Ginkgo 24/6

What is Ginkgo and why is it in the Vitiligo store?

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest known tree species. Ginkgo leaf extract has various therapeutic properties that are useful in the treatment of glaucoma, dementia, sclerosis multiplex, tinnitus, peripheral arterial disease and vitiligo. It also improves memory and blood circulation.
It has positive antioxidant and immunomodulatory features on vitiligo. Ginkgo extract contains mainly two active groups of phytochemicals:

• Terpene lactones
• Ginkgo-flavone glycosides (flavonoids)

Ginkgo extracts are usually derived from its dried leaves and these extracts are standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.

How Ginkgo Works?

In addition to hereditary vitiligo genes, other major causes of vitiligo are oxidative stress and autoimmune destruction. Ginkgo extract has been repeatedly shown to be highly effective against these two causes. Flavone glycosides and proanthocyanidins are very effective against a wide range of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, including peroxides, which are commonly found in the skin and are known to destroy melanocytes. They clean and break down these free radicals and also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the skin. They also protect against lipid peroxidation, which is the most common type of free radical reaction in the body. Ginkgo increases the superoxide dismutase activity in the skin. This in turn increases the skin's natural defences against reactive oxygen species. Through this action, melanocytes are spared before further destruction and the spread of vitiligo is effectively controlled. Ginkgo, by its immunomodulatory property, can affect the immune response to melanocytes. Some of the active phytochemicals in the herb specifically target T-lymphocytes and therefore modify the immune system response. This modification saves melanocytes prior to antibody destruction. Ginkgo also increases blood flow to the skin and therefore extends the supply of oxygen and nutrients to melanocytes. This action in turn increases the rate of recovery of attenuated melanocytes and may contribute to skin repigmentation.

Clinical studies Ginkgo
52 patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group received 40 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract three times daily and the control group received the same dose of placebo.
The result of the study showed that ginkgo can stop skin depigmentation. The difference between the ginkgo group and placebo was statistically significant. In addition, 10 patients in the ginkgo group showed significant or even complete repigmentation. No adverse reaction was noted in the study.

Other studies published in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal also examined the efficiency of ginkgo extract in the treatment of patients with vitiligo.
This study was open to 12 patients. These patients were given 60 mg of standardized ginkgo extract twice per day for 12 weeks. The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASIS) and the Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF) scores were used to determine the efficiency of the ginkgo extract, which evaluated the area and intensity of depigmentation caused by skin lesions of vitiligo. The results of the study showed that the progression of depigmentation was stopped in all patients. The same magazine published another study with the same goal, but included more patients. In this study, 47 patients received 120 mg of standardized ginkgo extracts for 6 weeks. The same evaluation methods were used to determine the efficiency of the ginkgo extract. The result of this study showed that significant improvement was seen in 80% of patients, while repigmentation was observed in 40% of patients.

Side effects of ginkgo and contraindications
Although some studies have shown that ginkgo is well tolerated, side effects such as intestinal problems, headaches and allergic skin reactions have been reported in some users. However, these are mild side effects that can be resolved with time or dosage adjustments. There are concerns that gingko may cause seizures and may worsen seizures in patients with a history of epilepsy. It is also important to note that ginkgo is a blood thinner that reduces platelet activity. Therefore, the use of ginkgo with blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen or anticoagulants such as coumadin may increase the risk of internal bleeding. Ginkgo should not be used with a group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.

Resources:
http://www.raysahelian.com/ginkgo.html
http://www.activenaturalsinstitute.com/library_ginkgo_biloba
http://www.edwardsdrugs.com/PDF/moregeneralhealth/NC16 - Issue 16 - Ginkgo.pdf
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2003.01207.x/abstract
http://www.dermnetnz.org/colour/vitiligo.html
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/vitiligo/hic_vitiligo.aspx
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/vitiligo.htm

Recommended dosage: 1 capsule daily before a meal (to be swallowed with liquid).

Packaging: 67 capsules

Warning:

The product is not intended for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Contains caffeine.
The nutritional supplement must not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Keep out of reach of children. The established recommended daily dose must not be exceeded

Ingredients:
Active ingredient Content in one capsule:

• Ginkgo biloba extract (of which: 40.00 mg Flavonoglycosides 24% Terpenolactones 6%)