GINKGO Biloba.

[Guest guest]

This is what I take, It works like ECE.

(England)

GINKGO BILOBA.

Common Uses.

Slows the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms, sharpening memory and

concentration.

Lessens depression and anxiety.

Alleviates coldness in the extremities and painful leg cramps.

Helps headaches, ringing in the ears, and dizziness.

May restore erection in men with impotence.

18-Apr-2002 Study Shows Ginkgo Slows Cognitive Decline In MS

Ginkgo Biloba slows cognitive decline in patients with multiple sclerosis

Ginkgo Biloba, an over-the-counter herbal remedy used by many to boost

mental awareness, has been shown in a medically supervised study to slow

cognitive decline in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, often

disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Although past

studies have shown that Ginkgo slows mental decline in Alzheimer's patients,

until now the herb has not been scientifically studied in patients with MS.

Page10) The study, which was conducted by Jody Corey-Bloom, M.D., Ph.D.,

professor

of neuroscience's, University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of

Medicine, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of

Neurology on Thursday, April 18 in Denver, Colorado.

In a six-month double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 23

individuals with mild multiple sclerosis, physicians noted better

performance on neuro-psychological tests by patients who took Ginkgo Biloba

compared to those who took the inactive placebo.

According to Corey-Bloom, about 50 percent of the 300,000 Americans with

multiple sclerosis experience cognitive problems, usually with

concentration, memory and abstract reasoning. In some individuals, symptoms

of cognitive decline can occur early in the disease, even when other MS

symptoms, such as loss of balance and muscle co-ordination, are mild.

The study co-coordinators concluded that Ginkgo Biloba, in doses of 240 mg a

day, is well-tolerated and may show a beneficial effect on attention, memory

and functioning in patients with mild MS.

Noting that larger clinical trials with longer duration's of treatment will

be necessary to confirm and extend these preliminary findings, Corey-Bloom

added that she is encouraged enough by these results that she will recommend

Ginkgo Biloba to her MS patients with cognitive complaints.

The Ginkgo Biloba pilot study was funded by a fellowship to explore

complementary therapies at the UCSD School of Medicine.

Co-authors of this study were Kenney, M.D., UCSD Department of

Neuroscience's and Marc Norman, Ph.D., UCSD Department of Psychiatry.