GINKGO COMPLETE

 Circulatory problems can lie at the heart of a number of conditions, such as memory loss and tinnitus. They can be caused by a variety of factors and are generally detrimental to the quality of life. This is particularly the case in mental conditions caused through poor circulation and nervous degeneration. There are a number of natural herbal, amino acid, and vitamin products, which are of benefit in the treatment and prevention of circulatory disorders.

Glutamine: Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, which produced naturally in the body from glutamic acid. Both glutamine and glutamic acid are the dominant amino acids of cerebro-spinal fluid, and glutamine readily passes through the blood/brain barrier. Glutamine is very good at improving mental function. Glutamine is able to help in depression, schizophrenia, senility, and is able to help in the treatment of fatigue. Glutamine is able to be converted to glutamic acid in cerebro-spinal fluid. Glutamic acid is involved in the production of the neurotransmitter GABA (a -amino-butyric-acid), which has a calming effect on some nervous impulses. Therefore allowing a greater degree of focus.

Glutamine has been shown to raise IQ and improve memory retention in patients given it as a supplement.

Taurine: Taurine is a non-essential sulphur amino acid, which is manufactured in the body from methionine or cysteine in the liver. Taurine is involved in a variety of processes within the body. It is produced in the liver at the end-point of the trans-sulphuration pathway, and is released into bile where it forms taurocholic acid.

Taurine’s most basic function, and one of its most basic functions, is in stabilising membranes. Taurine functions in electrically active tissue, such as the brain and the heart to help stabilise cell membranes. Taurine is also able to act as an inhibitory neuro-transmitter similar to GABA. It is therefore very helpful in promoting focus. Studies have shown that taurine is able to enhance IQ levels in children.

Bilberry: This herb is a valued source of proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins are strengthening to capillary and vascular walls in the brain. This is therefore very beneficial in preserving mental ability through old age.

Ginkgo: Ginkgo is the oldest surviving tree on earth. As a healing herb the leaves are valued for the treatment of conditions associated with blood circulation. Ginkgo improves circulation to the brain and extremities (legs, arms), making it useful for improving memory and concentration, and spreading nutrients throughout the entire body. Studies show that short-term memory and reaction time is improved "very significantly" after ginkgo administration.

Ginger: Ginger is a gentle, warming circulatory stimulant, which improves blood supply throughout the body. It is therefore very good at allowing clear thought.

Eyebright: Eyebright is a potent herb, which is a tonic to the mucous membranes, particularly those in the head. Eyebright has anti-catarrhal properties, which helps to clear the eyes, nose, throat, and ears.

Vitamin E: Vitamin has been shown to be beneficial in promoting blood flow, especially to the brain. Vitamin E can protect nerve membranes and can therefore improve neural function.

Calcium Ascorbate: Vitamin C has been proven to aid in producing neurotransmitters, and in building cellular structures. A study of school children demonstrated that an increase in Vitamin C intake by 50% lead to an increase in IQ by 3.6%.

Calcium ascorbate is recommended in vitamin C supplementation as it has a neutral pH and is well tolerated by most people. It is also very well absorbed in the body due to the calcium.

Zinc: Zinc is normally found in small amounts in the body, only about 2 - 2.5gm in total. Of the trace minerals it is second in concentration to iron, with a concentration of 33ppm (parts per million; (mg/L)) compared to iron at 60ppm. Zinc is needed in more than 100 enzyme systems and is probably involved in more body functions than any other mineral.

Research indicates that zinc supplementation may have some positive effects in the treatment of tinnitus. Interest in zinc treatment for tinnitus was first generated by Gersdorff in 1987 with his finding that continuous, rather than intermittent, tinnitus may be associated with hypozincemia. Gersdorff further investigated this finding by overloading hypozincemic tinnitus patients with zinc. 52% of patients in this trial reported positive results, 15% reported good results, and 37% reported a slight but significant improvement in their symptoms. Males responded better then females.

Shambaugh (1986) noticed in hypozincemic patients receiving 4 - 10 times the US RDA of zinc, that there was a concomitant improvement in tinnitus and 35% of patients experienced a 10% or more improvement in hearing discrimination. The exact reason for why zinc is so beneficial in tinnitus is not known.

In conclusion the combination of these nutrients can be very beneficial in improving circulatory and neurological disorders. This is helpful in degenerative mental conditions such as alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

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