Ginko biloba, also known as the Madenhair Tree, is a longed lived fern with an ancient tradition that has survived to modern times in parts of China. The tree, which can live for more than 2,000 years, grows to a height of 50 meters or more. The towering fronds form a exotic crown, a full body, and typically wild and free contour created by the zigzag growth of its branches.

The leaves of the tree contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids that are used for their medicinal value. Flavanoids, which are recognized anti-oxidants, protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Terpanoides improve blood flow by their anti-coagulant and vasodilative action.

The herb has been used by traditional medicine for treating circulatory disorders and enhancing memory. A number of studies have shown that taking Gingko biloba lead to improvements in people with Alzheimers or vascular dementia. The findings include improvements in thinking, learning and memory, activities of daily living and social behavior and decreased depression.

Doses of 240 mg per day or more seem to be most effective in treating memory, although standard clinical doses range from 40-200 mg. The herb should be taken for at least 4-6 weeks or longer. Doses of 120-240 mg, taken in divided doses are believed to be effective in improving memory and improving vascular conditions such as intermittent claudication.

The herb has also proven to be effective in reducing vertigo, tinnitus, and improving cognition and fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Dose of 60 mg a day taken over 12 weeks have been effective in arresting the progress of vitiligo. Improvements in concentration and attention are noticed in normal subjects within 2 hours of taking the herb. Studies have related this effect to the ability of Gingko biloba to block the uptake of norepinephrine, a powerful sympathetic nervous system transmitter.

People on anti-coagulants should not take Gingko biloba without first consulting a Doctor. Also, people on anti-depressants containing MAO inhibiters or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors should not take the drug. Additionially, pregnant women should not take the herb.

Possible side effects of Gingko biloba include increased risk of GI bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations and restlessness. If anyone taking the supplement experiences any of these symptoms he should stop using it immediately. People with allergies to poison ivy, mangoes and other urshiol-producing plants are more likely to experience allergies to Gingko biloba, because it also contains urshiols.

Recently the online marketing company e-Helps has included Ginigko biloba in an herbal supplement called BioDream, designed to improve the blood circulation and improve sleep. With its positive effects on the circulation, Gingko biloba was a logical choice to be included in the supplement and the addition of the other 11 herbs ensures that each of the 12 Chinese meridians will be tonified by the preparation. The sleep supplement is being sold online and people can orderfree samples from the company, which they will ship without cost to anywhere in the continental United States.