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In China, the medicinal use of Ginkgo leaf as a brain tonic dates back 4,000 years. Ginkgo biloba extract is the most frequently prescribed herbal medicine in Europe, and it ranks high on the list of America’s most popular herbal supplements. Ginkgo is also one of the world’s most extensively researched herbs, with more than 100 clinical studies to its credit. Virtually all of these clinical trials have used a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba that contains a concentrated amount of substances in the leaf called "flavonglycosides" and "terpene lactones."

These active ingredients are flavonoid-like compounds that may enhance the health of the circulatory system. They neutralize free radicals, keep the blood from thickening, improve delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and strengthen blood vessel tissues. There is evidence that Ginkgo improves function of the "cholinergic" neurons, the brains cells that suffer destruction in Alzheimer’s disease.

This research shows that Ginkgo is a brain tonic: it increases brain circulation, improving memory and mental function. There is good evidence that Ginkgo may reverse the effects of aging on the brain, reduce senility, and perhaps delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

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