The efficacy of this herb for human dementia and peripheral occlusive arterial disease therapy are well documented. The mechanisms of action include antioxidant, stimulating fibroblasts, prevent lipid peroxidation, stabilize membranes, reduce neutrophil infiltration, and protect against ischemia. The major active compounds include proanthocyanidins which comprise 8-12%, biflavonoids such as gingkgetin, flavonoids including kaempferol, and trilactonic diterpenes such as ginkolide and sesquiterpene bilabolids (36,37).
The major health hazard encompasses spontaneous hemorrhage including intracranial. Others include adverse effects on oocytes and cutaneous allergic reactions. Gingko is administered as liquid extract for infusion and powder for tablets and capsules (3).
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study documented reduction in the frequency of attacks of Raynaud’s disease with ingestion (38). Another double-blind, placebo controlled trial with 40 mg thrice daily halted vitiligo progression in 20 of 47 patients and produced marked improvement in 10 (39).