GINKO BILOBA
( Ginko biloba )
Other Names: Maidenhair Tree, Bai Guo ( EGb 761 ).
General Description: The Ginko is one of the oldest tree species on earth. It is widely cultivated in America as an import from China.
Parts Used: The leaf.
Active Ingredients: ginkoflavonglycosides.
Traditional Uses: Ginko's use in China dates back to 2800B.C. It was mainly used for breathing difficulties and for it's beneficial effect on the brain.
Current Status: There have been more than 50 double-blind clinical trials showing Ginko's favorable effects on vascular insufficiency and age related decrease in brain function. Ginko may be useful for the forgetfulness many post menopausal women complain of. Some women are using Ginko in combination with Hawthorn for forgetfulness. Ginko may hold promise in the treatment of PMS as well.
Precautions: Ginko is non-toxic. But may have interactions with blood thinners.
References: 23, 24, 25, 26.
Vitamin E
(d-alpha tocopherol)
Food Sources: Polyunsaturated vegetable oil, seeds and nuts.
Adult Female ( RDA ): 12 International Units (IU).
Types Available: In natural vitamin E the small d in d-alpha tocopherol signifies a natural source which is preferable to synthetic vitamin E signified by the dl in dl-alpha tocopherol. Mixed tocopherols contain d-alpha, beta, delta and gamma tocopherols. Mixed tocopherols offer the greatest benefit. Look for natural mixed tocopherols.
Beneficial Effects: Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Can it prevent hot flashes? There were studies done in the late 1940's showing it to relieve hot flashes and postmenopausal vaginal dryness. More recent studies are lacking. There are other benefits. We know from the Nurses Health Study that women who took vitamin E over a two-year period reduced their risk of fatal heart attacks by 40%. Vitamin E is also being studied for its effect on Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Combining vitamin E with other anti oxidants such as selenium, chromium, beta-carotene, and vitamin C may offer a synergistic effect. That means they work better together than separate.
Dosage: 400-1200 IU a day.
Precautions: Vitamin E potentiate (cause a greater effect) of anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin or aspirin. If you are on either of these drugs consult your doctor before starting vitamin E.
References : 87, 88, 89, 90, 91. .
HAWTHORN
(Crataegus oxyacantha)
Other Names: Crataegs monogyna Mayflower, May Bush, English Hawthorn.
General Description: A thorny European tree with bright red berries, grows to 25 feet tall.
Parts Used: The berries and flowers
Active Ingredients: vitexin-2"rhamnoside
Traditional Uses: Known since the Middle Ages, used in China, Europe and America for heart and circulatory disorders.
Current Status: Hawthorn dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. Has been used in combination with Ginko biloba to improve post menopausal memory loss. Studies of it's effectiveness in this area are lacking.
Precautions: Self treatment for heart disease is a bad idea. If you have or suspect that you have heart disease you need to consult a health care professional.
References: 1, 15, 16.
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