Efficacy, safety, and use of ginkgo biloba in clinical and preclinical applications

Ginkgo biloba is a dioecious tree with a history of use in traditional Chin ese medicine, Although the seeds are most commonly employed in traditional Chinese medicine, in recent years standardized extracts of the leaves have been widely sold as a phytomedicine in Europe and as a dietary supplement i n the United States. The primary active constituents of the leaves include flavonoid glycosides and unique diterpenes known as ginkgolides; the latter are potent inhibitors of platelet activating factor. Clinical studies have shown that ginkgo extracts exhibit therapeutic activity in a variety of di sorders including Alzheimer's disease, failing memory, age-related dementia s, poor cerebral and ocular blood flow, congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and the prevention of altitude sickness. Due in part to its pote nt antioxidant properties and ability to enhance peripheral and cerebral ci rculation, ginkgo's primary application lies in the treatment Of cerebrovas cular dysfunctions and peripheral vascular disorders.