mental clarity

Label Information

Suggested Use

As an herbal supplement, take three capsules daily with food.

Contraindications

Individuals taking anticoagulant medication should consult with their health care professional before taking supplements containing ginkgo. Discontinue use two weeks prior to scheduled surgery or dental procedures, and inform surgeon. Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed recommended dose unless under the guidance of a health care professional. Although rare, some people may experience headaches or mild gastrointestinal discomfort when taking ginkgo. Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur. Keep out of reach of children.

Please visit our Prescription Drugs and Medications Index for a listing of all contraindicated Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants.

Allergens

Avoid use in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ginkgo or members of the Ginkgoaceae family.