MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
and
GINKGO BILOBA

Ginkgo Biloba leaves and extract have been used for medicinal purposes for almost 5000 years. The Ginkgo tree, native to China, is the oldest living species of tree in the world.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract (GBE) may be beneficial to patients with Multiple Sclerosis in many ways.

1.
Antioxidant, helps protect myelin and nerves
2.
 Increased blood flow to brain
3.
Improved nerve function, Regrowth of nerves
4.
 Decrease abnormal clumping of platelets
5.
 Decreased swelling around the nerves and myelin

ANTIOXIDANT

Ginkgo Biloba Exrtact (GBE) works as an antioxidant to protect myelin and nerves from free-radical damage. It improves the activity of Vitamin C.

IMPROVED BLOOD FLOW
IMPROVED NEURON FUNCTION

GBE causes increased blood flow to the brain means delivery of more oxygen and glucose to the neurons. Also, GBE enables the neurons to take up more oxygen and glucose resulting in an overall improvement of neuron function.

There is evidence that GBE may help regrow nerve cells. It also causes the nerves to develop more receptor sites for the brain neurotransmitters, which also improves neuron activity.

Vitamin C is necessary for optimal metabolism of essential fatty acids and production of myelin.

DECREASED PLATELET CLUMPING

The anti-clotting effect of GBE is especially strong in the brain. Damage to the blood brain barrier from abnormal clumping of platelets contributes to problems with Multiple Sclerosis. See Blood-Brain Barrier

DECREASED SWELLING

Areas of active myelin destruction show a lot of swelling (edema). This edema can cause further problems by interfering with delivery of oxygen and glucose. It may also damage myelin or nerves by causing increased pressure.

Damage to myelin causes the release of chemicals from inside the cells. These chemical cause further damage and destruction.

GBE has been shown to stabilize cell membranes. It decreases the formation of edema and increased pressure. It also lessens release of the damaging chemicals from inside the damaged cells.

CAUTIONS

No reported toxicity even with prolonged treatment.

DOSAGE

Most studies have used a standard concentration of 24% GBE.
Dosage recommendation are based on this strength.

Recommended dosages range from 120 mg to 240 mg daily in three divided doses. 40 mg three times daily is a common starting dose.